How to Make a Squad Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Squad dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, set the server name, admins and map layers, open the ports, and enable RCON. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
Squad ships a free dedicated server tool (a separate download from the game). You can self-host it on a strong PC, or use a managed host for a 24/7 server with a panel and DDoS protection. It's a large-scale, 80-100 player Unreal Engine game, so it wants a serious CPU and plenty of RAM.
This guide covers the self-hosted SteamCMD route step by step. If your server won't appear in the browser afterwards, see our fix for Squad server not showing.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A strong machine — high-clock CPU and several GB of RAM — or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free dedicated server (app 403240).
- Open ports: UDP 7787 (game), UDP 27165 (query), TCP 21114 (RCON).
- Server.cfg, Admins.cfg and Rcon.cfg configured.
- Real bandwidth for 80-100 players.
Set up a Squad dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The dedicated server is free, but Squad is heavy: 80-100 players need a strong CPU, lots of RAM and real bandwidth on 24/7. A managed host gives you an always-online, protected server and a panel in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install SteamCMD and the server
Squad's dedicated server is Steam app 403240 — a free, anonymous download; you don't need to own the game on the server machine. It's a big download, so give it time.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./squadserver +app_update 403240 validate +quit
Configure Server.cfg and Admins.cfg
In SquadGame/ServerConfig/ set your server name, max players and map rotation in Server.cfg, list admin SteamIDs and their group in Admins.cfg, and set an RCON password in Rcon.cfg.
; Server.cfg ServerName="My ESAGAMES Squad Server" MaxPlayers=80 ; Admins.cfg -> Group=SuperAdmin:... then Admin=:SuperAdmin
Launch the server
Start the server with your game port, query port and RCON port. The first boot builds shader/config files, so give it a minute.
./SquadGameServer.sh Port=7787 QueryPort=27165 RCONPORT=21114 FIXEDMAXPLAYERS=80
Open the ports
Forward UDP 7787 (game), UDP 27165 (Steam query — this lists it in the browser) and TCP 21114 (RCON). Miss the query port and players can direct-connect but won't see the server listed. On a managed host these are opened for you.
7787/udp game (default) 27165/udp Steam query (lists it in the browser) 21114/tcp RCON (remote admin)
Connect RCON & add mods (optional)
With RCON set you can admin live from a tool like SquadJS or a web panel — kick, ban, swap layers and automate. Mods come from the Steam Workshop; add their IDs to the server and players download them on join.
Run a stable Squad server
CPU and RAM matter a lot
80-100 players on Unreal Engine is demanding. A high-clock CPU and plenty of RAM keep tick-rate and hit-registration solid on a full server.
Don't forget the query port
27165 is what lists you in the browser. If only the game port is open, players can direct-connect but the server never appears in the list.
Set up RCON early
RCON (TCP 21114) lets you and your admins manage the server live — kicks, bans, layer votes — and powers tools like SquadJS. Set the password before you go public.
Protect the IP
A busy public server is a DDoS target. Self-hosting exposes your home IP; a managed host puts a clean, filtered IP in front.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
The server isn't in the browser
Open the Steam query port 27165 (not just 7787). See our fix for Squad server not showing for the full checklist.
Players time out on join
The game port 7787 isn't reachable, or the server is overloaded/underpowered. Forward the port and give it a stronger CPU.
RCON won't connect
TCP 21114 isn't open or the password in Rcon.cfg is wrong. Confirm the port is forwarded and the password matches your tool.
Admin commands are ignored
Your SteamID64 isn't in Admins.cfg, or it's not under an admin group. Add it under SuperAdmin (or a group with the right permissions) and restart.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want a full 80-100 player Squad server online 24/7 without the hardware headache? Our Squad hosting runs high-clock CPUs on NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Squad to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 403240) is a free, anonymous download, separate from the game. You only need the game on the machines that play.
What ports does a Squad server use?
UDP 7787 for the game, UDP 27165 for the Steam query that lists it, and TCP 21114 for RCON. Forward all three, or let a host handle it.
Why does my server not show in the browser?
Almost always the Steam query port (27165) isn't open. Open both 7787 and 27165 — see our dedicated fix for Squad server not showing.
How much hardware does a Squad server need?
A lot for its size — a high-clock CPU and several GB of RAM for a full 80-100 player server. It's one of the heavier games to self-host.
How do I make myself admin?
Add your SteamID64 to Admins.cfg under an admin group (e.g. SuperAdmin). Set an RCON password in Rcon.cfg to manage the server remotely.
Can I add mods to a Squad server?
Yes — Squad uses the Steam Workshop. Add the mod IDs to the server config; players download the mods automatically when they join.
Keep reading
Squad is a trademark of Offworld Industries. All mod and Workshop content belongs to its respective authors. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Offworld Industries. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
