How to Change the Game Mode on Your Sandbox Server
Swap your S&box server game mode fast: change Load Game ID, restart, use official or community IDs, and check Steam token for downloads.
S&box isn't just one game—it's an entire platform of experiences. Whether your crew wants to build massive contraptions in Sandbox mode, shoot it out in Bomb Royale, or test their wits in a maze, swapping your server's active game mode takes only a few seconds.
This guide will show you how to swap game modes and provide a list of the most popular official modes to get you started.
Changing the Active Game Mode
Your server determines what to load based on a specific text ID. Here is how to change it:
Log in to your server panel and navigate to Basic Settings.
Locate the Load Game ID text field.
Replace the current text with the exact ID of the game mode you want to play (for example:
facepunch.bombroyale).
Restart your server by going to Actions > Restart.
The changes will not take effect until the server fully reboots and downloads the new game mode assets.
Official Facepunch Game Modes
You aren't limited to these, but Facepunch provides a robust set of official game modes. Feel free to copy and paste any of these IDs directly into your settings:
| Sandbox & Testing | Action & Combat | Puzzles & Mini-games |
|---|---|---|
| facepunch.sandbox | facepunch.bombroyale | facepunch.guessit |
| facepunch.testbed | facepunch.sbdm | facepunch.memory |
| facepunch.ss1 | facepunch.battlebugs | facepunch.mazing |
| facepunch.ss2 | facepunch.sbox-flightpilot | facepunch.jumper |
| facepunch.opium_demo | facepunch.transposer | facepunch.cardinal |
Pro Tip: You can also host community-created game modes! Just find the game mode on the S&box asset browser and copy its unique ID into your Load Game ID field.
Troubleshooting & Tips
If your server refuses to load your new game mode, run through these quick checks:
Verify Your Steam Token: Many game modes (especially custom ones) require your server to download fresh assets from the Steam Workshop. If you haven't linked a Steam Token ID in your Basic Settings, the download may fail, causing the server to crash or load an empty map.
Check for Typos: The Load Game ID must be exact. Ensure there are no accidental spaces before or after the text, and that you haven't capitalized letters that should be lowercase.
Give It Time: The first time you switch to a brand-new game mode, your server has to download the files. This boot-up might take slightly longer than a standard restart.
Conclusion
With just a simple text swap, your S&box server can transform into an entirely different game. Don't be afraid to experiment with different IDs to find the perfect experience for your community!
If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance!