# How to Set Up RCON on Your Arma Reforger Server (/docs/arma-reforger/rcon)







import { Tab, Tabs } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/tabs';
import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

RCON (Remote Console) lets you send admin commands to your Arma Reforger server without being in-game. It's essential for automation, external admin tools, and managing the server from another machine.

Enable RCON [#enable-rcon]

<Tabs items={['Config Editor (Recommended)', 'Manual JSON']}>
  <Tab value="Config Editor (Recommended)">
    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Open the Config Editor [#open-the-config-editor]

        In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Arma Reforger Config** in the sidebar.

                <img alt="Config Tool in the sidebar" src={__img0} placeholder="blur" />
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Go to the Optional tab [#go-to-the-optional-tab]

        Find the **RCON** section.

                <img alt="Config Editor Optional tab" src={__img1} placeholder="blur" />
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Set RCON port and password [#set-rcon-port-and-password]

        Configure the port (default 19999) and a strong password. **The password controls full server access — use a strong one.**
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Save and restart [#save-and-restart]

        Click **Save Changes** and restart from **Console**.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Manual JSON">
    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Stop the server [#stop-the-server]
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Edit config.json [#edit-configjson]

        In **Files**, open `config.json` and add the `rcon` block:

        ```json
        "rcon": {
          "address": "0.0.0.0",
          "port": 19999,
          "password": "YourStrongPassword",
          "permission": "admin"
        }
        ```
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Save and start [#save-and-start]
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Connect via RCON [#connect-via-rcon]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Get your RCON details [#get-your-rcon-details]

    | Field        | Value                                          |
    | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------- |
    | **Host**     | Your server IP (from **Network** in the panel) |
    | **Port**     | The RCON port (default 19999)                  |
    | **Password** | The password you set in the config             |
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Use an RCON client [#use-an-rcon-client]

    Connect with any BattlEye RCON-compatible client. Common options:

    * **BattleMetrics** — web-based RCON management
    * **PRConGUI** — desktop RCON client
    * **Custom scripts** — Python/Node libraries for automation
  </Step>
</Steps>

Common RCON Commands [#common-rcon-commands]

| Command            | Description                     |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------- |
| `#kick <playerID>` | Kick a player                   |
| `#ban <playerID>`  | Ban a player                    |
| `#shutdown`        | Gracefully shut down the server |
| `#restart`         | Restart the scenario            |
| `#players`         | List all connected players      |
| `#say <message>`   | Broadcast a chat message        |

> **Note:** Available RCON commands depend on your server version. Check `#help` in your RCON session for the full list available on your server.

Security Best Practices [#security-best-practices]

| Practice                    | Why                                                  |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Use a strong password**   | At least 16 characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols |
| **Restrict access**         | Only share credentials with trusted admins           |
| **Change the default port** | Avoid 19999 — use a non-standard port                |
| **Monitor RCON logs**       | Track who connects and what commands run             |
| **Limit by IP if possible** | Some hosts let you whitelist RCON source IPs         |

> **Warning:** RCON gives **full control** over your server. A compromised RCON password lets an attacker kick all players, modify settings, or shut down the server. Treat it like a root password.

> **Tip:** For ad-hoc commands, the **Console** tab in the XGamingServer panel gives direct server access without needing RCON setup. RCON is most useful for external tools and scripts.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Ban Players](/docs/arma-reforger/ban-players)
* [Server Admin Tools](/docs/arma-reforger/server-admin-tools)
* [Admin Setup](/docs/arma-reforger/admin-setup)