BeamMP Server Hosting: How to Host a BeamMP Server in 2026

Quick answer: To host a BeamMP server, you need the free BeamMP server software, an auth key from the BeamMP Keymaster, and somewhere to run it with port 30814 (TCP and UDP) open to players. You can run it on your own PC, but most owners use BeamMP server hosting so the server stays online 24/7 with DDoS protection and no port forwarding.

This guide covers what a BeamMP server needs, how self-hosting compares with paid hosting, and how to get a server online step by step.

Written by Tom, founder of HTNetwork, which hosts BeamMP servers in the US, UK and Australia.

What is BeamMP server hosting?

BeamMP server hosting means renting a server that runs the BeamMP server software for you, so your BeamNG.drive multiplayer server is online around the clock without using your own PC or internet connection.

BeamMP is a free multiplayer mod for BeamNG.drive, the soft-body physics driving game. Players install the BeamMP launcher, pick a server from the in-game browser and join to drive, race, drift and crash together. Each server is run by its owner, who chooses the map, mods, player limit and rules.

A host takes care of the parts that are awkward at home: keeping the server online, opening the network port, protecting it from DDoS attacks and serving mod files to every player who joins.

What does a BeamMP server need?

A BeamMP server needs an auth key, an open port, a good upload connection for sending mods to players, and enough storage for your maps and mod packs. The server software itself is free and runs on Windows or Linux.

An auth key

Every public BeamMP server needs an auth key from the BeamMP Keymaster, which you log in to with Discord. The key goes in the AuthKey line of your server's ServerConfig.toml file and lets the server appear in the BeamMP server list.

Port 30814 (TCP and UDP)

BeamMP servers listen on port 30814 by default, over both TCP and UDP. Players cannot join unless that port is reachable from the internet (BeamMP docs).

Upload bandwidth for mods

When a player joins, the server sends them every vehicle and map mod it is running. A large mod pack on a slow home upload means long join times for everyone. Hosted servers in a data centre have far more upload capacity.

Storage and RAM

Modded maps and vehicle packs can run to several gigabytes, so storage fills up faster than you might expect. RAM needs grow with player count, the number of cars per player and any server-side Lua plugins you run.

Where mods and plugins go

• Vehicle and map mods: .zip files in the Resources/Client folder. Players download them automatically when they join.
• Server plugins (such as Cobalt Essentials): Lua scripts in the Resources/Server folder.
• The map: set with the Map line in ServerConfig.toml, for example /levels/west_coast_usa/info.json.

Should you host a BeamMP server yourself or pay for hosting?

Self-hosting is free and fine for a few friends while you are playing. Paid BeamMP hosting is better for any server you want online when you are not, or that strangers will join.

Port forwarding is the step that stops most people. Some home connections (such as those behind carrier-grade NAT) cannot be port forwarded at all. If you want to self-host without touching your router, HTN Panel installs a BeamMP server on your PC in one click and connects players through a tunnel.

Why host your BeamMP server with HTNetwork?

HTNetwork BeamMP server hosting gets a BeamMP server online in minutes from $6.08 a month, in the US, UK or Australia, with DDoS protection and mod and custom map support included.

• Three locations: Texas (USA), London (UK) and Sydney (Australia). BeamMP syncs vehicles in real time, so pick the one closest to your players.
• DDoS protection on every server, so a public server is not one attack away from going offline.
• Mods and custom maps: upload vehicle packs, maps and server plugins through the control panel.
• One-click installation and a custom control panel to start, stop, edit config and manage files.
• Automated backups so a broken mod or config change is easy to roll back.
• DDR5 RAM, NVMe storage and unlimited bandwidth, so big mod packs reach players quickly.
• Plans by player count: choose your slots in the configurator and the resources scale with it.

HTNetwork also runs FiveM, Minecraft and other game servers, and builds HTN Panel, so if your community grows beyond BeamMP, everything can stay in one place.

How do you set up a BeamMP server?

Get an auth key, start the server, add your key and settings to ServerConfig.toml, add mods, then join from the BeamMP launcher. On a hosted server most of this is done for you.

1. Get your server. Order BeamMP hosting and pick the location closest to your players, or download the free server software from beammp.com to self-host.
2. Get an auth key. Log in to the BeamMP Keymaster with Discord, create a key and copy it. Keep it private.
3. Edit ServerConfig.toml. Paste your key into AuthKey, and set Name, Description, MaxPlayers, MaxCars and Map. Set Private to true if you do not want it listed publicly.
4. Add mods. Put vehicle and map .zip files in Resources/Client, and Lua plugins in Resources/Server. If you use a custom map, set the Map line to that map's info.json path.
5. Open the port (self-hosting only). Forward 30814 TCP and UDP on your router and allow it through your firewall.
6. Start the server and join. Open the BeamMP launcher, find your server by name in the server list, or connect directly by IP and port.

If your server does not appear in the list, the usual causes are a missing or wrong auth key, a closed port, or a BeamNG and BeamMP version mismatch after a game update.

BeamMP server hosting FAQ

How much does BeamMP server hosting cost?

HTNetwork BeamMP hosting starts at $6.08 a month. Running the BeamMP server software yourself is free, but you pay in setup time, port forwarding and keeping your PC on.

What port does a BeamMP server use?

Port 30814 by default, over both TCP and UDP. You can change it in ServerConfig.toml, but the new port must be open too.

How do I get a BeamMP auth key?

Log in to the BeamMP Keymaster with your Discord account, create a new key and paste it into the AuthKey line of ServerConfig.toml.

How do I add mods to a BeamMP server?

Place vehicle and map mod .zip files in the server's Resources/Client folder. Players download them automatically when they join. Server-side Lua plugins go in Resources/Server.

How do I make my BeamMP server private?

Set Private to true in ServerConfig.toml. The server will not appear in the public list, and only players with your IP and port can join.

Why is my BeamMP server not showing in the server list?

Check that your auth key is correct, that port 30814 is open (TCP and UDP), that Private is set to false, and that the server and game are on matching versions after a BeamNG update.

Can I host a BeamMP server without port forwarding?

Yes. Use BeamMP server hosting, where the network is handled for you, or HTN Panel, which runs the server on your PC and connects players through a tunnel.

Can I run a BeamMP server on Linux?

Yes. The BeamMP server software is available for both Windows and Linux.

Summary: the easiest way to host a BeamMP server

A BeamMP server needs an auth key, port 30814 open, good upload bandwidth for mods and a machine that stays on. Self-hosting works for a few friends, but BeamMP server hosting is the easiest way to keep a public or community server online, protected and fast.

Get your HTNetwork BeamMP server in Texas, London or Sydney from $6.08 a month, or try self-hosting with no port forwarding using HTN Panel.

About the author: Tom founded HTNetwork, a UK game server hosting company running BeamMP, FiveM and Minecraft servers, and runs the HighwayTrooper YouTube channel.