Set Up and Connect to Your SCUM Server

SCUM 1.0 brought plenty of new private server owners into the wasteland. Before inviting friends in, it helps to handle two basics first: configure the server settings and confirm that everyone can connect.

This guide covers where to edit the main SCUM configuration file, how to set a name or password, and how to join by search or direct IP.

Configure Your SCUM Server

Setting a clear server name is strongly recommended before joining. A password is optional, but useful if the server is meant for friends, a closed group, or testing. Nobody enjoys surprise visitors while tuning survival settings.

1. Open your HolyHosting server panel and stop the server if it is currently running.
2. Open the file manager from the panel sidebar, then sign in with your panel password.

1. Browse to this folder:

`...SCUM/Saved/Config/WindowsServer`

1. Find `ServerSettings.ini` and choose Edit.

1. Update the settings you want to change, such as the server name, password, welcome text, or gameplay values.
2. Click Save at the top of the editor.

1. Return to the main server panel and restart the server so the new settings load.

Join Through the Server List

1. Launch SCUM and choose Multiplay from the main menu.

1. Enter the server name in the Search Filter field.

1. Select the server once it appears, then click Connect.
2. If the server has a password, enter it when prompted.
3. Create your character and finish joining the server.

Join With Direct IP

If the server browser does not show your server right away, direct connection is usually faster.

1. Open SCUM and go to Multiplay.
2. Enter the server address in the Connect to IP box using this format:

`IP Address:Port`

1. Click Connect.
2. Enter the password if one is configured, then create your character to start playing.

Common SCUM Server Questions

Why is the server not showing in search?

Close SCUM and reopen it, then search again. Also confirm that the server is online and that the name in `ServerSettings.ini` matches what you typed. If the list still refuses to cooperate, use the direct IP connection method instead.

Why did my settings not apply?

First, make sure the file was saved. After that, restart the server from the panel. If the server ignores the changes or fails to start, the configuration file may contain an invalid value or a missing character. Deleting `ServerSettings.ini` and restarting the server will regenerate a fresh default copy.

Can settings be changed in-game?

Yes. After becoming a server admin, you can access SCUM's in-game customization menu. From there, admins can adjust general settings, world options, extra features, and other server behavior without editing every value through FTP.

Ready to Play

Once the server has a name, password if needed, and saved configuration, connection should be straightforward. Share either the server name or the `IP Address:Port` with your players, then restart the server whenever configuration edits need to take effect.