How to Make a BeamMP Server: 2026 Setup & Hosting Guide

Setting up a multiplayer server for BeamNG.drive using BeamMP allows you and your friends to cruise, drift, or crash together in real-time physics simulations. However, running a server properly requires understanding two fundamental approaches: self-hosting on your local PC or running on a 24/7 dedicated game server.

This guide walks you through both hosting methods, configuring your server files, forwarding the correct network ports, synchronizing custom mods, and resolving common connection errors.

Important Advisory: BeamMP Keymaster Migration & Private Mode

Due to ongoing backend infrastructure maintenance and account migrations within the BeamMP Keymaster system, public authentication keys and master list registrations have experienced temporary outages. Because of this migration, many community servers currently operate in Private Mode.

Can you and your friends still play? Yes, with zero interruptions. You do not need a Keymaster AuthKey to run or join a server:

• On AssettoHosting: Simply toggle the Private Mode switch to ON in your server control panel. This bypasses Keymaster authentication completely.
• On Local Self-Hosted Servers: In ServerConfig.toml, set Private = true and leave AuthKey = "".

Once Private Mode is enabled, players connect seamlessly using the Direct Connect tab in the BeamMP launcher by entering your server IP and port (for example, 123.45.67.89:30814). On AssettoHosting, your server IP and port are displayed right next to the console in your control panel dashboard: clicking the copy button copies the full address straight to your clipboard so you can send it to friends or paste it directly into the game.

Local Hosting vs Dedicated Server: Which Should You Choose?

Before starting, decide whether you want to host locally on your home network or use a dedicated cloud server.

If you only plan to play with one friend for an hour, local hosting can work. If you want a persistent server with custom maps, heavy vehicle mods, or open public access, a dedicated server avoids home network bottlenecks and security risks.

Prerequisites Before Starting

To host a BeamMP server, make sure you have:

1. An active copy of BeamNG.drive installed via Steam.
2. The BeamMP Client installed from the official website.
3. A BeamMP Authentication Key generated from the BeamMP Keymaster. If you do not have an account yet or run into registration issues, check our BeamMP Register Account Guide. (Note: If the Keymaster is undergoing maintenance, you can skip this step by enabling Private Mode).
4. If hosting locally: administrative access to your home internet router.

Method 1: Hosting a Dedicated BeamMP Server (Recommended)

Using a dedicated server host like AssettoHosting eliminates router configuration, NAT issues, and home IP exposure. The server remains online around the clock with automated mod delivery.

Step 1: Deploy Your Server

Order a server through the AssettoHosting BeamMP Server Plans. Your server deploys automatically within minutes.

Step 2: Configure Server Settings & Private Mode

1. Open the AssettoHosting Control Panel.
2. Navigate to the Config or Startup tab.
3. Enable Private Mode: Locate the Private Mode switch and toggle it ON. During the Keymaster migration, this allows your server to run without requiring an AuthKey.
4. Set your Server Name, Description, and Max Players.
5. Choose your default map from the dropdown list (e.g., Gridmap, West Coast USA, Utah).

Step 3: Install Custom Vehicle and Map Mods

BeamMP features automated client synchronization: when players connect to your server, their client downloads the required mods directly from the server.

1. Download your desired vehicle or map mods in .zip format from the official BeamNG repository or trusted creators.
2. Open the File Manager in the control panel.
3. Navigate to the Resources/Client directory.
4. Upload your .zip mod files directly into Resources/Client. Do not unzip these files.
5. Restart your server to index the new content.

Step 4: Launch and Connect via Direct Connect

1. Click Start in the control panel.
2. On your control panel dashboard, look directly next to the console window: you will see your server's assigned IP and Port. Click the copy button next to it, and the full IP:Port address will be copied to your clipboard instantly.
3. Open BeamNG.drive using the BeamMP Launcher.
4. Click Play > Multiplayer and select the Direct Connect tab.
5. Paste your copied server address (Ctrl+V) and click Connect.

Method 2: Hosting Locally on Your Windows PC

If you prefer to host from your own computer, follow these steps to install and configure the server binary manually.

Step 1: Download Server Files

1. Visit the official BeamMP website and download the BeamMP Server zip file.
2. Create a dedicated folder on your computer (for example, C:\BeamMPServer).
3. Extract the contents of the zip file into this folder.

Step 2: Generate and Edit ServerConfig.toml

1. Double-click BeamMP-Server.exe to run it for the first time. The server will generate default configuration files and then close or request an AuthKey.
2. Open the newly created ServerConfig.toml file with a text editor like Notepad.
3. Configure the essential parameters:

[General]
Name = "My Custom BeamMP Server"
Description = "BeamNG multiplayer server"
Port = 30814
MaxPlayers = 8
Map = "/levels/west_coast_usa/info.json"
AuthKey = ""
Private = true

Private Mode During Keymaster Outages: Because the BeamMP Keymaster migration can cause auth key rejections, setting Private = true and AuthKey = "" allows the server to initialize immediately without contacting the master authentication server.

Step 3: Configure Router Port Forwarding

For external players to connect to your local server, you must forward traffic through your router:

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and note your IPv4 Address (e.g., 192.168.1.50) and Default Gateway.
2. Open your web browser, enter your Default Gateway into the address bar, and log in to your router settings.
3. Locate the Port Forwarding or Virtual Server section.
4. Create a new forwarding rule:
   • Service Name: BeamMP
   • Port Range: 30814
   • Local IP: Your PC's IPv4 address
   • Protocol: Both (UDP and TCP)
5. Save the rule and restart your router if required.

Step 4: Add Windows Firewall Exceptions

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Click Inbound Rules > New Rule.
3. Select Port, click Next.
4. Choose UDP, enter 30814, and allow the connection.
5. Repeat the process to create a second rule for TCP port 30814.

Troubleshooting Common BeamMP Server Issues

1. "Heartbeat Failed" or Server Not Showing on Public List

• This is the most common symptom of the Keymaster migration. Switch your server to Private Mode (using the switch on the AssettoHosting panel or Private = true in ServerConfig.toml) and have players join via Direct Connect.
• If running publicly once the migration is complete, verify that your AuthKey is pasted without trailing spaces and port 30814 UDP/TCP is open.

2. Vehicle Mismatch or Missing Textures

• Ensure all uploaded mods in Resources/Client remain in .zip format. Unpacking them into folders causes checksum errors for connecting clients.
• Verify mod filenames do not contain special characters or spaces. Stick to alphanumeric characters and underscores.

3. High Ping and Packet Loss

• Local hosting puts heavy strain on residential upload bandwidth. For servers with more than 4 players or large modpacks, migrate to an AssettoHosting 24/7 dedicated server with dedicated gigabit networking.