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How to Create Automated Schedules for Your Server

Learn how to set up automated schedules for server restarts, backups, and custom commands on GhostCap

You can set up schedules to automatically restart your server, send commands, create backups, or perform game-specific tasks such as wiping Rust servers.

Note: Schedule times are in UTC +0. We recommend restarting your servers at least once every 24 hours for optimal performance.

Creating a Schedule

  1. Load the GhostCap Game Panel and select your server.
  2. In the left-hand menu, click Configuration > Schedules.
  3. Click the Create button.
  4. Give your schedule a descriptive name (e.g., "Daily Restart" or "Hourly Backup").
  5. Enter the schedule time in cron format. See templates below.
  6. The panel will show when the next run will occur in your local time.
  7. Click Submit, then click Create Task and select the type of task you want to perform.

Task Types

  • Power Action: Start, stop, or restart your server
  • Command: Execute server commands (e.g., save-all, broadcast messages)
  • Backup: Create automatic backups
  • Custom Tasks: Game-specific actions like Rust wipes

Multiple Tasks in One Schedule

To run multiple tasks in sequence (e.g., save command before restart):

  1. Create your first task (e.g., Command: "save-all")
  2. Add another task with a Time Offset in seconds
  3. For example: 30-second offset gives the save time to complete before restart

Popular Restart Times (Cron Format)

Time Zone Specific (4 AM Local Time)

LocationTime ZoneCron EntryDescription
SingaporeUTC+80 20 * * *4 AM Singapore time
SydneyUTC+100 18 * * *4 AM Sydney time
Los AngelesUTC-80 12 * * *4 AM Los Angeles time
DallasUTC-60 10 * * *4 AM Dallas time
New YorkUTC-50 9 * * *4 AM New York time
LondonUTC±00 4 * * *4 AM London time
FrankfurtUTC+10 3 * * *4 AM Frankfurt time

Common Schedule Patterns

DescriptionCron EntryExample
Every hour0 * * * *Runs at
every hour
Every 2 hours0 */2 * * *Runs at 0
, 2
, 4
...
Every 4 hours0 */4 * * *Runs at 0
, 4
, 8
...
Every 6 hours0 */6 * * *Runs at 0
, 6
, 12
...
Daily at midnight0 0 * * *Runs at 00
UTC
Daily at 4 AM UTC0 4 * * *Runs at 04
UTC
Twice daily0 0,12 * * *Runs at 00
and 12
UTC

Common Schedule Examples

Daily Restart with Save

  1. Create schedule: "Daily Maintenance"
  2. Task 1: Command "save-all" (0 second offset)
  3. Task 2: Power Action "Restart" (30 second offset)

Automated Backups

  1. Create schedule: "Daily Backup"
  2. Use cron: 0 5 * * * (5 AM UTC)
  3. Task: Create Backup

Rust Server Wipe

  1. Create schedule: "Weekly Wipe"
  2. Use cron: 0 19 * * 4 (Thursdays at 7 PM UTC)
  3. Task: Rust-specific wipe command

Best Practices

  • Test First: Test your schedule with a near-future time to ensure it works correctly
  • Off-Peak Hours: Schedule restarts during your server's least active times
  • Announce Restarts: Use command tasks to warn players before restarts
  • Stagger Tasks: Use time offsets to ensure tasks complete in order
  • Monitor Logs: Check server logs after scheduled tasks run to verify success

Troubleshooting

  • Schedule Not Running: Verify your cron syntax at crontab.guru
  • Wrong Time: Remember all times are UTC +0, convert from your local time
  • Task Failed: Check server logs and ensure the server was online when the task ran
  • Commands Not Working: Verify command syntax for your specific game
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