How to Configure Your Nuclear Option Server
Learn how to configure your Nuclear Option dedicated server settings, including server name, password, max players, maps, and missions.
Nuclear Option server configuration is managed through the server settings file and startup parameters on the XGamingServer panel. This guide covers how to access and edit all available settings to customize your server.
Using the Startup Tab
The Startup tab provides the quickest way to configure your server's core settings.
Open the XGamingServer panel
Log in to the XGamingServer panel and select your Nuclear Option server.
Go to Startup
In the sidebar, click Startup.
Configure your settings
Edit the fields for your desired configuration. Common settings include:
| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Server Name | The name displayed in the server browser | Nuclear Option Server |
| Server Password | Password required to join (blank = no password) | — |
| Max Players | Maximum number of players allowed | 16 |
| Map/Mission | The mission or scenario to load | — |
Save and restart
After changing settings, restart your server for them to take effect.
Editing the Server Config File
For more detailed settings, you can edit the server configuration file directly:
Open the XGamingServer panel
Access the XGamingServer panel and stop your Nuclear Option server.
Navigate to Files
In the sidebar, go to Files.
Locate the config file
Look for the server settings or configuration file in the server root directory. The file name may vary depending on the server version.
Edit the settings
Open the config file and modify your desired settings. Click Save when done.
Start your server
Start your server to apply the changes.
📝 Note: Always stop your server before editing config files. Changes made while the server is running may be overwritten when the server saves its state or shuts down.
Key Configuration Settings
Here's a reference of the most commonly adjusted settings and their dedicated guides:
| Setting | Description | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Server Name | What players see in the server browser | Change Server Name |
| Server Password | Restrict who can join | Set a Password |
| Max Players | Player capacity | Max Players |
| Map/Mission | What scenario players will play | — |
Mission and Map Settings
Nuclear Option supports multiple missions and map scenarios. You can configure which mission the server runs:
Go to Startup or config file
Check the Startup tab or the server config file for the mission setting.
Set the mission
Enter the name or ID of the mission you want to run. Available missions vary by game version and updates.
Save and restart
Save your changes and restart the server.
💡 Tip: Check the Nuclear Option community or Steam discussions for the latest list of available missions, as they are frequently updated with new content.
Gameplay Settings
Depending on the server version, you may have access to additional gameplay settings in the config file:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Friendly Fire | Whether teammates can damage each other |
| Time of Day | The starting time for the mission |
| Weather | Weather conditions for the mission |
| Respawn Timer | How long players wait before respawning |
| Vehicle Limits | Maximum number of specific vehicle types |
| AI Difficulty | Difficulty level for AI opponents |
📝 Note: Not all settings may be available depending on the current version of Nuclear Option. Check the server config file for all available options.
Network Settings
Nuclear Option uses specific ports for server communication:
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Game Port | UDP | Player connections and game traffic |
| Query Port | UDP | 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, verify everything is working:
Check the console
Go to Console on the XGamingServer panel and review the startup log for any errors or warnings.
Check the server browser
Open Nuclear Option and verify your server appears in the server browser with the correct name and settings.
Test connectivity
Connect to your server and confirm the settings are applied correctly in-game.
If you get stuck at any time, you can join our Discord.
How is this guide?
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