# How to Change Your Insurgency: Sandstorm Server Name (/docs/insurgency-sandstorm/change-server-name)



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

The server name (hostname) is what players see when browsing for servers in the Insurgency: Sandstorm multiplayer menu. A clear, descriptive name helps players find your server and understand the game mode and rules before joining. The name is set through the `-hostname` startup parameter.

Changing Your Server Name [#changing-your-server-name]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open the XGamingServer panel [#1-open-the-xgamingserver-panel]

    Log in to the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) and select your Insurgency: Sandstorm server. Stop the server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Open Startup settings [#2-open-startup-settings]

    Click **Startup** in the sidebar. Find the **Hostname** or **Server Name** field (this maps to the `-hostname=` startup parameter).
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Enter your server name [#3-enter-your-server-name]

    Type your desired server name. For example:

    ```
    My Insurgency Server
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and restart [#4-save-and-restart]

    Click **Save** and start your server. The new name will appear in the server browser once the server finishes loading.
  </div>
</div>

Alternative: Set via Command Line [#alternative-set-via-command-line]

If you configure the server through custom command-line parameters, the hostname is set with the `-hostname=` flag:

```
-hostname="My Insurgency Server"
```

Use quotes around the name if it contains spaces.

Server Naming Tips [#server-naming-tips]

Insurgency: Sandstorm players often filter the server browser by game mode and map. A good server name includes key information:

* **Include the game mode** — `Checkpoint`, `Push`, `Firefight`, `Domination`, etc.
* **Mention PvP or Co-op** — Players specifically look for one or the other
* **Add your region** — `[US East]`, `[EU]`, `[AU]` helps players find low-ping servers
* **Include difficulty (for co-op)** — `Hardcore`, `Normal`, or `Easy` tells co-op players what to expect
* **Mention special settings** — `128 Tick`, `No Bots`, `Frenzy Mode`, etc.

**Example names:**

* `[US East] Checkpoint Co-op | Hardcore | 128 Tick`
* `[EU] Push PvP | Competitive | Friendly Fire On`
* `[AU] Frenzy Co-op | All Maps | Casual`

Server Browser Visibility [#server-browser-visibility]

Your server appears under the **Community** tab in the Insurgency: Sandstorm server browser. Players can filter by:

* **Game mode** — Checkpoint, Push, Firefight, etc.
* **Player count** — Current vs. max players
* **Ping** — Latency to the server
* **Lock icon** — Indicates a [password-protected](/docs/insurgency-sandstorm/set-a-password) server
* **Map** — Currently loaded [map](/docs/insurgency-sandstorm/change-map)

If players can't find your server in the browser:

* Make sure the server has finished starting — check the **Console** in the XGamingServer panel
* Verify the server is not crashing on startup (check for errors in Console)
* Players can always [direct connect](/docs/insurgency-sandstorm/connect-to-your-server) using the server IP if the browser isn't working

> 💡 **Tip:** Your server name is purely cosmetic and can be changed at any time without affecting gameplay, maps, player data, or any other settings.

If you get stuck at any time, you can join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).