# Squad Server Licensing (Licensed vs Community Servers) (/docs/squad/server-licensing)



Squad dedicated servers run in one of two modes: **unlicensed** (also called *community* servers) or **licensed**. This page explains the difference and where the license lives.

Licensed vs Unlicensed [#licensed-vs-unlicensed]

|                              | Unlicensed (Community) | Licensed                      |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Appears in server browser    | ✅ Yes                  | ✅ Yes                         |
| Runs out of the box          | ✅ Yes                  | Requires approval             |
| Debug / dev testing commands | Available              | **Disabled**                  |
| Officially recognised        | No                     | ✅ Yes                         |
| Requires application         | No                     | Yes — via Offworld Industries |

Any XGamingServer Squad server runs fine **unlicensed** out of the box — it will list and accept players. Licensing is Offworld's program for established communities that want an officially recognised server; the exact perks and any limits are defined by Offworld, so check their current [server licensing](https://squad.fandom.com/wiki/Server_licensing) requirements rather than relying on older community figures.

> One concrete, documented difference: **debug/dev testing commands are disabled on licensed servers** (they remain available on unlicensed/local servers). See [Admin & RCON Commands](/docs/squad/admin-console-commands).

> Several `Server.cfg` values are noted as *"required for Licensed servers"* — the teamkill auto-kick settings (`TKAutoKickEnabled`, `AutoTKBanNumberTKs`, `AutoTKBanTime`). Keep these sensible even on a community server. See the [Server.cfg Reference](/docs/squad/server-cfg-reference).

Where the License Lives [#where-the-license-lives]

The license key is stored in `SquadGame/ServerConfig/License.cfg`. On a fresh server this file is **empty** (0 bytes) — that's normal for an unlicensed community server.

If you are granted a license, Offworld provides a key that goes into this file. Do not share your license key publicly.

Applying for a License [#applying-for-a-license]

Server licensing is handled directly by **Offworld Industries**, not the host. Communities apply through Offworld's server licensing program (see the [Squad wiki: Server Licensing](https://squad.fandom.com/wiki/Server_licensing)). Approval considers your community's size, activity, and adherence to the server rules of conduct.

Do You Need One? [#do-you-need-one]

For most customers — clans, friend groups, small communities — **no**. Run unlicensed. Consider applying only when you're consistently filling a server and want the full 100-slot cap and enforced custom rulesets.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server.cfg Reference](/docs/squad/server-cfg-reference)
* [Server Troubleshooting](/docs/squad/troubleshooting)
* [Reserved Slots](/docs/squad/reserved-slots)