BeamMP Dedicated Server Hosting on GlassHosting (BeamNG.drive Multiplayer)

What BeamMP is (and why friends want a dedicated host)

BeamMP is the multiplayer stack for BeamNG.drive: players run BeamNG.drive plus the BeamMP client, and someone hosts a dedicated BeamMP server. A listen host on a home PC works until that PC sleeps, updates mid-session, or sits behind residential CGNAT. Friends time out, car packs desync, and someone always asks whether the server is online.

A dedicated BeamMP instance on GlassHosting (Glass Gaming — powered by GlassHosting) stays on in a datacenter so the group can join on their own schedule—without inventing home router port forwards. This guide is the main-site hub for first launch. Deeper ticket-style how-tos live in the BeamNG / BeamMP knowledgebase.

Order, then open the game panel

After checkout, open your BeamNG.drive (BeamMP) service in panel.glasshosting.com. Note the allocated public IP and the ports shown for the service. BeamMP uses both TCP and UDP on the published allocation—share what the panel lists, not a guessed home LAN address.

New to the panel? Skim the game panel beginner guide for console, files, SFTP, and safe restarts. Background on why home hosting fails for friends: CGNAT explained and when to leave home PC hosting.

AuthKey from BeamMP Keymaster (required)

BeamMP dedicated servers need an AuthKey from the official BeamMP Keymaster. High level:

Sign in at the official Keymaster (keymaster.beammp.com) and create a key under Keys.
Paste the AuthKey into the panel Authentication Key / startup variable for your service.
One key typically runs one live server at a time—do not share it in public Discord channels.

Step-by-step screenshots and troubleshooting live in the KB: How to get a BeamMP AuthKey and start on GlassHosting. If a key is exposed, rotate it in Keymaster and update the panel variable.

Configure name, map, slots, and privacy before first start

In the panel startup / configuration variables (names may vary slightly by build):

Server name & description — something your friends will recognize in the BeamMP server list.
Map — start with a stock / supported map before stacking custom content.
Max players — keep within your plan; do not oversell peak concurrency on day one.
Private vs public — for a friends-only session, prefer private and share join details directly.

Do not leave factory defaults if the panel exposes them. Treat the AuthKey like any other shared secret.

Start clean and watch the console

Click Start in the panel.
Watch the console until the vehicle data network / host reports online (wording follows BeamMP’s own boot messages).
Do not invite the full group while the process is still installing or mid-boot.

If boot fails, stop, re-check the AuthKey and name/map settings, and start again. Avoid rapid restart loops.

How friends join (client expectations)

Every player needs a legitimate copy of BeamNG.drive plus the official BeamMP client. Install and update guidance belongs on BeamMP’s own docs—we do not mirror cracked clients or unofficial launchers.

Friends typically join via:

The BeamMP server browser (if the server is listed/public), or
Direct Connect with the panel public IP and port you shared

Have one trusted friend smoke-test before you announce to everyone. Confirm they load the map, spawn a stock vehicle, and that driving feels normal. If they cannot connect, verify you shared the panel IP and port (TCP/UDP as listed), that the console shows online, and that their BeamMP client matches a supported client/server pairing—see official BeamMP docs for version notes.

Mods and cars hygiene

Custom cars and maps are half the fun—and half the desync risk. Before big content drops:

Stop the server cleanly from the panel.
Create a named panel backup, or download the Resources / content folders via File Manager or SFTP.
Upload mods into the Resources layout BeamMP documents; keep packs consistent across players when the mod requires matching client content.
Start once, watch the console for missing-resource errors, then invite one tester before the whole group.

Named backups beat “I think there was an auto copy.” Related habit: backups before mods. Minecraft-oriented SFTP tips still apply at the panel level: SFTP workflow.

Restart and update checklist

Announce in your friends channel a few minutes before a planned restart.
Stop cleanly → named backup → apply updates or content → Start → console green → one friend smoke-test.
After BeamMP or BeamNG.drive client updates, confirm the server build still matches what friends are running before a big session.
If the AuthKey was rotated, update the panel variable before the next Start.

Private friends session tips

Prefer private listing; share IP:port only with the group
AuthKey never posted in public channels
Agree on a small starter mod set before dumping 50 car packs
One smoke-tester before group announce
Join info is panel IP + port — not a home LAN address

Related guides

MSP note

GlassHosting runs BeamMP as always-on Glass Gaming capacity—panel control, datacenter connectivity, and backup hygiene—not a PC that sleeps after work. Order or manage plans at billing.glasshosting.com; operate day-to-day at panel.glasshosting.com.