How to Host a GTA Connected Server (GTA III, VC, SA and IV)

To host a GTA Connected server, download the server package from gtaconnected.com, set the <game> value in server.xml to the GTA you want (gta:iii, gta:vc, gta:sa, gta:iv and so on), open port 22000 for both UDP and TCP, and run Server.exe on Windows or ./Server on Linux. It starts with the stock freeroam resource, and everything else you add is a resource written in Lua, JavaScript or Squirrel. Every player needs their own copy of the GTA your server runs.

GTA Connected (often written GTAC) is a community multiplayer mod, not a Rockstar product, and it is a niche one. Its appeal is that one framework covers the 3D era games and GTA IV, with real scripting and synced traffic, peds and even missions.

What you need

• The server package from the GTA Connected downloads page. There are Windows and Linux builds.
• A machine that stays on. The server does not render anything, so a modest PC or Linux box is fine.
• Port 22000 open for UDP and TCP. UDP carries the game, TCP carries the built in HTTP server that sends client files.
• Players with the right game. Each player installs the GTA Connected client and owns the GTA your server runs. GTA IV has to be on a supported version (more below).

Step 1: Download and extract the server

Extract the server archive into its own folder. You will see the server executable, a server.xml config file and a resources folder that already holds the default freeroam resource. On Linux, make the binary executable first:

chmod +x Server

Step 2: Edit server.xml

server.xml is the whole server configuration. A clean starting point, based on the official example:

<server>
  <servername>Liberty Nights Freeroam</servername>
  <game>gta:iv</game>
  <gamemode>Free Roam</gamemode>
  <serverbrowser>true</serverbrowser>
  <maxplayers>32</maxplayers>
  <password></password>
  <port>22000</port>
  <httpport>22000</httpport>
  <rconpassword>change-me-long-password</rconpassword>
  <resources>
    <resource src="freeroam" />
  </resources>
  <rule name="Discord" value="discord.gg/yourinvite" />
</server>

The key elements:

Step 3: Pick the game

The <game> element decides which client can join. The values our server template accepts are:

One server runs one game. If you want a Vice City server and a GTA IV server, that is two servers on two ports.

Step 4: Open the ports

Forward 22000 UDP and 22000 TCP on your router to the server machine and allow both through the firewall. People often open only UDP because "games use UDP", and then players get stuck downloading client files, because those come over the HTTP port. If you change port or httpport, forward the new numbers instead. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side.

Step 5: Start it and check the console

Run Server.exe or ./Server. The console shows each resource loading. If a resource has an error in its meta.xml or a script, it is printed here, which saves a lot of guessing later.

Step 6: Join from the client

Players install the client from the downloads page, then:

1. Open the GTA Connected launcher.
2. Go to Tools, then Game Settings, and set the path to the game's EXE.
3. Choose the right game in the Game dropdown at the top.
4. Double click your server in the list, or start the game and type /connect your.ip:22000.

GTA IV is the fussy one. The Complete Edition on Steam is not supported as is: players need to downgrade to a supported version such as 1.0.7.0 or 1.0.8.0. The GTA Connected wiki explains which versions work. If friends cannot get in, our GTA Connected connection fix guide covers every common error.

Adding your own scripts

Everything beyond plain freeroam is a resource: a folder in resources with a meta.xml and script files. You list it in server.xml and restart, or start it live from the console with start resourcename. Our guide to adding resources to a GTA Connected server walks through meta.xml, client scripts and the common mistakes.

How much server you need

The GTAC server tracks players and runs your scripts, so memory follows your resources more than your player count. Freeroam or deathmatch for friends is light. A roleplay server with saved player data, a database and dozens of scripts needs more headroom, and a leaky script hurts more than extra players do. Our RAM guide explains how to size a plan.

The hosted option

Running GTAC at home means leaving a PC on and keeping two port rules alive. A GamezServers GTA Connected server is up in about a minute on a fixed address with the ports already open. The panel sets the game type, server name, server browser visibility and the server version (latest, or a fixed one if your scripts need it). server.xml and the resources folder are in the file manager and over SFTP, and the live console shows your resources loading.

FAQ

What port does a GTA Connected server use?

22000 by default, for both the game (UDP) and the HTTP file transfer (TCP). Both are set in server.xml as port and httpport.

Can one GTA Connected server run GTA IV and San Andreas?

No. The <game> element sets one game per server. Run a second server on another port for a second game.

Does GTA Connected work with GTA V?

No. It covers GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas and GTA IV with Episodes from Liberty City.

How many players can join?

maxplayers accepts values from 0 to 127. The default config uses 32.

How do I hide my server from the browser?

Set <serverbrowser>false</serverbrowser> in server.xml and restart. Players can still join with /connect and your address.