Connecting to SCP:SL Servers

Learn how to connect to SCP:SL servers using Direct Connect or the Public Server List, with steps for server verification and WinterNode server tips.

Last updated: July 16, 2025

SCP: Secret Laboratory servers are a lobby waiting for enough players to connect or for an admin to start the game. There are two ways to connect to a server, Direct Connection and the Public Server List. Direct Connection is available by default with no additional configuration, but the server list requires manual verification by the game’s developers.

Direct Connect

If your server isn’t verified and/or is private you’ll need to use the “Direct Connect” option under the “Servers” -> “Internet” tab. Clicking on the “Direct Connect” option, you’ll be presented with a modal similar to the one shown below with a field for the IP and Port of your server.
SCP: Secret Laboratory uses the primary allocation for your server, so you can locate your server’s IP under the name of your server on the server list or when viewing the server’s page, as shown here.

The SCP: Secret Laboratory "Servers" tab with the "Internet" sub-tab selected and an arrow pointing to the 2nd option from the left "Direct Connect"

The "Direct Connect" modal with a field for entering your server's IP/Hostname in the middle and two buttons titled "Connect" and "Back" in the bottom right hand corner.

Public Server List

SCP: Secret Laboratory has a public server list that can be accessed from in game from the main menu, but getting your server onto the list is a manual process.

If your server complies with the Verified Server Rules, is configured the way you want, and want to make your server public, you’ll need to start by adding your contact email to the config_gameplay.txt in the /.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/<port>/config folder using the contact_email property.

After changing the contact_email property to your email, you need to restart the server, and then send an email to server.verification@scpslgame.com from the email you used with the following information.

  • The IP of your server.
  • The Port of your server.
    • The numbers after the : character in your IP.
  • That the IP is static.
    • In the case of WinterNode servers.*