Where scripts live
Put Lua resources in the server resources folder, then run Resource Check from Server GUI before inviting players.
Host guide
Prepare the crew session.
Use the Server GUI for Windows hosting or the Linux service for a dedicated host. Keep the player launcher focused on joining and the host tools focused on server health, worlds, resources, invites, and packaging.
Server GUIWindows
DedicatedLinux
Friend shareInvite
PackageFriend Pack
Scripting
Add crew-specific server scripts.
What to create
Good first scripts include a welcome message, a custom slash command, a crew marker, a checkpoint, a small team, or a simple activity.
World
Publish a named world.
Choose SaveGames
Pick the local The Last Caretaker SaveGames folder you want friends to install.
Name it clearly
Fill shared world name, in-game save label, description, and uploader. The launcher shows these values before install.
Publish
The server stores the latest bundle, archive id, size, SHA-256, update time, and download metadata for players.
Invite
Share the server cleanly.
Copy Invite
Use Copy Invite in the Server GUI to create a cmp://join/... code with host, gameplay port, world port, world label, save label, and note.
Password choice
If the server is private, include the password only for trusted friends. Otherwise share the invite without it and send the password separately.
Server viewer
Publish reachable servers.
Advertise publicly
Set Public host to a reachable DNS name or public IP, tick Advertise on CaretakerMP server list, fill the listing key, and start the server. Reachable hosts can send live status updates so /servers.html shows slots, password flag, version/protocol, MOTD, world label, and last seen.
Keep secrets private
Live status updates never publish server password, listing key, player identities, save paths, or local file paths. They publish only public session metadata and the passwordProtected boolean.
Bad host values stop startup
If advertising is enabled, Server GUI blocks Start Server until Public host is a reachable DNS name or public IPv4. Private, loopback, reserved, path-like, and host-with-port values are rejected.
Clean stop
Server GUI asks the local server to shut down cleanly before using a fallback stop, so public listings can go offline cleanly.
Crew sync check
Use Auto second player or /secondplayer from host chat to confirm snapshots, Bridge player updates, and Radar without a second game process.
Distribution
Give friends a clean package.
Friend Pack
Creates a private Windows ZIP with exes, assets, resources, hook template, docs, quickstart, manifest, and checksums.
Excluded files
Local logs, profiles, passwords, private connection values, identities, SaveGames, support packs, and old package outputs are left out.
What friends do
Extract the ZIP, start Launcher, import invite, run Preflight, install hook if needed, install world, and start game.
Health
Check before and after guests join.
Preflight
FilesPortsResourcesServer versionResource Check
ManifestDependenciesMissing scriptsLoad orderRelease Health
v0.1.0Protocol 1Manifest presentCompatibility visibleSupport Pack
LogsProfile summaryResource manifestsPrivate fields redacted