Squad Won’t Start / Stuck on Map Load

Console checklist

1. Read layer/port/update errors.
2. Fix layer names; restore backup if needed.
3. Confirm Port/Query/Beacon not conflicting.
4. Upsize tier if OOM on full layers.
5. Ticket with console excerpts via the client area.

Related guides

• Layer Rotation
• Backups
• DDoS Protection Basics for Game Servers

Frequently Asked Questions

Bad layer?

Invalid layer name prevents ready state — fix rotation config.

OOM?

50v50 on Fireteam 8 GB may need Platoon/Company or Extra RAM.

SteamCMD?

Wait for updates; don’t spam Restart.

Need help?

If you are stuck after following this guide, open a ticket from the Chapter22 client area with the exact error, the port or DNS change you made, and whether the service listens locally (ss / Resource Monitor) but fails externally.

Build the server. Grow the community. Start your next chapter.