How to Configure Your Ground Branch Server

Learn how to configure your Ground Branch dedicated server using startup parameters and server config files on the XGamingServer panel.

Ground Branch server configuration is handled through a combination of startup parameters and server configuration files. The startup parameters control core settings like hostname, port, and max players, while config files handle more detailed gameplay and admin settings.

Using Startup Parameters

Startup parameters are the primary way to configure your Ground Branch server's core settings.

Open the XGamingServer panel

Go to Startup

In the sidebar, click Startup.

Configure your parameters

You'll see fields for the most common startup parameters. Edit the values as needed:

Parameter	Description	Default
`-hostname=`	Server name shown in the browser	`Ground Branch Server`
`-port=`	Game port for player connections	`7777`
`-queryport=`	Steam query port for server browser listing	`27015`
`-maxplayers=`	Maximum number of players	`8`
`-password=`	Server password (leave blank for no password)	—

Save and restart

After changing startup parameters, restart your server for the changes to take effect.

📝 Note: Some startup parameters are managed automatically by XGamingServer (like port and query port). Only change these if instructed by support.

Editing Server Config Files

For more detailed settings, you can edit the server configuration files directly:

Open the XGamingServer panel

Access the XGamingServer panel and stop your Ground Branch server.

Navigate to Files

In the sidebar, go to Files.

Locate the config files

Navigate to the server configuration directory. The primary config files are typically found in:

GroundBranch/ServerConfig/

Edit the config

Open the relevant config file, make your changes, and click Save.

Start your server

Start your server to apply the changes.

Key Configuration Settings

Here's a reference of the most commonly adjusted settings and where to find them:

Setting	Where to Change	Guide
Server Name	Startup → `-hostname=`	Change Server Name
Server Password	Startup → `-password=`	Set a Password
Max Players	Startup → `-maxplayers=`	—
Map and Game Mode	Startup / Config	Change Map
Admin Access	Config files / RCON	Adding Admins

Startup Parameter Reference

Below is a complete reference of available startup parameters for Ground Branch dedicated servers:

Parameter	Description	Example
`-hostname=`	Sets the server name displayed in the server browser	`-hostname=My Tactical Server`
`-port=`	Sets the game port for player connections	`-port=7777`
`-queryport=`	Sets the Steam query port for server browser listing	`-queryport=27015`
`-maxplayers=`	Sets the maximum number of players allowed	`-maxplayers=12`
`-password=`	Sets a password to join the server	`-password=secret123`
`-log`	Enables logging output for debugging	`-log`
`-ServerAdminPassword=`	Sets the RCON/admin password	`-ServerAdminPassword=adminpass`

💡 Tip: When setting multiple startup parameters, separate each one with a space. For example: -hostname=My Server -maxplayers=12 -password=secret123

Network Ports

Ground Branch uses two ports that must be accessible for the server to function properly:

Port	Protocol	Purpose
`7777`	UDP	Game traffic — player connections
`27015`	UDP	Steam query — server browser listing

📝 Note: XGamingServer handles port allocation and firewall rules automatically. You do not need to configure port forwarding or firewall settings yourself.

Verifying Your Configuration

After making changes, you can verify everything is working:

Check the console

Go to Console on the XGamingServer panel and look for startup messages confirming your settings (hostname, max players, port, etc.).

Check the server browser

Open Ground Branch and verify your server appears in the server browser with the correct name and settings.

Test connectivity

Try connecting to your server to confirm players can join.

If you get stuck at any time, you can join our Discord.

How to Configure Your Ground Branch Server

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