Dear Dev, if you’re a fan of multiplayer horror games, you must have heard of SCP Secret Laboratory. It’s a free-to-play game that simulates a facility, where players are assigned different roles, including scientists, security guards, and dangerous SCP creatures. But did you know that you can host a server for SCP Secret Laboratory, and play with your friends or the community? In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of hosting a server, and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!
Understanding SCP Secret Laboratory Server Hosting
SCP Secret Laboratory is a client-server game, which means that the game runs on a central server, and players connect to it via the internet. In order to host a server for SCP Secret Laboratory, you need to download the dedicated server software from the official website, and configure it according to your preferences. Here are some key terms you need to know:
Server software
The server software is a program that runs on your computer, and emulates the server that runs the game. It’s different from the client software, which is the game itself that players run on their computers. The server software is available for Windows and Linux, and can be downloaded from the official website.
Server configuration
The server configuration refers to the settings that determine how the server runs the game, and what options are available for players. You can edit the server configuration file using a text editor, and change various parameters, such as the map rotation, player limits, game rules, and plugins. The server configuration file is located in the server folder, and is named “config_gameplay.txt”.
Server hosting services
Server hosting services are companies that provide dedicated servers for various games, including SCP Secret Laboratory. They offer pre-configured servers, as well as custom servers that you can configure yourself. Server hosting services charge a monthly or hourly fee, depending on the resources and features you choose.
Port forwarding
Port forwarding is a technique that allows external traffic to reach your server through your router. Since the server runs on a specific port, you need to configure your router to forward that port to your computer. Port forwarding can be done in your router’s configuration page, and requires some technical knowledge.
Modding and plugins
SCP Secret Laboratory supports modding and plugins, which allow you to customize the game mechanics, add new features, and enhance the gameplay experience. You can download mods and plugins from the official forums, or create your own using the programming language called “Synapse”. Modding and plugins require some programming knowledge, and may affect the stability and security of the server.
Setting Up Your Own SCP Secret Laboratory Server
Now that you have a basic understanding of SCP Secret Laboratory server hosting, let’s dive into the steps of setting up your own server. Please note that these steps are for Windows, and may differ for Linux.
Step 1: Download the Server Software
The first step is to download the SCP Secret Laboratory server software from the official website. You can choose between the latest stable version and the latest experimental version, depending on your preferences. The server software is a ZIP file that contains several folders and files. Extract the ZIP file to a location of your choice, such as “C:\SCP Secret Laboratory Server”.
Step 2: Configure the Server Settings
The second step is to configure the server settings according to your preferences. Open the “config_gameplay.txt” file in a text editor, and change the values of the parameters as follows:
Parameter |
Value |
|---|---|
server_name |
Your server name |
max_players |
The maximum number of players allowed |
allow_spectators |
True or False |
password |
Your server password |
friendly_fire |
True or False |
enable_bots |
True or False |
admin_password |
Your admin password |
log_level |
0 for minimal logging, 1 for moderate logging, 2 for verbose logging |
You can also change other parameters, such as the map rotation, game rules, and plugins, but these are optional. Save the file and close the text editor.
Step 3: Start the Server
The third step is to start the server and test it. Double-click the “RunServer.bat” file in the server folder, and wait for the server to start. You should see some logs in the console, and a message saying “Server started successfully”. If you encounter any errors or warnings, refer to the official documentation or the forums for help.
Step 4: Connect to the Server
The fourth step is to connect to the server and play the game. Open SCP Secret Laboratory on your client computer, and click the “Servers” tab. You should see your server listed there, with the name and password you configured. Click the “Join” button, enter the password, and wait for the game to load. You should see your server name and IP address in the top left corner of the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I host a SCP Secret Laboratory server on Linux?
A: Yes, you can download the Linux version of the server software from the official website, and follow the same steps as for Windows. However, the commands and configurations may differ for Linux, so make sure to consult the official documentation or the forums for help.
Q: Do I need a powerful computer to host a SCP Secret Laboratory server?
A: It depends on the number of players, the map size, and the plugins you use. Generally, a mid-range computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU should be able to handle a small to medium server. However, if you plan to host a large server with many plugins, you may need a dedicated server or a hosting service.
Q: Can I change the game mechanics or add new features to SCP Secret Laboratory?
A: Yes, you can create or download mods and plugins that modify the game mechanics or add new features, such as new SCP creatures, weapons, or game modes. However, keep in mind that mods and plugins may affect the stability and security of the server, and may require some programming or scripting knowledge.
Q: How can I make my server popular and attract players?
A: There are several ways to make your server popular and attract players, such as creating a catchy server name and description, promoting your server on social media or gaming forums, offering unique or custom game modes, and providing good server performance and stability. You can also join a community or a group of players who share your interests, and collaborate with them to improve your server and create new content.
Q: Can I make money from hosting a SCP Secret Laboratory server?
A: Generally, no, you cannot make money from hosting a SCP Secret Laboratory server, as it’s a non-profit and open-source game. However, you can accept donations or sponsorships from players who appreciate your server, as long as you comply with the game’s license and the laws of your country. You can also offer some perks or rewards to donors, such as VIP status or custom skins.
That’s all for now, Dev! We hope this article has helped you understand how to host a server for SCP Secret Laboratory, and answered some of your questions. If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy hosting!