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The most common issues with your OpenTTD server on a VPS and how to fix them quickly, from version errors to lost save games → Learn more
Running your own OpenTTD server on a VPS is a lot of fun, but it also means taking responsibility when something goes wrong. Crashes, lag, and configuration issues are common challenges that every server owner eventually faces.
To help you spend less time troubleshooting, we’ll walk you through the most common issues and how to fix them quickly on your VPS.
FAQ
C:\ZapX-GameServers\openttd\logs\server.log. Restarts after crashes are recorded in logs\supervisor.log.OpenTTD (openttd) - Start shortcut.OpenTTD (openttd) - Backup shortcut on your VPS. Your entire VPS is also backed up daily. With an active ZapX Pass, you can restore these backups yourself.Feedback
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The causes of server issues aren’t always immediately obvious. The best place to start is the server output: if you set up OpenTTD with the Game Server Installer, you’ll find it at C:\ZapX-GameServers\openttd\logs\server.log. The installer records restarts after crashes in logs\supervisor.log.
By default, your OpenTTD server won’t appear in the public server list. Connect directly using its IP address and port, or set server_game_type = public as described in the installation guide. Also check server.log to make sure it’s running. Then check that the ports are open in the Windows Firewall and your VPS’s network firewall. You can find the ports OpenTTD requires in OpenTTD: Set up a server on your VPS. Finally, make sure players are using exactly the same OpenTTD version as the server (15.3).
Start the server via Remote Desktop using the OpenTTD (openttd) - Start shortcut, and check server.log. Common causes include a typo in openttd.cfg, a port already in use by another program, or a corrupted save game in save\autosave\exit.sav. If you’ve changed the configuration, try reverting the change.
Nothing brings a good session to an end faster than an unexpected crash. Possible causes include an outdated server version, faulty NewGRFs or scripts, VPS overload, or a misconfiguration. The installer automatically restarts your server after a crash. If it crashes several times within a short period, the installer gives up. You’ll then need to fix the cause and restart the server yourself.
Your server is running OpenTTD 15.3, and players need to use exactly this version. Updates aren’t installed automatically. Open the Game Server Installer again and select OpenTTD; it will then show Update. Alternatively, use the OpenTTD (openttd) - Update shortcut on your VPS. The version is fixed in the installer.
After a clean shutdown, the server loads save\autosave\exit.sav the next time it starts. After a crash, this save is missing, and a newer autosave (autosaveN.sav) won’t load automatically. To continue playing from that save, stop the server, copy the latest autosaveN.sav over exit.sav, and start the server again. If the server keeps crashing, try removing any recently added NewGRFs, game scripts, or AIs.
Issues such as lag or delays often occur when the configuration isn’t suitable, the VPS doesn’t have enough resources, or additional content overloads the system.
Large maps, many companies, and lots of vehicles increase resource usage. Check the settings in data\openttd.cfg, such as the number of player slots and the map size for new games. Stop the server before editing the file, as OpenTTD rewrites it when shutting down.
OpenTTD needs at least 2 GB of RAM. A new map uses very little, while large maps with many vehicles need much more. 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 your RAM or CPU is consistently maxed out, upgrading your VPS can help. Learn more in Upgrades, downgrades, extensions, and cancellations.
Ping spikes and lag are usually caused by limited VPS resources, a high player count, or a server location far from your players. First, check resource usage under Monitoring. If you suspect routing issues, see How to identify network issues with WinMTR/MTR. If you still need help, contact our support team.
Game servers are sometimes targeted by DDoS attacks that 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 issues, contact our support team.
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress. Use the OpenTTD (openttd) - Backup shortcut to back up your save games, settings and passwords, as well as any added NewGRFs, game scripts, and AIs, as a ZIP file at any time. Use OpenTTD (openttd) - 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. Learn more in Daily backups, restores, and restricted actions.
These steps should help you resolve the issue. If they don’t, don’t hesitate to contact our support team: simply start a support chat in your ZapX customer account. We’re here for you every day and happy to help! 🙂
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