# How to Change Max Players on Your Nuclear Option Server (/docs/nuclear-option/max-players)



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

The max players setting controls how many players can be connected to your Nuclear Option server at the same time. Setting this correctly ensures a good balance between action-packed gameplay and server performance.

Changing Max Players [#changing-max-players]

<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 Nuclear Option server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Go to Startup [#2-go-to-startup]

    In the sidebar, click `Startup`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Set the max players value [#3-set-the-max-players-value]

    Find the **Max Players** field and enter your desired player limit.
  </div>

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

    Save your changes and restart the server.

    The new player limit will take effect immediately after the server restarts. Players already connected will not be kicked — the limit only prevents new players from joining once the server is full.
  </div>
</div>

Changing Max Players via Config File [#changing-max-players-via-config-file]

You can also set the player limit through the config file:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Stop your server [#1-stop-your-server]

    Stop your server from the XGamingServer panel.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Navigate to Files [#2-navigate-to-files]

    In the sidebar, go to `Files`.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Edit the config file [#3-edit-the-config-file]

    Open the server configuration file and find the max players setting.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Set the value [#4-set-the-value]

    Change the value to your desired player count.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Save and start [#5-save-and-start]

    Save the file and start your server.

    > 📝 **Note:** If the max players value is set in both the Startup tab and the config file, the Startup tab value typically takes priority.
  </div>
</div>

Recommended Player Counts [#recommended-player-counts]

The ideal player count depends on the type of experience you want to offer:

| Player Count | Experience                                      | Best For                                     |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| **2–8**      | Small-scale dogfights and practice sessions     | Squadron training, 1v1 or small team matches |
| **8–16**     | Balanced combined arms with good action density | General multiplayer, mixed vehicle types     |
| **16–24**    | Large-scale battles with full combined arms     | Community events, organized matches          |
| **24+**      | Massive battles with heavy vehicle presence     | Large events, maximum chaos                  |

> 💡 **Tip:** Start with a moderate player count (8–16) and increase it as your community grows. Higher player counts require more server resources, so watch for performance issues in the `Console` on the XGamingServer panel if you increase the limit significantly.

How Player Slots Work [#how-player-slots-work]

* **Reserving slots** — There is no built-in slot reservation in Nuclear Option. If you need to guarantee slots for specific players (e.g., admins or event organizers), set the max players slightly higher than your expected count.
* **Full server behavior** — When the server reaches the max player limit, new players attempting to join will see the server as full in the browser. They will not be able to connect until a slot opens up.
* **Spectators** — Spectators may or may not count toward the player limit depending on the server version. Check your specific configuration.

Performance Considerations [#performance-considerations]

Higher player counts increase the load on your server. Keep these factors in mind:

| Factor                 | Impact                                                                                                      |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Network bandwidth**  | More players means more network traffic — each player sends and receives position, vehicle, and weapon data |
| **CPU usage**          | Physics calculations scale with player and vehicle count                                                    |
| **Mission complexity** | Missions with more AI units combined with high player counts will use more resources                        |

If you notice performance issues with high player counts:

* Check the `Console` on the XGamingServer panel for warnings or errors
* Consider reducing AI unit counts in your mission settings
* Try lowering the player count and testing again
* Contact XGamingServer support if you need a higher-tier server plan

> 📝 **Note:** Your XGamingServer plan determines the maximum resources available to your server. If you're hosting large events with high player counts, make sure your plan supports the load.

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