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This guide shows manual installation. With GameCP, you get auto-restarts, built-in mod management, resource monitoring, and 1-click updates — plus unlimited servers on a single node vs. traditional hosts that charge per slot.

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Installing a Node
NodesBeginner

Installing a Node

GameCP Team
2/21/2026
nodes, installation, linux, windows, getting-started

A node is the bridge between your server hardware and GameCP. This guide walks you through installing the GameCP node agent on your server using a single command.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A Linux server (Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, CentOS 8+) or Windows server (Windows Server 2016+ or Windows 10+)
  • Root/sudo access (Linux) or Administrator access (Windows)
  • Minimum specs: 2 CPU cores, 4 GB RAM, 20 GB disk space
  • An active GameCP account with available node slots on your license

Tip: GameCP uses Docker to run game servers in isolated containers. On Linux, the installer will set up Docker automatically if it isn't already installed.

Step 1: Open the Add Node Dialog

From your GameCP dashboard, navigate to the Nodes page using the sidebar. Click the Add Node button in the top-right corner.

You'll see an operating system selection screen. Choose Linux or Windows depending on your server.

Step 2: Copy the Install Command

After selecting your OS, GameCP generates a unique, one-time installation command tied to your account. The key expires after 24 hours.

Click the copy button next to the command to copy it to your clipboard.

Linux

The command will look something like:

curl -sSL https://your-panel.gamecp.com/dl/abc123 | sh

Windows

The command will be a PowerShell one-liner:

irm https://your-panel.gamecp.com/dl/abc123 | iex

Security: Each command contains a unique install key linked to your tenant. Never share it publicly.

Step 3: Run the Command on Your Server

Linux

SSH into your server and paste the command:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Windows

Open PowerShell as Administrator and paste the command.

The installer will automatically:

  1. Detect your system — identifies OS, CPU, RAM, and available storage
  2. Install Docker — sets up the container runtime if not already present (Linux)
  3. Download the GameCP agent — pulls the latest node binary
  4. Register with your panel — securely connects back to your GameCP instance
  5. Create a service — ensures the node starts automatically on reboot

The entire process typically takes 60–90 seconds.

Step 4: Verify the Connection

Once the installer finishes, your GameCP dashboard will automatically detect the new node and display a success message with:

  • Node name (based on the server's hostname)
  • IP address
  • Hardware specs (CPU cores, RAM, storage)

Your node will appear on the Nodes page with a green Online status indicator. You're ready to deploy game servers.

Troubleshooting

Linux

Permission error when running the command Make sure you're running as root or with sudo:

sudo sh -c "$(curl -sSL https://your-panel.gamecp.com/dl/abc123)"

Node shows as Offline after installation

  • Verify outbound port 443 is not blocked by your firewall
  • Check the service status: systemctl status gamecp
  • Restart the service: systemctl restart gamecp

Windows

PowerShell script execution blocked You may need to allow script execution first:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process

Then re-run the install command.

Node shows as Offline after installation

  • Check that outbound port 443 is allowed in Windows Firewall
  • Open Services and verify the GameCP service is running
  • Restart the service from Services or run Restart-Service gamecp in PowerShell

Both Platforms

Install key expired Click Regenerate in the Add Node dialog to generate a fresh command.

What's Next?

With your node online, you can:

  • Create game servers from the Game Servers page
  • Monitor resources — CPU, RAM, and bandwidth in real time
  • Add more nodes to scale your infrastructure