Change your server name through the in-game settings menu
To change your server name in Trailmakers on PS5, start the game and load into your server or create a new one. Once you're in the server, open the pause menu by pressing the Options button on your controller. Look for a settings or server settings option — the exact menu name depends on your game version, but it's typically labeled "Server Settings" or "Game Settings."
Select the server name field, which will be highlighted or marked as editable. Clear the current name using the PS5 on-screen keyboard and type your new server name. Most servers allow names up to 32 characters, though some custom servers may have different limits. After you've entered the new name, confirm the change by selecting "Save" or "Apply" — again, the button label varies slightly by version.
The new name takes effect immediately in your server list and will appear to other players when they browse available servers. If you're playing on a private server, only players you've invited will see the name change. On public servers, the updated name shows up in the server browser within a few seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Open the pause menu in-game by pressing Options, then navigate to Server Settings to find the name field.
- Use the PS5 on-screen keyboard to clear the old name and type a new one, staying within the character limit.
- Save or apply your changes from the settings menu, and the new name appears immediately to other players.
- Private servers show the name only to invited players, while public servers display it in the server browser for everyone.
Where the server name field appears in different game modes
In Trailmakers, the location of the server name setting can shift depending on whether you're running a local server, a dedicated server, or playing in a custom game mode. For local multiplayer servers, the name field is usually in the main server settings accessed through the pause menu. For dedicated servers that you've rented or set up through a third-party host, you may need to log into a web panel or control dashboard rather than changing it in-game.
If you're playing a custom game or sandbox mode, the server name might be called "World Name" or "Session Name" instead. Check the pause menu first, then look under any "World" or "Session" tabs if you don't find a dedicated server settings option. Some versions of Trailmakers also allow you to rename servers from the main menu before launching into them — this is often faster than changing the name once you're already playing.
Character limits and naming restrictions
Trailmakers typically allows server names up to 32 characters on PS5, though this can vary depending on your game version and whether you're using a custom server host. The character limit includes spaces, numbers, and special characters, so plan your name accordingly. Most servers accept standard letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores without issue.
Some server hosts or custom mods may restrict certain special characters or profanity filters that automatically block or modify names containing flagged words. If your chosen name is rejected when you try to save it, try removing special characters or shortening it. The game will usually display an error message explaining why the name wasn't accepted, which helps you adjust before trying again.
Renaming a server you've already created
If you've already created a server and want to change its name later, the process is the same as creating it with a new name from the start. Load into the server, open the pause menu, navigate to Server Settings, and select the name field. Clear it and enter your new name, then save the changes. The updated name will be live immediately for anyone browsing servers or trying to join.
Keep in mind that changing a server name does not affect any of the builds, progress, or data stored on that server — it's purely a cosmetic change. Players who have bookmarked or favorited your old server name may need to search for the new name to find it again, so consider letting regular players know about the change if it's a server you run frequently.
What to do if the name won't save or appears unchanged
If you've entered a new server name but it won't save, first check that you actually selected "Save" or "Apply" after typing — it's easy to miss this step. If the button was selected and the name still didn't change, try closing the settings menu and reopening it to see if the change took effect in the background. Sometimes the display lags slightly behind the actual server data.
If the name still appears unchanged after reopening the menu, restart the server entirely. Exit to the main menu, then reload the server from your server list. This forces the game to refresh the server data and usually resolves display issues. If you're on a dedicated or rented server, the host's control panel may override in-game name changes — check your hosting provider's dashboard to see if the name needs to be changed there instead.
Naming tips for multiplayer servers
When choosing a new server name, keep it short and descriptive so other players can quickly understand what kind of server it is. Names like "Casual Racing" or "Build Challenge" tell players what to expect, while very long or unclear names may be skipped in the server browser. If you're running a themed server — like one focused on a specific vehicle type or game mode — include that in the name so the right players find you.
Avoid names that are too similar to popular public servers, as this can confuse players searching for a specific server. If you change your server name frequently, keep a note of previous names so you can recognize your own server in the browser. Some players bookmark servers by name, so changing it too often may cause regular players to lose track of where to find you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my server name while other players are in it?
Yes, you can change the server name while players are connected, and they'll see the updated name immediately. However, it's polite to let them know about the change first, especially if they've bookmarked or favorited the server under the old name.
Does changing the server name delete any builds or progress?
No, changing the server name is purely cosmetic and does not affect any builds, player progress, or server data. Everything stored on the server remains exactly as it was.
What if my server name contains special characters that won't display properly?
Some special characters may not display correctly depending on your PS5 settings or the game version. If you see garbled text, try using only standard letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens. These characters are supported across all versions.
Can I use the same name for multiple servers?
Yes, you can name multiple servers the same thing, though this can confuse players trying to find a specific server. The game distinguishes between them by server ID in the background, but players see only the name in the browser.
How long does it take for the new name to show up in the server browser?
The new name typically appears within a few seconds of saving. If it doesn't show up after 10 seconds, try refreshing the server browser or restarting the game to force an update.