Configuring the server

Grounded 2 doesn't have an official dedicated server: your server relies on Lantern, a community-built framework. Configuration options are therefore more limited than for other games. This page covers what you can safely change, and what's best left as is.

Before making any change

Stop the server before editing

Always stop the server from the panel Console before editing a file or a variable. Settings are only read at startup: a change made while the server is running may be ignored or overwritten.

1. Log in to your Game Panel: game.yorkhost.fr
2. Select your server and stop it
3. Take a backup from the Backups tab if you're editing a file
4. Make your change, save, then start the server

Startup tab variables

The Startup tab lists the startup variables exposed by the panel. The most important ones are for the dedicated Steam account:

Variable	Role
STEAM_USER	Account name of the Steam account dedicated to the server
STEAM_PASS	Password for that account
STEAM_AUTH	Steam Guard code, entered during the first install; it can stay filled in afterwards

The full procedure is described in Dedicated Steam account and Steam Guard. If you change the dedicated account's password, update STEAM_PASS.

Any other variables in this tab depend on your server's configuration. If one of them is unclear, leave its default value and ask support for advice.

Don't change the ports

Your server's port is assigned by the panel, and Lantern derives several consecutive ports from it (server status, admin tools). Don't change any port manually, either in the Startup tab or in the files: the server would become unreachable.

Lantern settings (appsettings.json)

Lantern reads its settings from the appsettings.json file in the LanternServer folder, under the Lantern section. Depending on the Lantern version, it includes:

Key	Role	Change it?
ServerName	Server name, returned to status tools	Yes, if needed
RconPassword	Remote admin (RCON) password	Yes: pick a strong password
SnapshotsEnabled	Automatic world snapshots on every game save	Leave it on
GameplayPort	Gameplay port	No, managed by the panel
InstanceId	Internal server identifier	No

If a setting is also available in the Startup tab, change it from the panel instead: the panel value may override the one in the file. If you're unsure about a key, don't change it and contact support.

Keep a copy

Download a copy of appsettings.json before editing it. A missing comma or quote makes the JSON file invalid and can prevent the server from starting.

Number of players

Grounded 2 is limited to 4 players per world. This limit is set by the game and can't be raised, whatever your plan.

Remote admin (RCON)

Lantern offers Source RCON-compatible remote admin, usable with any standard RCON client, without joining the game. Depending on the Lantern version, the available commands include:

Command	Effect
help	Lists the available commands
status	Server status
players	Connected players
save snapshot	Takes a world snapshot
save list	Lists snapshots
say / announce	Sends a message to players

Type help for the exact list for your version. The RCON port is one of the ports assigned to your server; if you can't find it, ask support.

Backups

Your world is protected in two ways:

• Panel Backups tab: take a backup before every game update, file edit or reinstall, and restore it in a few clicks if needed
• Lantern snapshots: Lantern snapshots the world on every game auto-save (when SnapshotsEnabled is on) and on demand (save snapshot)

To import an existing world to your server, contact support before touching the save files.

Automatic restart

Like many game servers, a Grounded 2 server runs better when restarted regularly. Schedule a daily restart at an off-peak time from the Schedules tab: see Configure an automatic restart.

Game updates

The game is downloaded and updated from Steam with your dedicated Steam account: it must remain valid (correct password in STEAM_PASS, game still in its library). After a Grounded 2 update, there may be a delay while Lantern gets updated: see Troubleshooting: version mismatch.

Mods

The Broodmother plan is designed for modded playthroughs, thanks to its extra resources. Compatibility depends on each mod and on Lantern: get in touch with our support team on Discord before you start.

Server files

The server runs the Windows version of Grounded 2 in an environment prepared and managed by YorkHost. Don't replace the game or Lantern files (.exe, .dll, LanternServer and ue4ss folders) with files copied from your PC or downloaded elsewhere: this can prevent the server from starting. See Troubleshooting.