How to Use RCON Commands on Your Insurgency: Sandstorm Server
Enable and use RCON on your Insurgency: Sandstorm server—secure the password, send admin commands, kick/ban players and troubleshoot easily.
Running a hardcore tactical shooter like Insurgency: Sandstorm requires active administration. Whether you need to instantly kick a toxic player who is team-killing, force a map change to a new objective, or broadcast a critical message to your squad, using Remote Console (RCON) commands is the most efficient way to manage your warzone.
RCON allows you to send direct server commands right from your web browser or a third-party client without even launching the game. It is a powerful tool for any server owner. This guide will show you exactly how to enable and use RCON on your Sandstorm server so you can take full control of the battlefield.
Step - By - Step Guide
Before you can start firing off admin commands, you need to enable the feature and set up a secure password to keep unauthorized players out of your console.
Part 1: Enabling RCON
Log into your server panel and navigate to Actions > Shutdown to safely stop the server. You should always shut down your server before making configuration changes!
Click on the Basic Settings tab located on the left side navigation menu.
Locate the RCON settings. Make sure RCON is enabled and type in a secure, memorable RCON password.
Save your newly configured settings.
Navigate to Actions > Restart to boot your server back up. Your server is now actively listening for RCON connections!
Part 2: Sending Commands
Once your server has fully finished booting up, click on the Console tab in your server panel navigation menu.
At the top of the console window, locate the dropdown menu and switch it from Game to RCON. The console interface should be automatically authenticated.
Alternatively, if you prefer external desktop tools, you can input your server IP, game port, and RCON password into any compatible third-party RCON client to manage your server from there.
Common RCON Commands
Now that you have console access, you might be wondering what exactly you can type! Here is a quick list of essential commands to help you manage your Sandstorm matches:
- say [message]: Broadcasts a server-wide message to all players. This is incredibly useful for warning your lobby about an incoming map change or server restart.
- kick [PlayerName]: Instantly removes a disruptive player from the current match.
- ban [SteamID]: Permanently bans a troll or hacker from your server. It is highly recommended to use their SteamID rather than their display name to ensure you ban the correct person.
- map [MapName] [Scenario]: Forces the server to immediately switch to a specific map and game mode layout.
- listplayers: Displays a complete roster of all currently connected players alongside their unique IDs.
Troubleshooting and Tips
If your RCON console is throwing errors, refusing to connect, or timing out, do not panic. Run through these common fixes to get your console online:
- Restart After Changes: The most common mistake admins make is forgetting to reboot. If you enabled RCON or changed the password in Basic Settings, it will not take effect until you perform an Actions > Restart.
- Check Server Boot Status: The RCON protocol only starts listening after the server engine has completely loaded the map. If you try to connect through the RCON console while the server is still booting up, the connection will fail. Give the server a couple of minutes to load, then try again.
- Verify Passwords: Double-check that you actually typed a password in the Basic Settings tab. RCON simply will not work if the password field is left blank, or if you are accidentally typing the wrong password into the console login. This only applies to third-party RCON, as the built-in RCON on your server should automatically be authenticated.
- Disabled Status: Always verify that the RCON feature is actually toggled on in your settings. If it gets turned off by mistake, the RCON connection will remain unresponsive.
Conclusion
Setting up RCON gives you absolute control over your Insurgency: Sandstorm operations. By keeping your basic settings updated and remembering to restart your server after any changes, you can manage your lobbies, moderate toxic players, and change scenarios seamlessly. Secure your RCON password, load up the console, and keep your tactical matches running smoothly!
If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance!