Server Setup Guide for [SCUM] Gamers

Game Server Requirements

Establishing a dedicated server for SCUM (Survival, Crime, Ultimate, Military) demands a careful consideration of hardware specifications to ensure a smooth and responsive gameplay experience for all participants. The core principle guiding these requirements is the need to process complex game physics, AI routines, and player interactions in real-time, all while maintaining network stability. As detailed in various technical manuals for server administration, the computational demands of modern multiplayer games are substantial, often exceeding those of single-player counterparts due to the concurrent processing of multiple client states.

At the heart of any SCUM server lies the Central Processing Unit (CPU). For optimal performance, a multi-core processor with a high clock speed is paramount. While the game engine itself may not fully saturate all available cores, the operating system and other background processes will benefit significantly from a CPU with at least four to six physical cores. Intel's Xeon series or AMD's EPYC processors are frequently recommended for their robust multi-threading capabilities and enterprise-grade reliability, as discussed in publications focusing on server infrastructure. A clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher per core is generally considered a baseline, with higher frequencies directly translating to improved responsiveness during peak player counts or intense in-game events. The instruction set architecture (ISA) and cache size also play a role, with larger caches reducing memory access latency, a critical factor in game server performance.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is another critical component. SCUM, with its expansive open world and numerous in-game assets, can be quite memory-intensive. A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is often cited for a basic server instance supporting a small number of players. However, for a more robust experience accommodating a larger player base (e.g., 32-64 players) and allowing for future expansion or the integration of community-made modifications, 16 GB to 32 GB of RAM is strongly advised. The speed of the RAM (e.g., DDR4-3200 MHz) also contributes to overall performance, as faster memory can feed data to the CPU more efficiently, reducing bottlenecks. Error-Correcting Code (ECC) RAM, while more expensive, offers enhanced data integrity and stability, which can be crucial for long-running server operations, minimizing crashes and data corruption.

Storage solutions for a SCUM server should prioritize speed and reliability. Traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are generally insufficient due to their slower input/output operations per second (IOPS). Solid State Drives (SSDs), particularly those utilizing NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) technology, are the preferred choice. NVMe SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to SATA SSDs, which translates to quicker server boot times, faster loading of game assets, and reduced latency during gameplay, especially when players are traversing the map or interacting with numerous objects. A minimum of 100 GB of storage is typically required for the game files and operating system, but allocating 200 GB to 500 GB provides ample space for future game updates, server logs, and potential backups. Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) configurations, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5, can be implemented for data redundancy and improved fault tolerance, safeguarding against data loss in the event of a drive failure.

Network connectivity is the final, yet equally vital, piece of the puzzle. A stable and high-bandwidth internet connection is indispensable for a SCUM server. The server's uplink speed, specifically, dictates how quickly game data can be sent to connected clients. A dedicated internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 100 Mbps is recommended for a moderately populated server. For larger player counts or servers with a high rate of data exchange, 250 Mbps or even 1 Gbps symmetrical connections are ideal. Low latency is also crucial, as high ping can lead to a desynchronized and frustrating experience for players. The server should ideally be hosted in a data center with robust peering agreements and located geographically close to the majority of its intended player base to minimize network latency. Furthermore, a reliable firewall and DDoS protection are essential to safeguard the server from malicious attacks and ensure uninterrupted service.

In summary, a robust SCUM server requires a powerful multi-core CPU, ample high-speed RAM, fast NVMe SSD storage, and a high-bandwidth, low-latency internet connection. These components, when properly configured, form the bedrock of a stable and enjoyable multiplayer experience.

Beginner's Guide

Embarking on the journey of hosting your own SCUM server can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, it becomes an achievable and rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps, from initial setup to basic configuration, ensuring you lay a solid foundation for your gaming community. The process, while technical, is analogous to setting up any specialized application on a server, requiring attention to detail and adherence to established protocols.

The very first step involves choosing your hosting environment. You have two primary options: self-hosting or utilizing a dedicated game server provider. Self-hosting, while offering maximum control, demands significant technical expertise, a powerful home internet connection, and the willingness to manage hardware and software updates yourself. Dedicated game server providers, on the other hand, abstract away much of the complexity, offering pre-configured environments and specialized support. For beginners, the latter is almost universally recommended due to its ease of use and reliability. When selecting a provider, consider factors such as server location (proximity to your players), available RAM and CPU resources, and customer support responsiveness.

Once you've secured your hosting environment, the next step is to install the SCUM dedicated server files. Most game server providers offer a one-click installation process through their control panel. If you are self-hosting, you will typically use SteamCMD, a command-line version of the Steam client, to download the server files. The basic command for downloading SCUM server files via SteamCMD is: steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\SCUMServer +app_update 766000 validate +quit. This command instructs SteamCMD to log in anonymously, specify an installation directory (e.g., C:\SCUMServer), update the SCUM dedicated server application (App ID 766000), validate the files, and then quit (SteamCMD Documentation). Ensure you have sufficient disk space in your chosen directory.

After the server files are installed, the crucial phase of initial configuration begins. The primary configuration file for SCUM is typically named ServerSettings.ini or similar, located within the server's main directory or a Saved folder. This plain text file contains numerous parameters that dictate how your server operates. Key settings to adjust include:

Server Name: This is the name that will appear in the in-game server browser. Choose something descriptive and appealing.

Password: If you want to restrict access, set a password.

Max Players: Determine the maximum number of players your server can accommodate. Be mindful of your server's hardware limitations.

Admin Password: Essential for managing the server in-game.

Game Mode: SCUM offers various game modes; select your preferred one.

Difficulty Settings: Adjust parameters like puppet damage, resource scarcity, and weather severity to tailor the challenge.

An example of a basic ServerSettings.ini entry might look like this:

[ServerSettings]

ServerName=My Awesome SCUM Server

ServerPassword=MySecretPassword

MaxPlayers=32

AdminPassword=MyAdminPass

GameMode=Survival

PuppetDamageMultiplier=1.0

ResourceSpawnMultiplier=1.5

Always save your changes after editing the configuration file. Incorrect syntax can prevent the server from starting, so double-check your entries.

Port forwarding is a critical step if you are self-hosting. Game servers communicate over specific network ports. For SCUM, the default ports are typically UDP 7000-7010 and UDP 27015. You will need to configure your router to forward these ports to the internal IP address of your server machine. This allows external players to connect to your server. Consult your router's manual or online resources for specific instructions on port forwarding, as the process varies between router models. Dedicated game server providers handle port forwarding automatically.

Finally, it's time to start your server. If using a provider, this is usually a simple "Start Server" button in their control panel. For self-hosting, you'll typically execute a batch file (e.g., start.bat) or a command-line instruction that launches the SCUM server executable. Monitor the server console for any error messages during startup. Once the server is running, you can attempt to connect to it from your SCUM game client by searching for its name in the server browser or by directly connecting via its IP address and port.

This beginner's guide provides the essential framework for getting your SCUM server online. As you become more comfortable, you can delve into more advanced configurations, such as custom rules, events, and moderation tools, to truly personalize your wasteland experience.

Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations

Selecting the ideal hosting service for your SCUM server is a pivotal decision that directly impacts the quality of your gaming experience. The market is replete with providers, each offering a unique blend of features, performance, and pricing. This section will delve into a comparative analysis of common hosting models and highlight key considerations for gamers, drawing upon principles of cloud computing and network infrastructure.

Broadly, game server hosting can be categorized into three main types: shared hosting, Virtual Private Servers (VPS), and dedicated servers.

Shared Hosting: In a shared hosting environment, multiple game servers (and potentially other applications) reside on a single physical machine, sharing its CPU, RAM, and network resources. This model is typically the most economical. However, the "noisy neighbor" effect is a significant drawback; if another server on the same machine experiences high resource utilization, your SCUM server's performance can suffer. This can manifest as lag, rubberbanding, and increased load times. For SCUM, which is resource-intensive, shared hosting is generally not recommended for anything beyond a very small, private server with a handful of players. The lack of guaranteed resources makes it unsuitable for competitive play or larger communities.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS): A VPS offers a more isolated environment. While still residing on a shared physical server, a VPS is allocated a dedicated portion of CPU, RAM, and storage resources, ensuring a more consistent performance profile. This isolation is achieved through virtualization technologies, as explained in texts on operating systems and virtual machines (Operating System Concepts). VPS solutions strike a balance between cost and performance, making them a popular choice for many game servers. When evaluating a VPS for SCUM, pay close attention to the guaranteed CPU cores and clock speed, as well as the amount of dedicated RAM. A VPS with at least 4 CPU cores and 16 GB of RAM is a good starting point for a moderately sized SCUM server. The ability to scale resources up or down as needed is also a valuable feature of many VPS providers.

Dedicated Servers: A dedicated server provides the ultimate level of performance and control. You lease an entire physical machine, meaning all its resources are exclusively yours. This eliminates the "noisy neighbor" problem entirely and offers unparalleled stability and low latency. Dedicated servers are the preferred choice for large SCUM communities, competitive leagues, or anyone demanding the absolute best performance. The trade-off is the higher cost and, in some cases, a greater need for technical expertise if you opt for an unmanaged dedicated server. Managed dedicated servers, where the provider handles operating system updates and basic maintenance, offer a good compromise. When considering a dedicated server for SCUM, prioritize high-frequency CPUs (e.g., Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 series, or enterprise-grade Xeon/EPYC), ample ECC RAM (32 GB+), and NVMe SSD storage.

Beyond these types, several critical factors should guide your decision:

Location of Data Centers: Proximity to your player base is paramount for minimizing latency (ping). A server located geographically closer to the majority of your players will result in a smoother, more responsive experience. Many providers have data centers across continents; choose one strategically.

Customer Support: Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is invaluable, especially when troubleshooting issues. Look for providers offering 24/7 support via multiple channels (live chat, tickets, phone).

Control Panel: A user-friendly control panel (e.g., TCAdmin, Pterodactyl) simplifies server management, allowing you to start/stop the server, manage files, and configure settings without extensive command-line knowledge.

DDoS Protection: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can cripple a game server. Robust DDoS protection is a non-negotiable feature for any serious SCUM server host.

Backup Solutions: Automated daily or weekly backups are crucial for data recovery in case of accidental data loss or corruption.

Scalability: The ability to easily upgrade or downgrade resources (CPU, RAM, storage) as your server's needs evolve is a significant advantage.

Recommendations (General Guidelines, not specific providers):

For a small, private SCUM server (up to 10-15 players) with a limited budget, a well-provisioned VPS from a reputable provider is often sufficient. Look for providers specializing in game hosting, as they often optimize their infrastructure for gaming workloads.

For a medium-sized community (15-30 players) or those seeking a more robust experience, a higher-tier VPS with dedicated CPU cores and at least 16-24 GB of RAM is recommended. These often provide a good balance of cost and performance.

For large communities (30+ players), competitive play, or those demanding the absolute best performance and stability, a dedicated server is the unequivocal choice. Prioritize providers offering the latest generation CPUs and NVMe storage.

Always read reviews and compare specifications carefully. A free trial or a money-back guarantee can also be a good way to test a provider's performance before committing long-term. The investment in a quality hosting service directly translates to a more enjoyable and stable SCUM experience for your players.

Troubleshooting

Even with the most meticulously configured server, issues can arise. Effective troubleshooting is a systematic process of identifying, diagnosing, and resolving problems, drawing upon principles of fault isolation and logical deduction. For SCUM server administrators, a methodical approach can save significant time and frustration.

1. Server Not Starting: This is a common initial hurdle.

Check Logs: The first place to look is the server's log files. These files, typically found in a Logs directory within your server installation, contain valuable information about startup sequences and any errors encountered. Look for keywords like "Error," "Failed," or "Exception." The specific error message can often point directly to the root cause, such as a missing file, an incorrect configuration parameter, or a port conflict.

Configuration File Errors: A single typo or incorrect value in ServerSettings.ini or other configuration files can prevent the server from launching. Use a plain text editor (not a word processor) to review recent changes. If you've made multiple changes, revert to a known working configuration or compare your current file with a default template.

Port Conflicts: If you are self-hosting, ensure that the SCUM server's required ports (UDP 7000-7010, UDP 27015) are not already in use by another application on your machine. Use network utilities like netstat (on Windows) or lsof (on Linux) to check port usage.

Firewall: Verify that your operating system's firewall (e.g., Windows Firewall, ufw on Linux) is not blocking the server application or its ports. Temporarily disabling the firewall (for testing purposes only, and with caution) can help diagnose if it's the culprit.

Missing Dependencies: Ensure all necessary runtime libraries (e.g., Visual C++ Redistributables) are installed on the server machine. Game server providers typically handle this, but it's a consideration for self-hosting.

2. Players Cannot Connect: If the server starts but players can't join, the issue is usually network-related.

Server Visibility: First, confirm your server is visible in the in-game server browser. If not, double-check your ServerName in ServerSettings.ini and ensure the server is fully started.

Port Forwarding (Self-Hosting): This is the most frequent cause for self-hosted servers. Re-verify that UDP ports 7000-7010 and 27015 are correctly forwarded to the server's internal IP address on your router. Use an online port checker tool to confirm external accessibility.

Firewall (Server-Side): As above, ensure the server's firewall isn't blocking incoming connections on the game ports.

Firewall (Client-Side): Advise players to check their own local firewalls, as they might be blocking outgoing connections to your server.

Incorrect IP Address/Port: Players might be attempting to connect to the wrong IP address or port. Ensure they have the correct public IP address of your server and the default game port.

ISP Issues: Rarely, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) might be blocking certain ports or have network issues. Contacting them can rule this out.

3. Lag and Performance Issues: Lag, rubberbanding, and low frame rates on the server are indicative of resource bottlenecks.

Monitor Server Resources: Use your hosting provider's control panel or operating system tools (Task Manager on Windows, htop/top on Linux) to monitor CPU, RAM, and network utilization.

High CPU Usage: If CPU is consistently at 90-100%, your server is underpowered for the current player count or game activity. Consider upgrading your CPU or reducing the maximum player count.

High RAM Usage: If RAM is near its limit, the server might be swapping data to disk, causing significant slowdowns. Upgrade RAM or reduce player count.

Network Saturation: If your server's uplink bandwidth is maxed out, players will experience severe lag. Upgrade your internet connection or consider a hosting plan with higher bandwidth.

Game Updates: New game updates can sometimes introduce performance regressions or increase resource demands. Check official SCUM forums or patch notes for known issues.

Modifications/Plugins: If you are using server-side modifications or plugins, disable them one by one to identify if any are causing performance degradation.

Server Location: High ping for all players, even with good server resources, suggests a geographical distance issue. Consider migrating to a data center closer to your player base.

Disk I/O: Slow storage (e.g., HDD instead of SSD) can cause hitches, especially during asset loading or saving. Monitor disk I/O performance.

4. Server Crashes: Sudden server shutdowns are often critical errors.

Check Crash Logs: SCUM servers typically generate crash logs (e.g., .dmp files, or specific error messages in the main logs) when they encounter unrecoverable errors. These logs are invaluable for diagnosing the cause.

Memory Leaks: Over time, some applications can consume more and more RAM without releasing it, eventually leading to a crash. Monitoring RAM usage over extended periods can help identify this.

Corrupt Files: Corrupted game files can lead to instability. Try validating your server files through SteamCMD (+app_update 766000 validate).

Hardware Failure: In rare cases, especially with self-hosting, a failing hardware component (RAM, CPU, storage) can cause crashes. Run diagnostic tools if suspected.

5. In-Game Issues (e.g., commands not working, items not spawning): These are often configuration or game logic issues.

Admin Privileges: Ensure the player attempting to use admin commands has been correctly granted administrator privileges (usually via their SteamID in a configuration file).

Configuration Settings: Double-check relevant settings in ServerSettings.ini or other game configuration files. For example, if items aren't spawning, review ResourceSpawnMultiplier or specific item spawn rates.

Game Bugs: Sometimes, issues are due to bugs within the game itself. Check official SCUM forums or bug trackers.

When troubleshooting, always change one variable at a time and test the result. This systematic approach, as emphasized in IT support methodologies, helps isolate the problem and prevents the introduction of new issues. Document your steps and findings; this creates a knowledge base for future reference.

Performance Optimization Tips

Optimizing your SCUM server's performance is an ongoing process aimed at maximizing responsiveness, minimizing latency, and ensuring a stable experience for all players. This involves a combination of hardware considerations, software configurations, and proactive management, drawing on principles of system tuning and resource management.

1. Hardware-Level Optimizations: While often determined by your hosting choice, understanding these aspects is crucial.

CPU Clock Speed: SCUM, like many game servers, benefits significantly from high per-core clock speeds rather than just a high core count. Prioritize CPUs with higher GHz ratings.

NVMe SSDs: Ensure your server uses NVMe Solid State Drives. The rapid read/write speeds drastically reduce load times for game assets and save data, preventing I/O bottlenecks that can cause micro-stutters or hitches.

Ample RAM: Allocate more RAM than the minimum requirement. Having a buffer prevents the server from resorting to slower disk-based swap memory, which severely degrades performance. For a 32-player SCUM server, 24-32 GB of RAM is a good target.

Network Bandwidth: A high-speed, low-latency internet connection with sufficient uplink bandwidth is non-negotiable. Ensure your hosting provider offers dedicated bandwidth and robust peering.

2. Operating System and Server Software Optimizations:

Minimal OS Installation: If you have control over the operating system, install a minimal version (e.g., Windows Server Core, a lightweight Linux distribution) to reduce background processes and resource consumption.

Disable Unnecessary Services: Turn off any operating system services or applications that are not essential for the SCUM server's operation. This frees up CPU cycles and RAM.

Update Drivers and OS: Keep your operating system and network drivers up to date. Performance improvements and bug fixes are often included in these updates.

Server Process Priority: On some operating systems, you can set the SCUM server process to a higher priority to ensure it receives preferential CPU time. Use with caution, as this can starve other essential system processes.

Antivirus Exclusions: If an antivirus program is running on the server, configure it to exclude the SCUM server directory and its processes from real-time scanning. This prevents performance overhead from file access checks.

3. In-Game Configuration Optimizations: The ServerSettings.ini file offers several parameters that can be tweaked for performance.

Max Players: This is the most direct way to manage server load. If you're experiencing lag, reducing the MaxPlayers count can significantly improve performance. Find a balance between player capacity and server stability.

Resource Spawn Multipliers: While increasing ResourceSpawnMultiplier can make the game easier, a very high value can lead to more objects being simulated, potentially increasing server load. Adjust this carefully.

Puppet/AI Count: The number of AI characters (puppets, animals) active in the world directly impacts CPU usage. While not always directly configurable, some server settings or mods might influence this.

World Persistence: The frequency at which the server saves the game world can impact performance. More frequent saves provide better data integrity but can cause brief hitches. Less frequent saves reduce these hitches but increase the risk of data loss between saves. Find a suitable interval.

Garbage Collection: Some game engines have parameters related to garbage collection (memory management). While SCUM's specific parameters might not be exposed directly, understanding that efficient memory management is key to long-term stability is important.

4. Network Optimizations:

DDoS Protection: While primarily a security measure, effective DDoS protection prevents malicious traffic from saturating your network connection and degrading performance.

Server Location: As mentioned, hosting your server geographically close to your player base minimizes latency, which is perceived as better performance.

Traffic Shaping/QoS (Advanced): In some advanced self-hosting scenarios, Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router or network equipment can prioritize game traffic over other less time-sensitive data.

5. Proactive Management:

Regular Restarts: Scheduled daily or bi-daily server restarts can help clear memory, reset game states, and resolve minor issues that accumulate over time, preventing performance degradation.

Monitor Logs: Regularly review server logs for recurring errors or warnings that might indicate underlying performance issues.

Stay Updated: Keep your SCUM server files updated to the latest version. Developers often release performance optimizations and bug fixes in patches.

Community Feedback: Pay attention to player feedback regarding lag or performance issues. They are often the first to notice problems.

Optimizing a SCUM server is a continuous balancing act between desired gameplay features, player capacity, and available hardware resources. By systematically applying these tips, you can significantly enhance the stability and responsiveness of your server, providing a superior gaming experience.

Technical Q&A

This section addresses common technical questions that arise during the setup and management of a SCUM server, drawing upon established principles of server administration, networking, and game engine architecture.

Q1: What is the difference between a "listen server" and a "dedicated server" for SCUM?

A listen server, often referred to as a "host game" option in many titles, is a server that runs directly on one player's game client. The player who starts the game also acts as the host. This means the server's performance is tied to the host's computer resources and internet connection. If the host leaves the game, the server typically shuts down. Dedicated servers, conversely, are standalone applications that run independently of any player's game client. They are designed for continuous operation, offer superior performance, stability, and control, and can remain online 24/7 regardless of whether players are connected. For SCUM, a dedicated server is the only viable option for a persistent, community-driven experience.

Q2: How do I become an administrator on my SCUM server?

To gain administrator privileges, you typically need to add your SteamID64 to a specific configuration file on the server. This file is often named AdminList.ini or similar, or the admin SteamID might be configured directly within ServerSettings.ini. You can find your SteamID64 using online tools by entering your Steam profile URL. Once your SteamID64 is added to the appropriate file and the server is restarted (or sometimes just reloaded), you can use in-game admin commands (e.g., /teleport, /kick, /ban) by pressing the T key to open the chat and typing the command. The exact file and syntax can vary slightly with game updates, so always consult the latest official documentation or community resources.

Q3: My server is showing "Not Responding" in the server browser, but I can see it running in the console. What's wrong?

This usually indicates a network visibility issue rather than a server crash. The server is running internally, but external clients cannot query its status. Common causes include:

Firewall Blocking: The server's operating system firewall (or your router's firewall if self-hosting) is blocking the query ports (typically UDP 27015 for Steam query). Ensure these ports are open for both inbound and outbound traffic.

Incorrect Port Forwarding (Self-Hosting): If you're self-hosting, double-check that UDP ports 7000-7010 and 27015 are correctly forwarded to the server's internal IP address.

ISP Issues: Rarely, an ISP might be filtering or blocking game server query traffic.

Server List Refresh: Sometimes, the in-game server browser can be slow to update. Try refreshing multiple times or connecting directly via IP.

Q4: Can I run multiple SCUM servers on a single physical machine?

Yes, it is technically possible to run multiple SCUM server instances on a single powerful physical machine, provided the machine has sufficient CPU, RAM, and network resources. Each server instance will require its own dedicated set of resources and a unique set of network ports (e.g., Server 1: UDP 7000-7010, 27015; Server 2: UDP 7011-7021, 27016). This is often achieved using virtualization (e.g., running each server in its own VPS) or by carefully managing resource allocation on a bare-metal dedicated server. However, this approach significantly increases complexity and resource demands, and careful planning is required to prevent one server from impacting the performance of others. It's generally recommended for experienced administrators.

Q5: How do I back up my SCUM server data?

Regular backups are crucial for disaster recovery. The most important data to back up is the Saved folder within your SCUM server directory. This folder typically contains:

ServerSettings.ini: Your server's configuration.

SCUM.db: The main game database, containing player data, world state, item locations, etc.

AdminList.ini, BanList.ini, etc.: Server management lists.

Logs: Server logs (useful for troubleshooting).

You can manually copy this Saved folder to a secure location (e.g., external drive, cloud storage). Many hosting providers offer automated backup solutions through their control panels, which is the most convenient and reliable method. For self-hosting, you can use scripting (e.g., batch scripts on Windows, shell scripts on Linux) combined with scheduled tasks (e.g., Windows Task Scheduler, cron on Linux) to automate the backup process. It's recommended to stop the server briefly before performing a backup to ensure data consistency, especially for the SCUM.db file.

Q6: What is "ping" and why is it important for SCUM?

Ping, or latency, is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your computer to the server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). A lower ping indicates a faster and more responsive connection. For SCUM, a low ping is critical for a smooth gameplay experience. High ping can lead to:

Desynchronization: What you see on your screen doesn't perfectly match the server's state, leading to "rubberbanding" (being pulled back to a previous position) or hits not registering.

Delayed Actions: Your actions (shooting, looting, moving) will have a noticeable delay, putting you at a disadvantage in combat.

Frustration: A consistently high ping makes the game unplayable and unenjoyable. The ideal ping for SCUM is generally below 50ms, with anything above 100-150ms becoming problematic. Server location relative to players is the primary factor influencing ping.

Q7: Can I use mods on my SCUM server?

The ability to use mods on a SCUM server depends on the game's official support for modding and the specific mod's implementation. As of current knowledge, SCUM has limited official modding support compared to some other survival games. Community-made tools or server-side plugins might exist, but their stability and compatibility can vary. If you plan to use mods, thoroughly research their installation process, potential impact on server performance, and compatibility with the current game version. Always back up your server before installing any modifications. Consult official SCUM forums and reputable modding communities for the most up-to-date information on mod support.

Q8: How do I update my SCUM server?

Updating your SCUM server typically involves using SteamCMD. The process is similar to the initial installation:

Stop the server: Ensure the SCUM server process is completely shut down.

Run SteamCMD: Execute the command: steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\SCUMServer +app_update 766000 validate +quit (replace C:\SCUMServer with your actual server directory). The validate command ensures file integrity.

Check for Configuration Changes: After an update, sometimes new settings are added to ServerSettings.ini or other configuration files. Compare your existing files with default templates or check patch notes for any required adjustments.

Start the server: Once the update is complete, restart your SCUM server. Always perform a backup of your server data before initiating an update, as unforeseen issues can sometimes arise.

Q9: What are the common causes of server crashes in SCUM?

Server crashes can stem from various issues:

Memory Leaks: The server consumes more and more RAM over time until it exhausts available memory, leading to a crash.

Game Engine Bugs: Unstable code within the SCUM game engine itself can cause unexpected termination. These are usually addressed in official patches.

Corrupt Game Files: Damaged or incomplete server files can lead to critical errors.

Hardware Instability: Faulty RAM, an overheating CPU, or a failing storage drive can cause the server machine to become unstable and crash.

Configuration Errors: Incorrect or conflicting settings in configuration files can sometimes lead to unhandled exceptions.

Malicious Attacks: DDoS attacks or other exploits can overwhelm the server and force it offline. Reviewing crash logs and server logs is the primary method for diagnosing the specific cause of a crash.