How to Configure Your SCUM Dedicated Server (ServerSettings.ini)
Complete SCUM ServerSettings.ini reference — server name, PvP, base raiding, vehicles, loot respawn, day/night speed, metabolism, and performance settings.
SCUM uses ServerSettings.ini for all server configuration. This is a standard INI file with Key=Value pairs.
Server File Structure
How to Edit ServerSettings.ini
Stop your server
Go to Console in the XGamingServer Panel and stop the server.
Open the file
Click Files in the sidebar and open ServerSettings.ini in the root directory.
Edit and save
Change the values you need, click Save Content, then start your server from Console.
Configuration Reference
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
ServerName | "" | Name displayed in the server browser |
Password | "" | Password to join. Leave empty for a public server |
MaxPlayers | 64 | Maximum simultaneous players (up to 64) |
ServerFPSLimit | 60 | Server tick rate cap. Higher values give smoother gameplay but use more CPU |
EnableBattleye | true | BattlEye anti-cheat. Keep enabled on public servers |
Many of these settings may also be available in Startup in the panel sidebar for quick changes.
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
AllowPVP | true | Enable player vs player combat |
DisableBaseRaiding | false | When true, players cannot damage or break into other players' bases |
EnableFamePointBounty | true | Fame points system — affects respawn mechanics and bounties |
SCUM-Specific Gameplay Systems
SCUM has unique survival systems not found in other games:
- Metabolism — The game tracks individual nutrients: calories, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Food quality matters, not just quantity
- Skill System — RPG-style skills (Survival, Stealth, Rifles, Medical, etc.) that level through use. Character attributes set skill ceilings
- Fame Points — Earned by killing players/puppets, completing events. Affect respawn options and map visibility
- Zone System — Z0 (safe) through Z4 (extreme). Higher zones have mech sentries, better loot, and more danger
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
DayTimeSpeed | 1.0 | Daytime speed multiplier. 2.0 = day passes twice as fast |
NightTimeSpeed | 1.0 | Nighttime speed multiplier. Set lower than day speed to have shorter nights |
MaxAnimalsOnServer | 200 | Maximum animals alive at once. Lower values reduce CPU usage |
Day/Night Recommendations
| Server Type | DayTimeSpeed | NightTimeSpeed |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Short nights | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| Fast-paced PvP | 2.0 | 4.0 |
| Permanent day (no night) | 1.0 | 100.0 |
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
EnableVehicles | true | Allow vehicles to spawn in the world |
MaxVehicles | 150 | Maximum vehicles that can exist at once |
LootRespawnTime | 600 | Seconds before looted containers refill (600 = 10 minutes) |
Loot Respawn Recommendations
| Style | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hardcore/scarce | 1800 | 30 minutes — loot is precious |
| Standard | 600 | 10 minutes — default balance |
| Action/PvP | 300 | 5 minutes — focus on combat, not scavenging |
| Fast loot | 120 | 2 minutes — near-instant respawn |
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 7042 | UDP | Game traffic |
| 27915 | UDP | Steam query (server browser) |
| 7243 | UDP | Steam communication |
| 9515 | TCP | RCON (remote admin) |
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
ServerIP | 0.0.0.0 | Bind address (leave as default) |
ServerPort | 7042 | Game port |
QueryPort | 27915 | Steam query port |
SteamPort | 7243 | Steam networking port |
RCONPort | 9515 | RCON port for remote admin tools |
RCONPassword | "" | RCON password. Set this if you want to use RCON |
Ports are typically pre-configured by XGamingServer. Only change them if instructed by support.
Performance Notes
SCUM is resource-intensive. For populated servers (20+ players):
- RAM: 8–12 GB recommended
MaxAnimalsOnServer: Lower to 100–150 if experiencing lagMaxVehicles: Lower to 80–100 on smaller plansServerFPSLimit: 60 is a good balance. Going higher uses significantly more CPU
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