Ultimate Guide: How to Set Up Server Hosting BeamNG in 6 Easy Steps

Setting up your own BeamNG.drive multiplayer server can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s entirely achievable. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process, sharing personal insights and tips to make the journey smoother.

Key Points:

• Understanding BeamMP: BeamMP is a mod that enables multiplayer functionality in BeamNG.drive.
• Server Requirements: Ensure your system meets the necessary specifications for hosting.
• Configuration Essentials: Proper setup and configuration are crucial for a seamless experience.

Understanding BeamMP and Its Benefits

BeamMP is a modification for BeamNG.drive that introduces multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to connect and interact in real-time. This transforms the traditionally single-player experience into a dynamic, shared environment. Hosting your own server provides control over game settings, mods, and player access, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Preparing Your System for Hosting

Before diving into the setup, it’s essential to ensure your system is up to the task. Hosting a server requires adequate hardware and a stable internet connection.

Recommended System Specifications:

Ensuring your system meets or exceeds these specifications will help maintain a smooth and responsive server environment.

Obtaining the Necessary Files

To get started, you’ll need to download the BeamMP server software and acquire an authentication key.

1. Download the Server Software:
   • Visit the BeamMP official website and navigate to the server download section.
   • Download the appropriate version for your operating system.
2. Acquire an Authentication Key:
   • Go to the BeamMP Keymaster and log in with your Discord account.
   • Generate a new key by providing a server name.
   • Keep this key secure; it’s essential for server operation.

Installing and Configuring the Server

With the necessary files in hand, it’s time to install and configure your server.

For Windows Users:

1. Install Dependencies:
   • Ensure the Visual C++ Redistributables are installed on your system.
2. Set Up the Server:
   • Create a dedicated folder for the server files.
   • Place the downloaded BeamMP-Server.exe into this folder.
   • Run the executable once to generate configuration files.
3. Configure the Server:
   • Locate and open the ServerConfig.toml file with a text editor.
   • Input your authentication key in the AuthKey field.
   • Customize other settings such as server name, description, and maximum players.

For Linux Users:

1. Install Dependencies:
   • Ensure all necessary dependencies are installed as per the official documentation.
2. Set Up the Server:
   • Download the Linux version of the server software.
   • Assign execute permissions to the server file using chmod +x BeamMP-Server.
   • Run the server to generate configuration files.
3. Configure the Server:
   • Edit the ServerConfig.toml file to include your authentication key and customize settings.

Port Forwarding and Network Configuration

To allow external players to connect to your server, you’ll need to configure port forwarding on your router.

1. Access Router Settings:
   • Log in to your router’s admin interface, typically accessed via a web browser.
2. Set Up Port Forwarding:
   • Forward the port specified in your ServerConfig.toml (default is 30814) to your hosting machine’s local IP address.
3. Test Connectivity:
   • Use online tools to verify that the port is open and accessible.

Proper port forwarding ensures that players can connect to your server without issues.

Launching and Managing Your Server

With everything configured, you’re ready to launch your server.

1. Start the Server:
   • Run the server executable (BeamMP-Server.exe or ./BeamMP-Server on Linux).
   • Monitor the console for any error messages.
2. Verify Server Status:
   • Check the BeamMP server list to ensure your server appears and is accessible.
3. Manage the Server:
   • Regularly monitor server performance and player activity.
   • Update server software and mods as needed to maintain compatibility and security.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you might encounter some challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:

Issue: Server not appearing in the public list.

Solution: Ensure the Private field in ServerConfig.toml is set to false.

Issue: Players unable to connect.

Solution: Verify that port forwarding is correctly configured and that no firewall rules are blocking the connection.

Issue: Server crashes on startup.

Solution: Check the console output for error messages and ensure all dependencies are installed.

By addressing these common issues, you can maintain a stable and enjoyable server environment.