Multiplayer trucking is one of the best ways to enjoy American Truck Simulator (ATS) and Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) with friends. Whether you’re running a private convoy or managing a dedicated server, controlling the number of player slots is essential for smooth gameplay and performance.
In this guide by Revive Hosting, we’ll walk you through a simple and effective way to change player slots in ATS and ETS2 dedicated servers. This method is beginner-friendly, server-safe, and works perfectly if you’re hosting on a Linux-based environment.
Why Change Player Slots in ATS & ETS2?
By default, ATS and ETS2 servers are limited to a small number of players. Increasing or decreasing player slots allows you to:
- Host larger convoys with friends
- Manage server performance efficiently
- Create private or public multiplayer sessions
- Customize your trucking community experience
At Revive Hosting, many server owners increase slots to support growing communities while keeping gameplay stable.
Important Things to Know Before You Start
Before making changes, keep the following points in mind:
- Player slots can be set between 1 and 128
- Higher slots require better server resources
- Always restart the server after making changes
- Incorrect values can cause server startup issues
Now let’s move on to the actual configuration steps.
Step 1: Change Convoy Size in config_ds.cfg
The first file controls the maximum convoy size, which directly affects how many players can join together.
File Path:
What to Change:
Find the following line:
Update It To:
You can set any number between 1 and 128. For example:
💡 Tip from Revive Hosting: If your server has limited RAM or CPU, start with a smaller number like 32 or 64 and scale up gradually.
Step 2: Change Player Slots in server_config.sii
Next, you’ll need to update the maximum player limit for the server itself.
File Path:
What to Change:
Locate this line:
Update It To:
Set your desired number (between 1 and 128), for example:
This change allows more players to connect to your ATS or ETS2 server.
Step 3: Save Changes and Restart the Server
Once both files are updated:
- Save the files
- Fully restart your server
- Reconnect and test the new player limit
Your server should now accept the updated number of players without issues.
Does This Work for American Truck Simulator Too?
Yes
The same configuration logic applies to American Truck Simulator dedicated servers. The file names and structure are similar, making this method reliable for both games.
Server owners using Revive Hosting often apply these settings to both ATS and ETS2 without needing extra plugins or mods.
Common Issues & Fixes
Server not starting?
- Double-check file syntax
- Ensure quotation marks are correct
- Avoid exceeding 128 players
Lag with high player count?
- Reduce max players
- Upgrade server resources
- Optimize convoy size
Final Thoughts
Changing player slots in American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 is quick and effective when done correctly. With just two file edits, you can scale your server to support anything from a small convoy to a massive multiplayer trucking community.
If you’re serious about hosting ATS or ETS2 servers with maximum stability, Revive Hosting provides optimized environments that make configuration easy, fast, and reliable.