# Squad server config reference

> Where a Squad server's config files live, what the main Server.cfg settings do, how layer rotation works, and how admins and bans are set up.

By the Wilderack Crew. Last reviewed 2026-11-13. Topic: Config reference.

_Wilderack is not affiliated with Offworld Industries. Squad's license rules out running servers commercially, so Squad servers open on Wilderack only once Offworld makes us a hosting partner._

_Squad is a trademark of Offworld Industries Ltd. Wilderack is not affiliated with or endorsed by Offworld Industries Ltd._

A Squad server reads plain text files in `SquadGame/ServerConfig`. Each line is a `Key=Value` pair, and lines that start with `//` are comments. The server reads them when it starts.

> [!NOTE]
> Squad servers can't be ordered on Wilderack yet. We open Squad once Offworld Industries makes us a hosting partner. This reference works for any Squad server.

## The config files

| File | What it holds |
|---|---|
| `Server.cfg` | Name, players, queue, tags, rotation mode and match rules |
| `Admins.cfg` | Admin groups and who is in them |
| `Bans.cfg` | Bans the server keeps |
| `LayerRotation.cfg` | Layers in order, for the layer list modes |
| `LevelRotation.cfg` | Maps in order, for the level list modes |
| `ModsConfig.cfg` | The load order of mods |
| `MOTD.cfg` | The message players see when they join |
| `Rcon.cfg` | RCON settings, which Wilderack writes for you |

Edit them in **Files**. The common settings are also in **Settings**, so you can change them without opening a file.

## Server.cfg

| Setting | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| `ServerName` | The name in the browser | Squad Dedicated Server |
| `ShouldAdvertise` | Show the server in the browser | true |
| `MaxPlayers` | Player limit | 100 |
| `NumReservedSlots` | Slots kept for members | 0 |
| `PublicQueueLimit` | How many players can queue | 25 |
| `Tags` | Browser tags, separated by spaces | none |
| `MapRotationMode` | How the next layer is picked | LayerList_Vote |
| `AllowTeamChanges` | Players can switch teams | true |
| `NumPlayersDiffForTeamChanges` | Biggest team size gap allowed | 3 |
| `TKAutoKickEnabled` | Kick players who team-kill too often | true |
| `PrepTimeStandard` | Staging time before a match, in seconds | 240 |

Wilderack passes the player limit on the start line, so **Max players** in **Settings** wins over `MaxPlayers`.

## Map rotation

`MapRotationMode` takes one of five values:

- `LayerList_Vote`: players vote at the end of each match.
- `LayerList` and `LayerList_Randomized`: the layers in `LayerRotation.cfg`, in order or shuffled.
- `LevelList` and `LevelList_Randomized`: the maps in `LevelRotation.cfg`, in order or shuffled.

Rotation files need layer IDs like `Narva_AAS_v1`, one per line, not the names you see in game. You can add factions after a layer ID, like `AlBasrah_AAS_v1 CAF RGF`.

## Admins and bans

`Admins.cfg` has groups and people. A group lists permissions, and a person is a SteamID64 with a group:

```
Group=Admin:kick,ban,changemap,chat
Admin=76561198000000000:Admin // your name
```

Useful permissions include `kick`, `ban`, `changemap`, `chat`, `balance`, `reserve`, `teamchange` and `cameraman`. Licensed servers need at least 10 admins.

Bans you give in game go into `Bans.cfg`. Remove a line there to lift a ban.

## Which changes need a restart

Every file is read when the server starts. Restart after you edit one. Admin commands like `AdminSetNextLayer` work right away, without a restart.

## Questions and answers

### Where is Server.cfg on a Squad server?

In SquadGame/ServerConfig, next to Admins.cfg, LayerRotation.cfg and the other config files. Each one is plain text with Key=Value lines.

### What is the difference between a layer and a level in Squad?

A level is a map, like Narva. A layer is one way to play it, like Narva_AAS_v1, with its own mode, factions and flags. Rotation files take layer IDs, not display names.

## Sources

- [Server Configuration](https://squad.fandom.com/wiki/Server_Configuration), Official Squad Wiki
- [Server Licensing and Administration Policies](https://www.joinsquad.com/server-licensing-and-administration-policies), Offworld Industries

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