How to Host an American Truck Simulator Convoy Server

To host an American Truck Simulator Convoy server, install the free ATS dedicated server (SteamCMD app 2239530), run it once to create server_config.sii, then export server_packages.sii and server_packages.dat from your own game with export_server_packages and put them next to the config. It holds 8 drivers on ports 27015 and 27016, and every driver needs the same map DLC and mods as the packages.

How is the ATS server different from the ETS2 one?

It is the same SCS dedicated server software with the same files and keys, built for American Truck Simulator. If you have run a Euro Truck Simulator 2 server, everything in our ETS2 Convoy server guide applies. What changes:

The two games never share a server. A crew that plays both needs one server for each.

How much does an ATS convoy server need?

The server does not draw the world or run physics, it syncs drivers and AI traffic. According to the SCS documentation, it does not need a copy of the game, and DLC and mods are not installed on it.

How do I install the ATS dedicated server?

1. Find American Truck Simulator Dedicated Server under Tools in your Steam library, or use SteamCMD:

login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\atsserver
app_update 2239530 validate
quit

2. Start it once. On Windows, run the server executable in bin\win_x64. On Linux, use server_launch.sh, which sits next to the server binary.
3. Stop it. server_config.sii now exists in the server's home folder (Documents\American Truck Simulator on Windows or ~/.local/share/American Truck Simulator on Linux).

If you also play ATS on the same machine, start the server with -homedir "C:\atsserver\home" so its config and packages do not mix with your own profile.

How do I add map DLC and mods to the server?

You never install DLC on the server. You choose the content in your own game and export it:

1. In Documents\American Truck Simulator\config.cfg, set uset g_console "1".
2. Launch ATS and load a profile with the map DLC and mods your convoy will use. Set the mod order in the Mod Manager.
3. Press ~ and run export_server_packages.
4. Copy the new server_packages.sii and server_packages.dat into the server's home folder.
5. Restart the server.

Map DLC notes

• Base game: California, Nevada and Arizona come with ATS. A base game package lets anyone with the game join.
• State DLC: every state DLC in your profile (Oregon, Washington, Utah, Texas and so on) is written into the packages. A driver missing one cannot join, so agree on the list before exporting.
• Owned is not enough: DLC must be active in each driver's profile, not just owned.
• Map mods: large community map mods usually require specific state DLC. Check the mod's page, then make sure everyone has both.

The simplest rule: export from the smallest setup your whole group owns. You can always export a bigger package later for a special convoy night.

What should I set in server_config.sii?

The file uses the same keys as ETS2. A typical setup for a friend convoy:

lobby_name: "Route 66 Night Run"
description: "Weekly convoy, CB channel 19"
password: "crew-only"
max_players: 8
connection_dedicated_port: 27015
query_dedicated_port: 27016
server_logon_token: YOURTOKENHERE
traffic: true
player_damage: false
hide_colliding: true
force_speed_limiter: false
name_tags: true
show_server: true
moderator_list: 1
moderator_list[0]: 76561198000000000

• password: set one unless you want strangers in your session.
• player_damage: false: forgives bumps at truck stops, which helps with new drivers.
• force_speed_limiter: true: keeps a virtual trucking company convoy at legal speeds.
• moderator_list: the count, then one SteamID64 per line. Moderators can kick and ban in the session.

Stop the server before editing and start it after.

Do I need a Steam logon token for ATS?

Not to run, but without one the server gets a new search ID on every start. Create a token at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers with the game's app ID 270880 and paste it into server_logon_token. The search ID then stays the same, which is what a weekly convoy needs.

What ports does the ATS server use?

The virtual ports 100 and 101 are Steam networking ports and are not forwarded. To run an ATS and an ETS2 server on one machine, give the second server different dedicated ports and start it with -nosingle. Router steps are in our port forwarding guide.

How do drivers join?

1. Launch ATS with the DLC and mods from the server packages active.
2. Open Convoy from the main menu and go to the session list.
3. Search by lobby name, or enter the search ID shown in the server console when it starts.
4. Enter the password and choose your truck.

If the session will not show, check that the server and every driver are on the same game version. After an ATS patch, update the server before anyone tries to join.

FAQ

How many drivers can join an ATS convoy server?

8 per session, the limit SCS supports. Some groups edit their game files to go higher, but that is unsupported and can cause problems.

Do I need to own American Truck Simulator to run the server?

No. The dedicated server is free and does not need the game. Every driver needs their own copy plus the DLC in the server packages.

Can I run ATS and ETS2 convoys on the same server?

Not in one session. Each game needs its own dedicated server, though both can run on the same machine with different ports.

Why can't my friend join even though they own the DLC?

The DLC has to be active in the profile they join with, and their mods and mod order must match the packages. Owning it is not enough.

Where is the server's search ID?

It is printed in the server console when the server starts. With a Steam logon token it stays the same across restarts.

The easy option: host it with us

If keeping a PC on for the convoy is the hard part, our American Truck Simulator hosting starts at 4.99 USD a month for 2 GB, with 4 GB and 8 GB plans for map DLC and big mod setups. We create the Steam server token for you, so the search ID never changes, and you upload your server packages and edit server_config.sii in the file manager or over SFTP. New customers get 50% off the first month, drivers can split the bill, and there is no contract.