This guide covers server administration, console commands, track management, and advanced configuration for your SuperTuxKart server on Legion Hosting. For initial setup and player connection instructions, see SuperTuxKart Server Setup Guide.
1. Network Console
SuperTuxKart runs with the --network-console flag enabled, which provides a text console accessible via the Console tab in GPanel. When the server starts, it displays Available command: followed by the list of commands you can use.
2. Console Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
help |
Lists all available console commands. |
listpeers |
Shows all connected players and their peer IDs. |
kick [peer_id] |
Kicks a player by their peer ID (use listpeers to find IDs). |
kickban [peer_id] |
Kicks and bans a player by their peer ID. |
listban |
Shows the current ban list. |
quit |
Gracefully shuts down the server. |
listpeers to find the current peer ID of a player before kicking or banning. IDs change between sessions.
3. Server Configuration (config.xml)
Advanced server settings are managed through the XML configuration file:
config.xml
Edit this file through the GPanel Files tab or via SFTP. The file uses standard XML format.
Key Configuration Sections
The config.xml file contains settings for:
- Server identity -- Name, MOTD, owner display.
- Track selection -- Available tracks, track rotation, voting options.
- Game rules -- Lap count, item frequency, team settings.
- Network settings -- Connection timeouts, bandwidth limits.
- AI bots -- Number of AI karts to fill empty slots.
4. Game Mode Management
The game mode is set via the MODE startup variable. To change modes:
- Stop the server.
- Go to GPanel Startup tab.
- Change the
MODEvalue (0-5). - Restart the server.
| Value | Mode |
|---|---|
0 | Normal Race |
1 | Time Trial |
2 | Battle |
3 | Soccer |
4 | Follow the Leader |
5 | Capture the Flag |
5. Difficulty Management
The difficulty setting affects kart speed and AI behavior. Change it via the DIFFICULTY startup variable (0-3).
0(Beginner) -- Best for new players and casual servers.1(Intermediate) -- Good balance for mixed-skill groups.2(Expert) -- For experienced players.3(SuperTux) -- Maximum challenge and speed.
6. MOTD (Message of the Day)
Set a custom message shown to players in the server browser using the MOTD startup variable (max 100 characters). This is useful for announcing server rules, events, or schedules.
7. Tracks and Custom Content
SuperTuxKart includes a large library of tracks and karts. The server uses the track data from its installation. Custom add-on tracks can be managed through the config.xml file by specifying which tracks are available in the rotation.
The default installation includes tracks for all game modes:
- Racing tracks -- Various themed circuits for race and time trial modes.
- Battle arenas -- Dedicated maps for Battle and CTF modes.
- Soccer fields -- Maps designed for Soccer mode.
8. Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Server not in browser | Ensure the server is running and is using the --lan-server flag (enabled by default). Players may need to use direct IP connect. |
| Players disconnecting | Check the console for error messages. Reduce MAX_PLAYERS if the server is overloaded. |
| Wrong game mode | Verify the MODE variable is set correctly in the Startup tab and restart the server. |
| Server builds from source fail | This is handled by the installation process. If you encounter build errors, open a support ticket. |
Related Articles
Need Help?
If you run into issues with your SuperTuxKart server, open a support ticket and include your server IP, a description of the problem, and any relevant error messages from the GPanel console.