SCP: Secret Laboratory is a free-to-play multiplayer game set in the SCP Foundation universe. Up to 25 players take on roles ranging from escaping scientists and D-Class personnel to SCP creatures and military operatives. Every round plays out differently depending on who does what and which SCPs are active. Hosting your own server lets you set the rules, install plugins, and build a community around your vision of the containment breach.
System requirements
- RAM: 4 to 8 GB. A full 25-player server with plugins runs comfortably at 6 GB. Lighter servers with 10 to 15 players manage fine on 4 GB.
- CPU: 2 to 4 cores. The game simulates player interactions, SCP abilities, and facility systems. Good single-thread performance matters for smooth round transitions.
- Storage: 2 to 4 GB for the server files, logs, and plugin data.
- Network: Port 7777 UDP. DDoS protection is strongly recommended. Popular SCP:SL servers are frequent targets.
HostValues includes DDoS protection on every plan. Combined with AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processors and NVMe storage, you have the foundation for a responsive SCP:SL server.
Installation with LocalAdmin
SCP:SL uses its own server software called LocalAdmin, provided by Northwood Studios. It is not distributed through SteamCMD.
- Download the dedicated server from the official SCP:SL website or through SteamCMD app ID 996560.
- On Linux, install the required dependencies:
libgdiplusand the .NET runtime. The server runs on Mono or .NET. - Extract the files and run
./LocalAdmin 7777to start on port 7777. Change the port number if you want a different one. - The server generates configuration files on first launch. Stop it, edit your settings, and restart.
- To run multiple servers, use different ports:
./LocalAdmin 7778,./LocalAdmin 7779, and so on.
Server configuration
The config file is located in ~/.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/config/ on Linux. Key settings:
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| max_players | Player cap, up to 25 per server. |
| server_name | The name shown in the server browser. Supports color codes. |
| friendly_fire | Whether teammates can damage each other. Most servers enable this for chaos. |
| auto_round_restart_time | Seconds before a new round starts after one ends. |
| minimum_players_to_start | How many players must be connected before a round begins. |
EXILED plugin framework
EXILED is the most popular plugin framework for SCP:SL. It replaces the older Smod system and supports the latest game versions. Installing EXILED:
- Download the EXILED installer from GitHub.
- Run the installer, which patches the server assembly and adds the plugin loader.
- Place plugin DLL files in the EXILED plugins folder.
- Restart the server. EXILED loads plugins automatically and logs their status.
Popular EXILED plugins:
- AdminTools: Extended admin commands, player tracking, and moderation features.
- CustomRoles: Create new roles with custom abilities, loadouts, and spawn conditions.
- RespawnTimer: Shows a countdown until the next respawn wave.
- SCPSwap: Lets SCP players swap roles at the start of a round.
- RemoteKeycard: Open keycard doors without holding the card in hand.
Role classes and round dynamics
Understanding the game's role system helps you configure a better server. Each round assigns players to one of several factions: SCP entities, Class-D personnel, Scientists, Facility Guards, Nine-Tailed Fox (MTF), and Chaos Insurgency. The balance between these factions determines how each round plays out. You can adjust spawn ratios in the configuration to favour specific scenarios. For example, increasing the SCP count makes rounds shorter and more intense, while more human players create longer tactical games with escape attempts and rescue operations.
Getting verified
Northwood Studios maintains a verified server list. Verified servers appear with a checkmark in the browser and are trusted by the community. Requirements include:
- Stable uptime and good performance.
- Active moderation to handle rule-breakers.
- Compliance with Northwood's server rules (no pay-to-win, no excessive modifications that break gameplay).
Apply through the official SCP:SL Discord server once your server has been running and populated for a while. The verification process can take weeks, so start building your community and demonstrating good uptime early.
Performance optimization
- Each round is self-contained, so memory accumulation between rounds is minimal. Still, restart daily to keep things clean.
- Plugin count affects startup time and per-tick overhead. Only install plugins you actually use.
- Running multiple server instances on one VPS is common for SCP:SL. Each instance on a separate port needs its own RAM allocation. Budget 4 to 6 GB per instance.
- Use the RAM calculator to size your plan if you want multiple instances.
Is SCP:SL really free to host?
Yes. The game and its dedicated server are free. You only pay for the VPS or hosting plan. There are no license fees from Northwood Studios.
How do I get players to join my server?
A good server name, active moderation, and a few signature plugins help you stand out. Build a Discord community and apply for verified status once your player base is stable. Servers with verification get significantly more organic traffic.
Can I run multiple SCP:SL servers on one VPS?
Yes. Each server instance runs on a different port. A HostValues VPS with 16 GB of RAM can comfortably host 2 to 3 full 25-player servers simultaneously.
Why does my server crash at round start?
Plugin conflicts are the most common cause. Disable all EXILED plugins and re-enable them one by one to find the culprit. Also check that your EXILED version matches your SCP:SL server version. After a game update, plugins often need updates too.
Contain the breach on a HostValues VPS with DDoS protection and the resources to run multiple SCP:SL instances.
