How to Connect to Your Stay in Tarkov Server

Learn how to connect to your Stay in Tarkov (SPT/Fika) server, set up the SPT launcher, and install the Fika mod for multiplayer.

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

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

Open the XGamingServer panel

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.

Installing SPT on Your PC

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

Download SPT

Go to sp-tarkov.com and download the latest SPT release. Make sure the SPT version matches the Tarkov version your server is running.

Extract SPT

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

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.

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.

Installing the Fika Mod

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

Download Fika

Download the latest Fika release from the Fika GitHub releases page or the SPT mod hub.

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/

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.

Connecting to Your Server

Open the SPT Launcher

Run SPT.Launcher.exe from your SPT installation folder.

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

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.

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 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.

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

SPT installed on their PC (same version as your server)
Fika mod installed in their SPT folder
Your server address: http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:6969
Registration password (if you've set one)

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.