# Loading a Local Project on Your s&box Server (/docs/sbox/local-projects)



s\&box lets you run a **local project** on a dedicated server by passing the path to a `.sbproj` file to `+game` instead of a package ident. This is the workflow for developing and iterating on your own game with real players connected.

How It Works [#how-it-works]

When you boot the server pointed at a local `.sbproj`:

* The project loads from disk on the server.
* **Connected clients receive code changes and hotload them** — you don't need to ship a new build to see changes live.

Example [#example]

Point `+game` at a project path:

```bat
sbox-server.exe +game "C:\Projects\my-game\my-game.sbproj" +hostname "Dev Server"
```

Or on Linux:

```bash
./sbox-server.exe +game "/home/user/projects/my-game/my-game.sbproj" +hostname "Dev Server"
```

Quote paths that contain spaces.

Tips for Iterating [#tips-for-iterating]

* Edit code in your project as normal — the server picks up the change and pushes it to clients.
* For very large asset changes, expect a brief reload as clients pick them up.
* Keep your `.sbproj` on local disk on the server box. Network mounts can cause file-watcher hiccups.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Launch Parameters](/docs/sbox/launch-parameters)
* [Change Game & Map](/docs/sbox/change-game-and-map)
* [Staging Branch](/docs/sbox/staging-branch)