How to Set Up a Squad Dedicated Server
Install a Squad dedicated server on Linux using SteamCMD (AppID 403240). Covers the SquadGameServer.sh launch script, required launch parameters, and first-run directory structure.
Squad Dedicated Server Setup
Squad dedicated servers run natively on Linux. Installation uses SteamCMD with anonymous login — no paid Steam account is required.
System Requirements
- OS: 64-bit Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later recommended)
- CPU: Modern quad-core, 3.0 GHz+
- RAM: 16 GB minimum (32 GB recommended for 80+ players)
- Disk: ~30 GB for server files
- Network: 100 Mbps+, unmetered preferred
Step 1 — Install SteamCMD
sudo apt-get install lib32gcc-s1 -y
mkdir ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
Step 2 — Download the Server Files
Squad's dedicated server AppID is 403240. Anonymous login is supported.
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh \
+force_install_dir /home/steam/squad \
+login anonymous \
+app_update 403240 validate \
+quit
The download is approximately 30 GB. Use validate on first install to ensure file integrity.
Step 3 — Locate the Launch Script
After download, the Linux launch script is at:
/home/steam/squad/SquadGameServer.sh
Make it executable if needed:
chmod +x /home/steam/squad/SquadGameServer.sh
Step 4 — First Launch
Run the server to generate the default config files:
cd /home/steam/squad
./SquadGameServer.sh Port=7787 QueryPort=27165 FIXEDMAXPLAYERS=80 RANDOM=NONE -log
The first launch creates the SquadGame/ServerConfig/ directory containing all configuration files. Let the server initialize fully, then stop it before editing configs.
Launch Parameter Reference
| Parameter | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
Port= |
7787 |
Game port (UDP) |
QueryPort= |
27165 |
Steam server browser query port (UDP) |
FIXEDMAXPLAYERS= |
80 |
Max player count |
RANDOM= |
NONE or FIRST |
Map rotation order (NONE = in order, FIRST = random start) |
-log |
— | Enable log output |
Full example:
./SquadGameServer.sh Port=7787 QueryPort=27165 FIXEDMAXPLAYERS=80 RANDOM=NONE -log
Config Directory Structure
SquadGame/ServerConfig/
├── Server.cfg ← server identity, player limits, team settings
├── Admins.cfg ← admin groups and SteamID64 entries
├── LayerRotation.cfg ← map/game mode rotation list
├── Rcon.cfg ← RCON password and port
├── Bans.cfg ← banned player Steam IDs
├── License.cfg ← server license key (required for ranked)
├── Motd.cfg ← message of the day
└── MapRotation.cfg ← legacy alias for LayerRotation.cfg
Keeping the Server Updated
sudo systemctl stop squad
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh \
+force_install_dir /home/steam/squad \
+login anonymous \
+app_update 403240 \
+quit
sudo systemctl start squad
Next Steps
- Configure the server — edit
SquadGame/ServerConfig/Server.cfg - Open firewall ports — UDP 7787, 7788, 27165, 15000 and TCP/UDP 21114
- Add admins — edit
Admins.cfgwith SteamID64 entries