Pavlov RCON FAQ
RCON (Remote CONsole) is how you admin a Pavlov server from a PC, phone, or browser — without putting on a headset. Commands return JSON with Command, Successful, and optional Comment fields.
Basics
What is Pavlov RCON?+
A TCP admin interface (default port 9100) protected by an RCON password set at first boot. Send text commands; receive JSON responses. RCON controls the live server but does not provide a full log stream — use the server console or host panel for logs.
What is a UniqueID?+
Player identifier for moderation commands: SteamID64 on PC VR, Oculus username on Shack. The Pavforest panel shows UniqueIds in the live player list so you can kick or ban without looking them up manually.
How do I connect to RCON?+
You need server IP/hostname, RCON port (usually 9100), and RCON password. Use Pavforest's web panel, a standalone RCON client, or telnet-style tools. Pavforest stores connections per Discord account.
Essential commands
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
Help | Lists all available commands |
ServerInfo | Live map, mode, players, scores |
AddMapRotation [MapID] [GameMode] | Append map+mode to rotation (writes Game.ini) |
RotateMap | Force next map in rotation |
UpdateServerName [Name] | Change browser display name |
SetMaxPlayers [Amount] | Adjust slot count |
Kick [UniqueID] | Disconnect player |
Ban [UniqueID] | Permanent ban (blacklist.txt) |
Banlist | List banned IDs |
Unban [UniqueID] | Remove ban |
AddMod [UniqueID] | Grant moderator (mods.txt, admin menu) |
Map rotation examples
Default map + SND+
AddMapRotation sand snd
AddMapRotation datacenter snd
AddMapRotation station tdm
UGC / mod.io map+
If mod.io resource ID is 2804322:
AddMapRotation UGC2804322 snd
Game mode names+
Common modes: snd, tdm, gungame, zombies, ttt, hide, infection, ph (prop hunt). See the game modes guide for details.
Moderation FAQ
How do I ban a toxic player?+
Get their UniqueID from ServerInfo or the Pavforest player list, then Ban 12345678901234567. Ban persists in blacklist.txt. Use Unban to reverse mistakes — the panel supports unban by ID paste.
How do I make someone a moderator?+
AddMod [UniqueID] — grants in-game admin menu access and vote-kick immunity. Stored in mods.txt.
Why does Successful say true but the action failed?+
Pavlov RCON JSON can be inconsistent — check both top-level Successful and the command-specific boolean field. Example: SetMaxPlayers to the current slot count may report mixed results.
Pavforest web panel
Can I use RCON without installing anything?+
Yes. Open the Pavforest panel, sign in with Discord, add your server IP + RCON port + password. You get live status, player kick/ban, and a command console with quick chips for Help, ServerInfo, and RotateMap — on desktop or mobile.
Does the panel work on servers I don't host with Pavforest?+
Yes. It's a remote RCON client — connect any Pavlov dedicated server you have credentials for. No migration required.
