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The most common problems with your Ground Branch server on a VPS—and how to quickly fix them, from crashes to lag → Learn more
Running your own Ground Branch server on a VPS is a lot of fun, but it also means taking responsibility when things go wrong. Crashes, lag, and configuration issues are common challenges every server owner encounters sooner or later.
To help you spend less time troubleshooting, we’ll show you the most common problems and how to quickly fix them on your VPS.
FAQ
C:\ZapX-GameServers\ground-branch\logs\server.log. Restarts after crashes are recorded in logs\supervisor.log.Ground Branch (ground-branch) - Start shortcut.Ground Branch (ground-branch) - Backup shortcut on your VPS to back up the settings in the ServerConfig folder. Your entire VPS is also backed up daily, and with an active ZapX Pass, you can restore these backups yourself.Feedback
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The causes of server problems aren’t always immediately clear. The best place to start is the server output: if you set up Ground Branch using the Game Server Installer, you’ll find it at C:\ZapX-GameServers\ground-branch\logs\server.log. The installer logs restarts after crashes in logs\supervisor.log.
If your server doesn’t appear in the server list, first check that it’s running and has finished starting up. Check server.log to confirm. Then make sure the game and query ports are open in the Windows Firewall and your VPS’s Network Firewall. You can find the ports Ground Branch needs in Ground Branch: Set up a server on your VPS. Also make sure there aren’t any active filters in the server list hiding your server.
Start the server using the Ground Branch (ground-branch) - Start shortcut over Remote Desktop and monitor server.log. Common causes include a typo in Server.ini, a port already in use by another program, or insufficient memory. If you’ve changed the configuration, try reverting the change.
Nothing ends a good session faster than an unexpected crash. Causes can include an outdated server version, modified game files, VPS overload, or a misconfiguration. The installer automatically restarts your server after a crash. If it crashes several times in quick succession, the installer stops trying. You’ll need to fix the cause and start the server yourself.
An outdated server can cause crashes, unexpected behavior, or startup issues, and often prevents players with a newer game version from connecting. Updates aren’t installed automatically. Open the Game Server Installer again and select Ground Branch; it will show Update. Alternatively, use the Ground Branch (ground-branch) - Update shortcut on your VPS.
Crashes after a change are often caused by additional or modified files in the server folder, especially after a game update. As a test, remove any additional content and start with a minimal configuration. If the problem goes away, add your changes back one at a time and test after each step. This helps you pinpoint what’s causing the issue.
Issues such as lag or delays often occur when the configuration isn’t suitable, the VPS doesn’t have enough resources, or too many players are online at once.
Unsuitable settings can increase resource usage and cause lag. Check the values in server\GroundBranch\ServerConfig\Server.ini and the map rotation in MapList.ini. Stop the server before editing these files.
Ground Branch needs at least 4 GB of memory. The operating system and other programs on your VPS also need resources. You can see how heavily your VPS is being used in the ZapX dashboard under Monitoring. If memory or CPU usage is consistently maxed out, upgrading your VPS can help. Learn more in Upgrade, downgrade, renewal, and cancellation.
Ping spikes and lag are usually caused by limited VPS resources, a high number of players, or a server location far from your players. First, check resource usage under Monitoring. If you suspect routing issues, see Diagnose network issues with WinMTR/MTR. If you still need help, contact our support team.
Game servers are sometimes targeted by DDoS attacks, which flood the server with traffic. Your VPS is protected by our DDoS protection. You can view past attacks in the DDoS Manager for your VPS in the ZapX dashboard, if it’s available at your location. If you suspect an attack is causing problems, contact our support team.
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress. Use the Ground Branch (ground-branch) - Backup shortcut to save the settings in the ServerConfig folder as a ZIP file at any time. Use Ground Branch (ground-branch) - Restore to restore them. Your entire VPS is also backed up automatically every day. With an active ZapX Pass, you can restore these backups yourself and create your own backups. Learn more in Daily backups, restoring, and restricted actions.
These steps should help you resolve your issue. If they don’t, don’t hesitate to contact our support team: simply create a Support Chat in your ZapX customer account. We’re here for you every day and will be happy to help! 🙂
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