This guide covers setting up and configuring your Space Station 14 dedicated server on Legion Hosting. Space Station 14 (SS14) is an open-source multiplayer roleplay game inspired by Space Station 13, featuring complex station simulation and emergent gameplay. For admin commands and server management, see our Space Station 14 Admin Commands guide.
What is Space Station 14?
Space Station 14 is an open-source remake of the cult classic Space Station 13, built on the custom RobustToolbox engine. Players take on roles aboard a space station — from engineers and scientists to security officers and the occasional antagonist — creating emergent stories through complex game mechanics and player interaction.
Key features include:
- Role-Based Gameplay — Dozens of unique roles with specialized mechanics, from atmospherics technician to clown
- Complex Systems — Interconnected atmospheric, electrical, chemical, and medical systems that create emergent gameplay
- Open Source — Fully open-source codebase allowing custom forks and extensive modification
- Custom Content — Server operators can create custom maps, roles, game rules, and mechanics
- Cross-Platform — Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS without Steam required
First Start
When your SS14 server is provisioned on Legion Hosting, it comes pre-configured with the base server files. To get running:
- Log in to GPanel at gpanel.legionhosting.net
- Select your Space Station 14 server from the server list
- Review the Startup Variables to configure your server name and game settings
- Click Start to launch the server
- The server will initialize and generate default configuration files on first boot
- Once the console shows the server is listening, players can connect via the SS14 launcher
GPanel Startup Variables
GPanel provides startup variables that let you configure key server parameters without editing files directly.
| Variable | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
SERVER_NAME |
Name displayed in the server hub browser | Legion Station |
SERVER_MAX_PLAYERS |
Maximum number of concurrent players | 256 |
SERVER_TICK |
Server tickrate (simulation ticks per second) | 60 |
Server Configuration (server_config.toml)
SS14 uses TOML-format configuration files located in the server's data directory. The primary configuration file is server_config.toml. Edit it through GPanel's File Manager.
[game]
hostname = "My SS14 Server"
[net]
port = 1212
tickrate = 60
max_connections = 256
bindto = "0.0.0.0"
[auth]
mode = 1Key Configuration Sections
| Setting | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
hostname |
[game] | Server name displayed in the hub and launcher. |
max_connections |
[net] | Maximum concurrent player connections. |
tickrate |
[net] | Server tickrate (simulation ticks per second). Default is 60. |
port |
[net] | The port the server listens on. Usually managed by GPanel. |
mode |
[auth] | Authentication mode: 0 = optional (allows guests), 1 = required (SS14 account needed), 2 = disabled. |
desc |
[game] | Server description shown in the hub listing. |
[auth] mode = 1 requires players to have a registered SS14 account. This is the recommended setting for public servers as it allows banning by account rather than just IP.
Hub Registration
To make your server appear in the official SS14 server hub (visible in the launcher), you need to advertise it. Add the following to your configuration:
[hub]
advertise = true
tags = "rp, medium"Game Presets and Rules
SS14 uses game presets to define the round type and antagonist selection. Common presets include:
| Preset | Description |
|---|---|
Traitor |
Standard round with traitor antagonists among the crew |
Revolutionary |
Head revolutionaries attempt to convert crew and overthrow command |
Nukeops |
Nuclear operatives assault the station to detonate a nuclear device |
Sandbox |
No antagonists, free-form building and roleplay |
Secret |
Randomly selects a game preset without telling players which one |
Map Selection
SS14 includes several built-in station maps. You can configure which maps are available for rotation in the server configuration:
[game]
map = "Saltern"Common maps include Saltern, Bagel, Box, and others depending on your server build.
How Players Connect
Players connect to SS14 servers through the official SS14 launcher (not Steam).
Via Server Hub
- Download and install the SS14 Launcher from the official Space Station 14 website
- Create an SS14 account or log in
- Click Servers in the launcher
- Search for your server name in the hub list
- Click your server to connect
Via Direct Connect
- Open the SS14 Launcher
- Click Direct Connect
- Enter:
ss14://YOUR_IP:PORT - Click Connect
Related Articles
- Space Station 14 Admin Commands
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Getting Started with Your New Server
Need Help?
If you are experiencing issues with your Space Station 14 server, submit a support ticket and include your server ID, a description of the problem, and any relevant console output from GPanel.
