# Quake 3 Server Troubleshooting (/docs/quake-3/fix-issues)



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

Common issues with Quake 3 dedicated servers and how to fix them.

Missing pak0.pk3 [#missing-pak0pk3]

The server **cannot start** without `pak0.pk3` from a legitimate Quake 3 installation. This file contains the base game assets.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Find pak0.pk3 [#find-pak0pk3]

    Locate it in your local Quake 3 install at:

    ```
    <Quake 3 install dir>/baseq3/pak0.pk3
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Upload to the server [#upload-to-the-server]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Files** and navigate to `baseq3/`. Upload `pak0.pk3`.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restart from Console [#restart-from-console]

    Start the server. It should now boot successfully.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Server Not in Browser [#server-not-in-browser]

| Check                   | Fix                                                   |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Port 27960 UDP open** | Verify on the **Network** page in the panel           |
| **sv\_hostname set**    | Check `baseq3/server.cfg` has `seta sv_hostname` set  |
| **Server is running**   | Look at **Console** for "Server initialized"          |
| **Just started**        | Wait 2–3 minutes for the master server list to update |

Players Can't Connect [#players-cant-connect]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Verify the IP and port [#verify-the-ip-and-port]

    In the panel **Network** tab, confirm your IP and port. The default port is **27960** (UDP).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Check for password mismatch [#check-for-password-mismatch]

    If `g_password` is set in `server.cfg`, players need to use:

    ```
    \password "YourPassword"
    \connect 123.45.67.89:27960
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Check sv_pure [#check-sv_pure]

    If `sv_pure 1` is set, players with modified game files cannot connect. Set `sv_pure 0` for modded servers.
  </Step>
</Steps>

RCON Not Working [#rcon-not-working]

| Check                | Fix                                                                   |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `rconPassword` set   | Verify in `server.cfg`                                                |
| Using correct syntax | Format is `\rcon <password> <command>`                                |
| Password leaked      | Change it immediately if compromised — RCON gives full server control |

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/quake-3/server-config)
* [Connect to Your Server](/docs/quake-3/join-server)