SCUM Server Settings: Configuration Guide for PvP, PvE, and Performance
Configuring Your SCUM Server for the Best Experience
SCUM gives server administrators extensive control over gameplay through its ServerSettings.ini file and in-game admin menu. With the 1.0 release, new systems like armed NPCs, the quest framework, and expanded vehicles added even more settings to tune. Getting these right is the difference between a thriving server and an empty one.
This guide breaks down the most important SCUM server settings by category, with recommended values for different playstyles.
Core Server Settings
These settings in ServerSettings.ini define the fundamental identity of your server.
Server Identity
- ServerName: Choose something descriptive that includes your playstyle. Example: "Reactor EU | PvP | 2x Loot | Active Admins"
- ServerDescription: A brief pitch for your server visible in the browser
- MaxPlayers: Match this to your hardware. 40 players is a good target for 16 GB RAM servers. Going higher without adequate resources degrades everyone's experience.
- ServerPlaystyle: Set to "PVP" or "PVE" depending on your community focus
Access Control
- ServerPassword: Set for whitelisted communities, leave blank for public servers
- AdminPassword: Required for in-game admin access. Use a strong, unique password.
Loot and Economy Settings
Loot balance is one of the most impactful aspects of server configuration. Too much loot removes survival tension. Too little frustrates new players.
Recommended Loot Multipliers
| Playstyle | SpawnerProbabilityMultiplier | ExamineSpawnerProbabilityMultiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Hardcore | 0.5 - 0.8 | 0.5 - 0.8 |
| Vanilla-like | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Boosted casual | 2.0 - 3.0 | 2.0 - 3.0 |
| High-loot PvP | 3.0 - 5.0 | 3.0 - 5.0 |
For PvP servers, higher loot rates reduce the time players spend scavenging and increase the time spent in combat. For survival-focused servers, keeping loot scarce forces players into risky areas and meaningful decisions.
Economy Override
For granular control beyond global multipliers, edit the EconomyOverride.json file. This lets you adjust spawn rates for individual item categories. You can make firearms rare while keeping food and medical supplies plentiful, or vice versa.
The community tool at trader.scum-global.com can help generate economy override configurations.
PvP and Combat Settings
Damage Multipliers
- HumanToHumanDamageMultiplier: The core PvP damage setting
- 0: PvP completely disabled (pure PvE server)
- 0.5: Reduced PvP damage for semi-PvE servers
- 1.0: Vanilla damage
- 1.5 - 2.0: Hardcore PvP with faster time-to-kill
NPC Combat Settings
Since 1.0 introduced armed NPCs with tiered difficulty, tuning their behavior is now a key admin task:
- NPC tiers range from Level 1 (minimal gear) to Level 5 (fully equipped soldiers)
- ProbabilityForArmedNPCToDropItemFromHandsWhenSearched controls how reliably NPCs drop usable loot
- The encounter-based spawn system triggers NPCs based on player noise and movement, so increasing player activity in an area naturally increases NPC presence
For PvE servers, NPCs are the primary combat challenge. Increase NPC density and ensure higher-tier NPCs spawn in military and industrial areas to create meaningful danger zones.
Performance Optimization
Server performance directly affects player experience. Rubber-banding, desync, and slow zone loading drive players away faster than any gameplay setting.
AI and Entity Management
Lowering AI counts reduces server CPU load. If your server struggles with performance, reduce the number of simultaneous NPC spawns and wildlife entities before reducing player slots.
Vehicle Respawn Timers
Vehicles consume server resources. Increasing vehicle respawn timers reduces the total number of active vehicles on the map at any time, which helps performance on servers that do not restart frequently.
Restart Schedule
Regular restarts are essential for SCUM servers. Memory usage accumulates over time, and a 4 to 6 hour restart cycle keeps performance consistent. Announce restarts with in-game warnings at 15, 5, and 1 minute before the cycle.
Recommended Performance Settings
| Setting | Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Restart interval | 4-6 hours | Prevents memory buildup |
| MaxPlayers | Match to RAM | 8 GB = 20, 16 GB = 40+ |
| Storage type | NVMe SSD | 30% faster zone loads |
| BattlEye | Always enabled | Security and fairness |
Settings for Specific Server Types
Hardcore Survival
- Loot multipliers at 0.5
- PvP damage at 1.5
- NPC tiers 3-5 dominant
- No trader economy
- Night time enabled at normal speed
Casual PvE
- Loot multipliers at 2.0-3.0
- PvP damage at 0 (disabled)
- NPC tiers 1-3 dominant
- Trader economy enabled
- Shorter night cycles
Competitive PvP
- Loot multipliers at 3.0-5.0
- PvP damage at 1.0-1.5
- NPC tiers reduced or disabled
- Trader economy with weapon access
- Fast day/night cycle
Applying Settings Changes
Settings can be changed in two ways:
- ServerSettings.ini: Edit directly through your hosting control panel or file manager. Requires a server restart to apply.
- In-Game Admin Menu: Some settings can be changed live during gameplay if you are logged in as admin.
Always back up your ServerSettings.ini before making major changes. A bad configuration can prevent the server from starting.