MASTERARM / SUPPORT SYSTEMS

DCS hosting.Every answer.

From your first multiplayer mission to advanced server management. Clear, practical answers to keep your squadron mission-ready.

43 expert answers06 knowledge areasBuilt for DCS World
NAVIGATE / HELP CENTER

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01 / PRE-FLIGHT

Getting started

Everything you need to know before you launch a DCS multiplayer server.

What is a DCS dedicated server?

A DCS dedicated server hosts a multiplayer mission independently of a player’s gaming PC. It can remain online for your squadron or community according to your hosting plan and configuration.

Do I need to keep DCS running on my own computer?

No. Once your hosted server is configured and running, your own PC does not need to stay online for other pilots to connect.

How do I choose the right server plan?

Consider expected concurrent human players, mission complexity, AI unit count, scripts, mods and add-ons. A heavily scripted mission can require more resources than a simple mission with the same player count. Contact support if you are unsure.

What does a player slot mean?

A player slot is a mission position available to a human pilot or client. AI-controlled units are not human player slots, but they still consume server resources. Check your plan’s limits and mission configuration before ordering.

Does a higher player-slot count guarantee better mission performance?

No. Performance also depends on CPU workload, available RAM, mission scripting, AI activity and DCS behavior. Slot count is not a performance benchmark.

Can I host a private squadron server?

Yes. DCS supports password-protected multiplayer servers. You can share connection details and the password with your squadron members.

What is the difference between prepaid and subscription hosting?

Prepaid hosting is purchased for a fixed term without automatic renewal. A subscription renews automatically every 30 days until cancelled. Both options begin their service period upon delivery; choose the option that best matches your squadron’s schedule.

02 / CHECKOUT

Orders & delivery

Plans, payment, provisioning and what to expect after purchase.

How do I order a DCS server?

Choose a suitable hosting plan on MasterArm, complete checkout and follow the onboarding instructions sent after your order is processed.

When will my server be delivered?

Our published Terms and Conditions allow up to 48 hours after payment completion for delivery. Provisioning may be quicker depending on workload. Check your order confirmation and contact support with your order number if needed.

Where can I check my order details?

Check your order confirmation and account information. If your order or delivery details are missing, contact support with your order number. Do not share passwords publicly.

Can I request a custom configuration?

Contact MasterArm before ordering if you need an unusual player count, additional RAM, multiple services or a special hosting setup. Availability and pricing require confirmation.

Which payment methods are accepted?

Available payment methods are displayed during checkout. Use the checkout page as the current source of truth, since providers and regional options may change.

Can I choose the server location?

Location options depend on the available hosting infrastructure and plan. Ask support about latency and region availability before purchasing if location is important.

03 / MISSION CONTROL

Server management

Your management portal, missions, permissions and maintenance.

How do I access and manage my server?

Use the management credentials and instructions supplied with your order. Depending on your service, available controls may include starting or stopping the server, mission configuration and service management.

What is TMT?

TMT is a server-management interface referenced in MasterArm’s existing hosting documentation. The exact interface and features available to you depend on your provisioned service; follow your delivery instructions.

Is Control Tower included with my plan?

Control Tower availability is service-dependent and should not be assumed for every hosting plan. Confirm access and supported features with MasterArm before purchasing.

Can I upload my own DCS mission?

Yes, supported mission files can be used on a hosted DCS server. Follow the upload and mission-selection instructions for your management environment, and keep a local backup.

Can I change missions or restart the server?

Mission changes and restarts depend on the controls provided with your service. Save configuration changes and notify active pilots before a disruptive restart.

Can I set a server password?

DCS multiplayer servers support password protection. Configure it in the server settings available to your hosting plan.

Can I download or back up my mission files?

Keep your own copies of mission files, scripts and configuration. Ask support which download or backup options are included with your specific service; do not assume indefinite retention after expiry.

Are DCS updates installed automatically?

Update handling depends on the service and maintenance schedule. Major DCS updates can affect missions, scripts and mods, so check compatibility and coordinate timing where necessary.

Can I use Remote Desktop (RDP) on my server?

No. MasterArm’s managed DCS hosting does not provide customer Remote Desktop access to the underlying host. Use your supplied management portal and contact support for changes that require administrator access.

04 / LOADOUT

Missions & add-ons

Foothold, Pretense, SRS, Tacview, LotATC and custom missions.

Can I run Foothold or Pretense missions?

Many community missions can run on dedicated servers, but compatibility and resource needs vary by mission version, scripts and dependencies. Share the exact mission and requirements with support for assessment.

Are scripts and mods supported?

Support depends on the mod, required dependencies, security implications and DCS version. Not every mod or script is compatible with a hosted environment, and security-sensitive changes may be restricted.

Can you disable DCS MissionScripting.lua sanitization?

Changes that weaken the server’s security controls are not automatically permitted. Contact support to discuss the mission requirement and possible supported alternatives.

Is SRS supported?

Yes. MasterArm advertises SRS with its DCS hosting solution. Check your specific plan and delivery instructions for access details, service configuration and any special requirements.

Can I use LotATC?

LotATC may be available as an add-on where the server has sufficient resources. Ask support about compatibility, licensing, setup and any additional charges.

Is Tacview supported?

Yes. Tacview is included in MasterArm’s advertised DCS hosting solution. Recording and download options depend on the service setup; refer to your management portal and confirm event-specific requirements with support.

Do complex missions need more RAM?

Often, yes. Large missions, many AI units, persistence features and supporting services can increase memory use. Ask for a resource assessment if you experience crashes or slowdowns.

Can I run multiple DCS instances?

Multiple instances require an appropriate service configuration and enough CPU, RAM and network resources. Do not assume a single-server plan includes multiple instances.

05 / ACCOUNT

Billing & renewals

Upgrades, renewals, subscriptions and cancellation.

Can I upgrade my server?

Upgrades may be possible depending on available capacity and your plan. Contact support with your current service and desired player count or resource changes for a quote.

Can I add more RAM?

Additional RAM may be available for eligible servers. Pricing and feasibility depend on the current plan and host capacity; request confirmation before ordering.

Can I downgrade or change plans?

Plan changes may be possible, but their timing and billing treatment depend on the applicable terms. Contact support before your next renewal.

What happens when my subscription expires?

A prepaid server shuts down at the end of its purchased term if it has not been extended. Subscription plans renew automatically until cancelled; a cancelled subscription remains active through the paid billing period. Keep copies of your mission files and configuration before expiry.

How do I cancel or stop renewal?

Subscription plans can be cancelled at any time; service remains active until the paid billing cycle ends. Use the subscription controls associated with your account or contact support if you cannot find them. Prepaid plans do not renew automatically.

Can I get a refund?

The published terms generally do not provide refunds for unused time after delivery. A cancellation before delivery may be subject to a €20 preparation fee. Consult the full Terms and Conditions for the applicable policy and contact support about your order.

06 / GROUND CREW

Help & troubleshooting

Fix connectivity and performance issues, or talk to our experts.

My server is not visible in the DCS server list. What should I check?

Verify the server is running, the correct DCS version and mission are loaded, and the server is configured for public listing if desired. Try connecting directly using the supplied address; contact support if it remains unreachable.

Why does my mission lag or freeze?

Possible causes include AI load, intensive scripts, mission errors, insufficient resources or network conditions. Note when the problem occurs, capture relevant logs and share the mission name and version with support.

What should I do if the server crashes?

Record the approximate time, mission name, recent changes and any error messages. Avoid repeatedly restarting without collecting evidence; contact support so the cause can be investigated.

Can I request help installing an add-on?

Yes. Contact support with the add-on name, version, documentation and your server details. Installation depends on compatibility, security requirements and the service scope.

How can I contact MasterArm support?

Use the contact or support options published on the MasterArm website or the support channel provided with your order. Include your order number and a concise description of the issue, but never send passwords in a public message.

When is technical support available?

The website lists daily support hours of 10:00–22:00 German local time (CET/CEST). Submit support requests using the contact options on the website; response times follow the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Where can I find setup and performance guides?

Visit the MasterArm blog for practical guides, including the DCS Dedicated Server setup guide and server performance recommendations. If a guide does not match your plan or DCS version, contact support before making changes.

WE’VE GOT YOUR SIX

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