Disable Name Tags on ETS2 or ATS Server

This guide shows you how to turn off player name tags on a Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) or American Truck Simulator (ATS) dedicated server. Disabling name tags hides the floating player names above trucks, which can make the game more immersive, reduce screen clutter, or add a challenge to multiplayer convoys. You’ll need access to your server’s configuration files, either through a hosting panel or directly on the machine running the server.

What You’ll Need

• Access to the server’s file system (via FTP, SFTP, or a hosting control panel like Pterodactyl or TCAdmin).
• The server must be stopped temporarily to edit the config safely (or you can edit while running, but a restart is required for changes to take effect).
• Basic text editor (Notepad, Visual Studio Code, or the panel’s built-in editor).

Step-by-Step

1. Locate the server configuration file. On a typical ETS2/ATS dedicated server, the main configuration file is named server_config.sii. It is usually found in the server’s root directory, alongside server_packages.sii and the save folder. If you’re using a hosting panel, look for a “Config Files” or “File Manager” section.
2. Open the file in a text editor. Download the file or use the panel’s editor. Do not use a word processor like Microsoft Word—use a plain text editor to avoid encoding issues.
3. Find the line containing name_tags. In the server_config.sii, search for the parameter name_tags. It will look something like:
   name_tags: true
4. Change the value to false. Replace true with false. The line should now read:
   name_tags: false
5. Save the file. Ensure you save it as the same filename and encoding (usually UTF-8 without BOM). If you downloaded it, upload it back to the same location, overwriting the old file.
6. Restart the server. For the change to take effect, restart the dedicated server. If you’re using a hosting panel, use the “Restart” button. If you run the server manually, stop the process and start it again.
7. Verify the change. Join the server with a second client (or ask a friend) and confirm that no name tags appear above vehicles. Note that the server console and admin tools may still show player names—this only affects in-game floating tags.

Common Mistakes

• Editing the wrong file. Some servers have multiple config files, like server_config.sii and config.cfg. Make sure you edit the correct one—server_config.sii is the one that controls gameplay settings like name tags.
• Using the wrong value. The parameter expects a boolean (true or false). Writing 0 or no will cause a parsing error or be ignored.
• Not restarting the server. Changes to the config are only loaded at server startup. If you don’t restart, the old setting remains active.
• File permissions. If the server can’t read the file after upload, it may revert to defaults. Ensure the file has the same permissions as before (usually 644 or 755).

Tips

• Backup the config. Before editing, copy the original server_config.sii to a safe location. If something goes wrong, you can restore it.
• Use a text editor with line endings. If you edit on Windows and upload to a Linux server, ensure the file uses Unix line endings (LF). Most modern editors handle this automatically, but you can check in VS Code or Notepad++.
• Combine with other settings. While you’re in the config, you might also want to adjust speed_limiter or traffic settings, but only change what you need.
• Test on a private server first. If you’re unsure, test the change on a test server before applying it to a public one.

Troubleshooting

• Name tags still show after restart. First, double-check that you saved the file correctly and the line says false. Then, confirm that the server is actually reading the file you edited—some hosting panels have a separate “server config” page that overrides the .sii file. If so, use that panel setting instead.
• Server fails to start after editing. This usually indicates a syntax error. Open the file and look for missing semicolons or extra characters. If you can’t find the issue, restore your backup and try again with a fresh edit.
• Changes apply to some players but not others. Name tag visibility can be affected by client-side mods. If a player has a mod that forces name tags, they might still see them. Ask them to disable such mods.
• You can’t find the name_tags line. In some versions of the game, the parameter might be named differently or not present by default. If it’s missing, add a new line with name_tags: false in the appropriate section (usually under game_settings).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this affect the server console or admin tools?

No, it only hides the in-game floating name tags above trucks. The server console and admin tools will still show player names and IDs.

Can players still see each other’s names in the chat or TAB menu?

Yes, chat messages and the player list (if enabled) will still show names. This setting only affects the 3D world name tags.

Will this work on both ETS2 and ATS?

Yes, both games use the same dedicated server structure and the same server_config.sii file, so the steps are identical.

Do I need to edit the file while the server is stopped?

You can edit it while the server is running, but the change won’t take effect until you restart the server. It’s safer to edit while stopped to avoid any file locking issues.

Is there a way to disable name tags for only some players?

No, this is a global server setting. If you want per-player control, you’d need a mod or plugin, which is not officially supported by the base game.

Will this affect the save game or player progress?

No, it only changes the server’s display settings. Save data and player progress are unaffected.

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