game-panel.md

title	Introduction to the Game Panel
description	Learn how to navigate and use the NodeByte game panel to manage your servers.
tags	panel pterodactyl management tutorial
author	NodeByte Team
lastUpdated	2025-12-21
order	3

Introduction to the Game Panel

The NodeByte Game Panel is a custom fork of Pterodactyl, designed specifically for managing your Minecraft and Rust game servers. This guide will help you navigate and understand the panel's features.

Accessing the Panel

Visit panel.nodebyte.host and log in with your credentials. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link.

Dashboard Overview

When you log in, you'll see the main dashboard with:

Section	Description
Server List	All your active servers
Account Settings	Profile and security options
API Credentials	For integrations and automation

Server Console

The console is your primary interface for managing your server:

Controls

• Start - Boot your server
• Stop - Gracefully shut down
• Restart - Stop and start in one click
• Kill - Force stop (use sparingly!)

Console Output

The console shows real-time server logs:

[Server] Starting Minecraft server version 1.21.4
[Server] Loading properties...
[Server] Done! (5.234s)

You can also type commands directly into the console.

File Manager

Access and manage your server files without external software:

Features

• 📁 Create folders
• 📄 Create/edit files
• ⬆️ Upload files (drag & drop supported!)
• ⬇️ Download files
• 🗑️ Delete files
• ✏️ Rename files

Important Directories

Game	Config Location
Minecraft	/server.properties, /bukkit.yml
Rust	/server/rust/cfg/

SFTP Access

For bulk file transfers, use SFTP:

Host: panel.nodebyte.host
Port: 2022
Username: your-username.server-id
Password: Your panel password

Note: Some FTP clients (FileZilla, WinSCP) may need explicit SFTP configuration.

Database Management

Create and manage MySQL databases:

1. Go to Databases tab
2. Click New Database
3. Note your database credentials
4. Connect from your server/plugins

Example connection string:

jdbc:mysql://host:3306/database_name

Backup System

Keep your data safe with automatic and manual backups:

Creating Backups

1. Navigate to Backups
2. Click Create Backup
3. Optionally name your backup
4. Wait for completion

Restoring Backups

1. Find the backup you want
2. Click Restore
3. Confirm the restoration

⚠️ Warning: Restoring a backup will overwrite current files!

Schedule Tasks

Automate server management with scheduled tasks:

Common Schedules

// Daily restart at 4 AM
0 4 * * * power restart

// Backup every 6 hours
0 */6 * * * backup create

// Weekly restart on Sundays
0 3 * * 0 power restart

Creating a Schedule

1. Go to Schedules
2. Click Create Schedule
3. Set the cron expression
4. Add tasks to run
5. Enable the schedule

Subusers

Grant access to friends or team members:

Permission Level	Capabilities
Viewer	Console view only
Operator	Console + start/stop
Admin	Full access (except delete)

Adding a Subuser

1. Go to Users
2. Enter their email
3. Select permissions
4. Send invite

Activity Log

Track all actions on your server:

• Who did what
• When it happened
• What commands were run

Great for security auditing!

Network Settings

Manage allocations (IP:Port combinations):

• View your server's connection address
• Request additional ports if needed
• See allocation usage

Tips & Best Practices

1. Regular Backups - Schedule daily backups minimum
2. Monitor Resources - Check CPU/RAM usage regularly
3. Update Regularly - Keep server software current
4. Secure Access - Use strong passwords, limit subuser access
5. Document Changes - Note what you modify for troubleshooting

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl + /	Focus console input
Up Arrow	Previous command
Down Arrow	Next command
Tab	Command autocomplete (some servers)

Need More Help?

• Check specific game guides in our Knowledge Base
• Join our Discord
• Contact Support