This guide covers administration for your Ground Branch dedicated server, including admin setup, RCON access, server commands, player management, map rotation, Steam Workshop mod support, and troubleshooting. For initial server setup, see Ground Branch Server Setup Guide.
Admin Setup
Ground Branch uses a Steam ID-based admin system. To grant admin privileges, you need to add Steam IDs to the server's admin configuration.
Adding Admins
- Stop your server from GPanel.
- Open the File Manager or connect via SFTP.
- Navigate to the
GroundBranch/ServerConfig/directory. - Open or create the
Admins.cfgfile. - Add one Steam64 ID per line:
# Ground Branch Admin List
# One Steam64 ID per line
76561198012345678
76561198087654321- Save the file and start your server.
steamid.io and entering their Steam profile URL. The ID is a 17-digit number starting with 7656119.
RCON Access
RCON (Remote Console) allows you to execute server commands remotely without being connected as a player. Ground Branch supports RCON through its Unreal Engine foundation.
Enabling RCON
Add the following to your server configuration file (GroundBranch/ServerConfig/Server.ini):
[/Script/GroundBranch.GBGameMode]
RCONEnabled=true
RCONPassword=YourSecurePasswordTo connect, use any Source RCON-compatible client with your server IP, the RCON port (shown in GPanel's Network tab), and the password you configured.
Admin Commands
Admins can execute commands through the in-game console (press `) or via RCON. The following tables list the most commonly used commands.
Player Management
| Command | Usage | Description |
|---|---|---|
listplayers |
listplayers |
List all connected players with their IDs and Steam IDs |
kick |
kick <playerID> |
Kick a player from the server by their player ID |
ban |
ban <steamID> |
Ban a player by their Steam64 ID |
unban |
unban <steamID> |
Remove a ban by Steam64 ID |
say |
say <message> |
Send a server-wide chat message |
Game and Round Control
| Command | Usage | Description |
|---|---|---|
changemap |
changemap <mapName> |
Change to a specified map |
restartround |
restartround |
Restart the current round |
endround |
endround |
Force the current round to end |
setgamemode |
setgamemode <mode> |
Change the active game mode |
setmaxplayers |
setmaxplayers <count> |
Change the maximum player count at runtime |
setpassword |
setpassword <password> |
Set or change the server password at runtime (blank to remove) |
Map Rotation
Ground Branch supports map rotation through the server configuration. Admins can also change maps on the fly from the mission planning screen or via console commands.
Configuring Map Rotation
Edit the Server.ini file and add map entries to the rotation list:
[/Script/GroundBranch.GBGameMode]
MapRotation=SmallTown
MapRotation=Tanker
MapRotation=PowerStation
MapRotation=City
MapRotation=DepotThe server will cycle through these maps in order. You can change maps at any time using the changemap command.
Steam Workshop and Mods
Ground Branch supports Steam Workshop content including custom maps, weapon skins, and game mode modifications.
Installing Workshop Mods
- Find the Workshop mod you want on the Ground Branch Steam Workshop.
- Copy the Workshop ID from the mod's URL. For example, in
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=123456789, the ID is123456789. - In GPanel, go to the Startup tab and add the Workshop ID to the appropriate workshop/mod startup variable (if available), or add it to the server configuration file.
- Restart the server. The mod will be downloaded automatically on next startup.
Workshop Maps
Custom Workshop maps can be added to your map rotation once installed. The map name will match the Workshop item name. Check the mod's Workshop page for the exact map name to use in your rotation config.
Troubleshooting
Server Not Appearing in Browser
- Wait at least 2-3 minutes after startup for the server to register with the master server list.
- Verify the server started successfully by checking the console output in GPanel for error messages.
- Try connecting via direct IP to confirm the server is running.
Players Cannot Join
- Confirm the server is running and fully started in GPanel.
- If using a password, ensure players are entering it correctly.
- Check that the server has not reached the maximum player limit.
- Ensure players are running the same game version as the server.
Server Crashes
- Check the server logs in GPanel's console for error details.
- If crashes occur after adding mods, try removing them to isolate the issue.
- Verify the configuration file does not contain syntax errors.
- If crashes persist after a game update, try reinstalling via GPanel's Reinstall option (back up your configs first).
Mod-Related Issues
- Ensure all Workshop mods are up to date. Outdated mods can cause crashes or incompatibility after game updates.
- Remove mods one at a time to identify which is causing problems.
- Check the mod's Workshop page for known issues or compatibility notes.
Related Articles
- Ground Branch Server Setup Guide
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Getting Started with Your New Server
If you need further assistance with server administration, please open a support ticket and our team will help you out.
