# How to Connect to Your Stay in Tarkov Server (/docs/stay-in-tarkov/connect-to-your-server)



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

Connecting to a Stay in Tarkov server requires three things: the SPT (Single Player Tarkov) framework installed on your PC, the Fika multiplayer mod, and your server's IP address. This guide walks you through the full setup process from scratch.

Prerequisites [#prerequisites]

Before connecting, make sure you have:

* A **legitimate copy of Escape from Tarkov** installed via the BSG launcher (required for SPT to work)
* The **SPT framework** installed on your PC (this creates a separate copy of Tarkov — it does not modify your live install)
* The **Fika mod** installed in your SPT client (this enables multiplayer connections to your server)

> 📝 **Note:** Stay in Tarkov (SPT + Fika) is a separate modded experience from the official Escape from Tarkov. Your live Tarkov installation is not affected. SPT creates its own copy of the game files.

Finding Your Server IP [#finding-your-server-ip]

<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 Stay in Tarkov server.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Locate your IP address [#2-locate-your-ip-address]

    Your server IP address is displayed in the sidebar (e.g., `198.137.23.46:6969`).

    > 💡 **Tip:** Click the IP address to copy it to your clipboard. The default port for SPT servers is `6969`. You'll need both the IP and port to connect.
  </div>
</div>

Installing SPT on Your PC [#installing-spt-on-your-pc]

If you don't already have SPT installed on your computer:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Download SPT [#1-download-spt]

    Go to [sp-tarkov.com](https://www.sp-tarkov.com/) and download the latest SPT release. Make sure the SPT version matches the Tarkov version your server is running.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Extract SPT [#2-extract-spt]

    Extract the SPT archive to a new folder (e.g., `C:\SPT\`). **Do not** extract it into your live Tarkov installation folder.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Run the SPT installer [#3-run-the-spt-installer]

    Run `SPT.Server.exe` once to generate the required files, then close it. Next, run `SPT.Launcher.exe` — it will automatically copy the required Tarkov files from your BSG installation.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Verify the installation [#4-verify-the-installation]

    Make sure you can launch SPT in single-player mode first. This confirms everything is working before adding Fika.

    > ⚠️ **Warning:** The SPT version on your PC **must match** the SPT version running on your server. Version mismatches will prevent you from connecting. Check the server's `Console` on the XGamingServer panel to see which version it's running.
  </div>
</div>

Installing the Fika Mod [#installing-the-fika-mod]

Fika is the mod that enables multiplayer in SPT. You need to install it on your local SPT client.

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Download Fika [#1-download-fika]

    Download the latest Fika release from the [Fika GitHub releases page](https://github.com/project-fika/Fika-Plugin/releases) or the SPT mod hub.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Install the Fika plugin [#2-install-the-fika-plugin]

    Extract the Fika files into your SPT installation folder. The plugin goes into:

    ```
    SPT/BepInEx/plugins/Fika.Core.dll
    ```

    And any additional Fika server mod files go into:

    ```
    SPT/user/mods/fika-server/
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Verify the file structure [#3-verify-the-file-structure]

    After installation, your folder structure should look like:

    ```
    SPT/
    ├── BepInEx/
    │   └── plugins/
    │       └── Fika.Core.dll
    ├── user/
    │   └── mods/
    │       └── fika-server/
    ├── SPT.Launcher.exe
    └── SPT.Server.exe
    ```

    > 📝 **Note:** You do **not** need to run the SPT server locally. Your XGamingServer instance is your server. You only need the Fika client plugin installed in your local SPT folder.
  </div>
</div>

Connecting to Your Server [#connecting-to-your-server]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open the SPT Launcher [#1-open-the-spt-launcher]

    Run `SPT.Launcher.exe` from your SPT installation folder.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Change the server address [#2-change-the-server-address]

    In the launcher, you'll see a **Server** or **URL** field at the top. Change it from `http://127.0.0.1:6969` (the default localhost) to your XGamingServer address:

    ```
    http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:6969
    ```

    For example: `http://198.137.23.46:6969`
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Create an account or log in [#3-create-an-account-or-log-in]

    If this is your first time connecting to this server, click **Register** to create a new profile. Choose a username and password. If you already have an account on this server, click **Login** with your existing credentials.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Launch the game [#4-launch-the-game]

    Click **Play** to start Tarkov with SPT and Fika.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Start or join a raid [#5-start-or-join-a-raid]

    Once in-game:

    * To **host a raid**: Select a map and start a raid normally. Fika will create a lobby that other players on the same server can join.
    * To **join a raid**: Look for the Fika lobby browser in the raid selection screen. Select an available lobby hosted by another player and join.

    > 💡 **Tip:** The player who hosts the raid acts as the P2P host for that session. They need a stable connection for the best experience. The SPT server handles profiles, traders, and progression, while raid gameplay is peer-to-peer between players.
  </div>
</div>

Troubleshooting Connection Issues [#troubleshooting-connection-issues]

If you can't connect to your server:

* **"Connection refused" or timeout** — Verify the server is running. Check `Console` on the XGamingServer panel for startup messages. The server should show "Server is running" when ready.
* **Version mismatch error** — Your local SPT version must match the server's SPT version exactly. Check the server console for the version number and download the matching SPT release.
* **"Backend connection error"** — Make sure you're using `http://` (not `https://`) in the server address, and the port is correct (default `6969`).
* **Fika not working** — Verify `Fika.Core.dll` is in `BepInEx/plugins/`. Check the BepInEx log at `BepInEx/LogOutput.log` for error messages.
* **Can't create account** — The server may have [password protection](/docs/stay-in-tarkov/set-a-password) enabled. Ask the server owner for the registration password.
* **Raid connection issues** — Fika uses P2P for raid gameplay. The raid host needs to have their ports accessible. If raids fail to connect, the host may need to check their own network configuration.

Sharing Your Server with Friends [#sharing-your-server-with-friends]

To invite friends to your server, they'll need:

1. **SPT installed** on their PC (same version as your server)
2. **Fika mod installed** in their SPT folder
3. **Your server address**: `http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:6969`
4. **Registration password** (if you've [set one](/docs/stay-in-tarkov/set-a-password))

Share these details through Discord or private messages. Each player creates their own account on the server and manages their own progression independently.

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