This guide covers everything you need to get your Wreckfest dedicated server running on Legion Hosting, from first-time startup and server_config.cfg configuration to track rotation, game modes, car class restrictions, and how players connect. For admin commands, RCON, mod support, and custom events, see Wreckfest Admin and Track Setup.
What is Wreckfest?
Wreckfest is a demolition derby-themed racing game developed by Bugbear Entertainment. It features full-contact racing, demolition derbies, and team events with realistic soft-body vehicle damage. Dedicated servers allow you to host custom track rotations, restrict vehicle classes, and run persistent racing communities.
First Start
When you first receive your Wreckfest server, follow these steps to get it online:
- Log in to GPanel and select your Wreckfest server.
- Navigate to the Startup tab and review the default settings. Set your desired server name and password if needed.
- Go to the Console tab and click Start.
- The server will download the Wreckfest dedicated server files via SteamCMD on first boot. This may take several minutes.
- Once the console shows the server is listening for connections and the track rotation has loaded, your server is online.
- Players can find and join your server through the in-game server browser.
GPanel Startup Variables
Wreckfest exposes several configuration options as startup variables in GPanel. Navigate to the Startup tab to modify these. Changes require a server restart.
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
SERVER_NAME |
Wreckfest Server |
The name displayed in the in-game server browser. |
SERVER_PASSWORD |
empty | Optional password to join. Leave empty for a public server. |
ADMIN_PASSWORD |
empty | Password for RCON and in-game admin commands. |
MAX_PLAYERS |
24 |
Maximum number of simultaneous players. Wreckfest supports up to 24 in most modes. |
PORT |
27015 |
The game port. Pre-configured by GPanel — do not change unless instructed by support. |
Server Configuration (server_config.cfg)
The primary configuration file for Wreckfest dedicated servers is server_config.cfg, located in the server root directory. You can edit this file through the Files tab in GPanel or via SFTP.
Basic Server Settings
# Server identity
server_name=My Wreckfest Server
password=
welcome_message=Welcome to our Wreckfest server!
# Player settings
max_players=24
num_teams=0
# Admin
owner_password=myadminpassword
# Network
steam_port=27015
query_port=27016Key settings: server_name (browser display name), password (join password, empty for public), welcome_message (shown on join), max_players (1–24), num_teams (0 for FFA, 2 for team derby), and owner_password (admin/RCON access).
Game Modes
Wreckfest supports several game modes that can be configured per event in the track rotation. Each event in your server_config.cfg specifies its own game mode.
| Mode | Config Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Racing | racing |
Standard circuit or sprint racing on tracks. Players race for position over a set number of laps. |
| Demolition Derby | deathmatch |
Free-for-all destruction in an arena. Last car standing wins. The signature Wreckfest mode. |
| Team Derby | deathmatch with num_teams=2 |
Teams compete to be the last team with surviving vehicles. Set num_teams to enable teams. |
Track Rotation
The track rotation defines the sequence of events your server cycles through. Each event is defined as a block in server_config.cfg:
# Event 1: Racing on Sandpit 2
el_add=sandpit2_track_a
el_gamemode=racing
el_laps=5
el_car_class=a
el_car_restriction=
el_bots=0
el_weather=0
el_time_limit=300
# Event 2: Demolition Derby on Muddigger
el_add=muddigger_arena_a
el_gamemode=deathmatch
el_laps=0
el_car_class=c
el_car_restriction=
el_bots=0
el_weather=0
el_time_limit=600Each event block uses the following settings: el_add (track/arena ID), el_gamemode (racing or deathmatch), el_laps (lap count, ignored for derby), el_car_class (restrict to class a, b, c, or blank for any), el_car_restriction (restrict to specific vehicle or blank), el_bots (AI count), el_weather (0=clear, 1=overcast, 2=rain), and el_time_limit (seconds).
sandpit2_track_a, muddigger_arena_a, hellride_track_a, tricity_speedway_a, bonebreaker_valley_a, and crash_canyon_a. Check the Wreckfest server documentation for a full list.
Car Class Restrictions
Wreckfest vehicles are organized into performance classes that you can restrict per event via el_car_class: Class A (top performance, fastest), Class B (mid-range, balanced speed and durability), Class C (lower performance, great for derbies), or blank (no restriction). For demolition derbies, Class C is popular because the cars are durable and well-suited for smashing. For competitive racing, restricting to a single class ensures fair matchups.
How to Connect
Players connect to Wreckfest dedicated servers through the in-game server browser.
Via the Server Browser
- Launch Wreckfest through Steam.
- From the main menu, select Multiplayer.
- Select Server Browser.
- Browse the list or use the search/filter options to find your server by name.
- Click on your server and select Join.
- If the server has a password, you will be prompted to enter it.
Via Direct Connect
- In the Wreckfest multiplayer menu, look for the Direct Connect or Connect by IP option.
- Enter your server's IP address and port in the format
IP:PORT. - Click Connect.
To find your server's IP address and port, see How to Find Your Server IP and Port.
Max Players and Performance
Wreckfest servers support up to 24 players. Performance considerations:
- 16–24 players: Full lobbies provide the best racing and derby experience. Wreckfest is optimized for this range.
- Vehicle damage: Wreckfest's soft-body damage system adds computational load. Demolition derby events with many cars crashing simultaneously are the most demanding.
- Bots: Adding AI bots (
el_bots) fills empty slots but increases server CPU usage. Use sparingly on lower-spec servers.
Related Articles
- Wreckfest Admin and Track Setup — Admin commands, RCON, mod support, and custom events
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Server Startup Guide — General guide for starting any game server on Legion Hosting
Need More Help?
If you are experiencing issues not covered in this guide, our support team is available to assist. Open a ticket at legionhosting.net/submitticket.php with your server details and a description of the problem.
