How to Make an SCP: Secret Laboratory Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own SCP: Secret Laboratory dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, launch it through LocalAdmin, open the port, and add EXILED plugins for custom roles and events. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
SCP: Secret Laboratory has a free dedicated server tool (a separate download from the game). It's light — it runs on modest hardware — but it needs port-forwarding and a bit of config. You can self-host free, or use a managed host for a 24/7 protected server with a panel.
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 SCP: SL server not showing.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server — almost any spare PC, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free dedicated server (app 996560).
- Open port: UDP 7777 (game + query).
- The LocalAdmin wrapper (ships with the server) to launch it.
- Optionally the EXILED framework for plugins.
Set up an SCP: Secret Laboratory dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The dedicated server is free and light, but self-hosting still needs a machine on 24/7 and port-forwarding. A managed host gives you an always-online server, a panel and a clean IP in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install the server with SteamCMD
The SCP: SL dedicated server is Steam app 996560 — a free, anonymous download; you don't need to own the game on the server machine.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./scpsl +app_update 996560 validate +quit
Launch through LocalAdmin
The server runs behind LocalAdmin, a console wrapper that manages the process. Launch it with your port number; on first run it generates the config folders.
./LocalAdmin 7777
Configure the server
Config lives in ~/.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/config/7777/ (Linux) or %appdata%\SCP Secret Laboratory\config\7777\ (Windows). Set the server name, player count and options in config_gameplay.txt, and list admin SteamIDs (with @steam) in config_remoteadmin.txt.
; config_gameplay.txt server_name: My ESAGAMES SCP:SL Server max_players: 25
Open the port
Forward UDP 7777 (game + query) so the server is reachable and lists in the browser. On a managed host this is opened for you.
7777/udp game + query (default)
Add EXILED plugins (optional)
EXILED is the standard plugin framework for SCP: SL — custom roles, events, KeepInventory, round reports and much more. Install the EXILED loader, then drop plugin DLLs into the EXILED plugins folder and restart.
Run a solid SCP: SL server
It doesn't need much hardware
SCP: SL is light — a modest CPU core and 1-2 GB of RAM comfortably run a full round. Network quality and low ping matter more than raw power.
LocalAdmin is your console
You control and restart the server through the LocalAdmin wrapper, not the game binary directly. Learn its commands early — it's how you manage the process.
EXILED unlocks the fun
Most community SCP: SL servers run EXILED for custom roles, events and QoL plugins. Install the loader first, then add plugin DLLs one at a time so a bad one is easy to spot.
Protect the IP
A 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
UDP 7777 isn't reachable, or it failed to register. Forward the port and read the LocalAdmin console for errors — see our fix for SCP: SL server not showing.
LocalAdmin closes immediately
Usually a missing dependency or a bad config. Run it from a terminal to read the error, and re-validate the install with SteamCMD.
EXILED plugins don't load
The EXILED loader isn't installed, or a plugin targets a different EXILED version. Install the matching loader and add plugins one at a time.
Admin / RemoteAdmin doesn't work
Your SteamID (with @steam) isn't in config_remoteadmin.txt, or the role lacks permissions. Add it and restart.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want a protected SCP: SL server online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our SCP: Secret Laboratory hosting runs with a full game panel and Layer-4 Anti-DDoS on a low-latency Frankfurt network — instant setup.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own SCP: Secret Laboratory to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 996560) is a free, anonymous download, separate from the game. The game itself is free-to-play; you only need it to connect and play.
What port does an SCP: SL server use?
UDP 7777 by default, for both game traffic and the query that lists it. You can pick another port when you launch LocalAdmin. Forward it, or let a host handle it.
What is LocalAdmin?
LocalAdmin is the console wrapper that starts and manages the SCP: SL server process. You launch the server with LocalAdmin
How do I add plugins?
Install the EXILED framework, then drop plugin DLLs into the EXILED plugins folder and restart. EXILED gives you custom roles, events and dozens of community plugins.
How much hardware does it need?
Very little — a modest CPU core and 1-2 GB of RAM run a full server. It's one of the lighter games to self-host; network quality matters most.
Why can't players find my server?
Usually UDP 7777 isn't open, or the server didn't register. Forward the port and check LocalAdmin for errors — see our fix for SCP: SL server not showing.
Keep reading
SCP: Secret Laboratory is developed by Northwood Studios and is based on the SCP Foundation (CC BY-SA 3.0) community. EXILED and all plugin names belong to their respective authors. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Northwood Studios.
