How to set up an ER:LC private server, step by step

Getting an ER:LC private server is the easy part. What makes people come back is everything around it: clear rules, a Discord to call home, a staff team that's online when it's needed, and sessions people know about in advance. This guide walks through setting it all up in the order that saves you the most trouble later.

1. Decide what kind of server you want

Before touching any settings, write one sentence that describes your server. "Serious roleplay with a full police, fire and DOT team" needs different rules and staff from "casual community server, everyone welcome". That sentence decides how strict your rules are, how many staff you need and how you advertise.

2. Set up the private server

Open your private server settings in ER:LC and go through each one. The settings that matter most at the start are:

• Server name: short, easy to search for, and the same as your Discord server's name
• Join code: this is what players type to join. You'll share it in Discord and in session announcements
• Team balance: keeps one team from filling up while others are empty
• Account verification requirements: helps keep brand-new throwaway accounts out

If you want tools to read live data or send commands for you, buy the ERLC API server pack too. You'll need it for Discord logging, a web moderator panel and automations. See how to get your ER:LC API key.

3. Write your rules

Rules are the backbone of a roleplay server. Keep them short, number them so staff can refer to them ("that's rule 4"), and explain the common terms. Our ER:LC server rules template gives you a full set to copy and adapt.

4. Create a Discord server

Discord is where your community lives between sessions. A simple layout works best:

• Information: rules, how to join, staff list
• Sessions: start-up announcements and votes
• Community: general chat, media, suggestions
• Support: tickets for reports and ban appeals
• Staff (private): staff chat, moderation logs, shift logs

5. Build your staff team

Start with a few people you trust rather than a big team you don't know. Three or four active moderators who know the rules will do far more than fifteen who never log on. Give each rank a clear job, for example:

Write down what each rank is allowed to do before anyone joins, then train people properly. Our moderator training guide has a checklist.

6. Plan your sessions

Most ER:LC communities run sessions at set times instead of leaving the server open all day. Pick two or three regular times when your staff can be online, announce them in Discord and stick to them. Our SSU guide covers start-ups, votes and boosts.

7. Set up moderation records

From the first day, write down every warning, kick and ban: who, why, which staff member and any evidence. It's the only way to deal fairly with repeat offenders and appeals once your server grows.

8. Use tools for the repetitive work

Dispatcher is free for up to three ER:LC servers and covers most of this setup in one place: a moderator panel where staff look up players and log warns, jailbans, kicks and bans with evidence; roles that match your staff ranks; shifts and activity targets; leave requests; Discord logging; session start-ups and votes; and automations such as welcome messages and timed announcements. The getting started guide takes about five minutes.

A launch checklist

1. Server settings checked and join code noted
2. Rules written, numbered and posted
3. Discord server set up with rules and session channels
4. At least three trained staff with the right permissions
5. First session time announced
6. A way to record moderation actions