Dedicated server guide

Project CARS

Manage pcarserver with AlphaGSM. Choose a runtime supported by the recorded module capabilities.

Recorded lifecycle pass · Support evidence: 2026-10-16.

Build setup commands

Runtime familysteamcmd-linux

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Network bindings

Default game port: 27015. Protocols and additional port values are unknown; review the game guide.

Mods and plugins

No mod support is declared in this snapshot; review the game guide before adding mods.

Backup hook

A module-specific backup hook is declared. Review the game guide for its scope, restore procedure and shutdown requirements.

Choose a supported runtime

Linux and Docker quickstart

Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Docker

Complete interactive setup and review game-specific configuration before starting the server. Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Start the Docker manager ./alphagsm-docker start
Create the game instance ./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver create pcarserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver setup
Start the game server ./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver status

./alphagsm-docker start
./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver create pcarserver
./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver setup
./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver start
./alphagsm-docker my-pcarserver status

Host process

Complete interactive setup and review game-specific configuration before starting the server. Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Create the game instance ./alphagsm my-pcarserver create pcarserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm my-pcarserver setup
Check the host prerequisites ./alphagsm my-pcarserver doctor
Start the game server ./alphagsm my-pcarserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm my-pcarserver status

./alphagsm my-pcarserver create pcarserver
./alphagsm my-pcarserver setup
./alphagsm my-pcarserver doctor
./alphagsm my-pcarserver start
./alphagsm my-pcarserver status

This guide covers the pcarserver module in AlphaGSM.

pcarserver is currently PASSED on the documented Ubuntu 24.04 Linux baseline. The current GitHub integration lane still exercises both process and Docker runtime selection, and the validated Linux lifecycle stays aligned across both backends while local runs remain process-backed by default unless you opt into the Docker backend.

Requirements

screen
SteamCMD runtime libraries (lib32gcc-s1, lib32stdc++6)
Python packages from requirements.txt

Quick Start

Create the server:

alphagsm mypcarserv create pcarserver

Run setup:

alphagsm mypcarserv setup

Start it:

alphagsm mypcarserv start

Check it:

alphagsm mypcarserv status

Stop it:

alphagsm mypcarserv stop

Setup Details

Setup configures:

the game port (default 27015)
the install directory
SteamCMD downloads the server files

Useful Commands

alphagsm mypcarserv update
alphagsm mypcarserv backup

Notes

Docker publishes the native Steam query port as well as the game port. The query port defaults to game port + 1; set queryport updates both native configuration and port claims. This correction awaits replacement CI.
steamport controls the native Steam authentication port (default UDP 8766), which is also claimed and published. Older server records retain that default.
Module name: pcarserver
Default port: 27015
Validated support: PASSED 2026-05-23 via the standard smoke runner and focused integration lifecycle, both using info --json protocol a2s on the derived query port (port + 1).

Server variables

After create pcarserver, inspect or change these with set:

alphagsm myserver set --list
alphagsm myserver set KEY --describe
alphagsm myserver set KEY VALUE

This module does not declare schema-backed keys. set --list after create is still the live source of truth.

Developer Notes

Run File

Executable: DedicatedServerCmd
Location: <install_dir>/DedicatedServerCmd
Engine: Custom (SteamCMD)
SteamCMD App ID: 332670

Smoke and integration validation track readiness through alphagsm info --json returning protocol a2s instead of waiting for screen-log markers.

Server Configuration

Config file: server.cfg
Template: See server-templates/pcarserver/ if available
AlphaGSM writes a managed server.cfg during install/update using hostPort = <port> and queryPort = <port + 1>.

Maps and Mods

Map directory: Check game documentation
Mod directory: Check game documentation
Workshop support: No

Configuration templates

Reference files from this source revision. Review paths, passwords and game-specific settings before use.

server.cfg

Share your server

Sector Alpha server directory

When your server is ready, you can publish its connection details and community information on Sector Alpha. Review your listing and keep the information current.

Find a community

Browse the directory for game servers and their published connection details.

Browse server directory

Publish your server

Prepare a name, address and description for your listing.

Publish a server

Manual server sharing instructions

Frequently asked questions

What support evidence is recorded for Project CARS?

Recorded lifecycle pass. Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Which runtimes can run Project CARS?

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Which ports does Project CARS use?

Default game port: 27015. Protocols and additional port values are unknown; review the game guide.

Can I add mods to Project CARS?

No mod support is declared in this snapshot; review the game guide before adding mods.

How should I back up Project CARS?

A module-specific backup hook is declared. Review the game guide for its scope, restore procedure and shutdown requirements.

Source and support evidence

This guide mirrors AlphaGSM’s upstream documentation at 32cef5ba9e03053c8e461fffa0ba133b160b528d. Commands and prerequisites can change. Check current support notes before installation.

All game guides