Regular restarts and automated tasks help keep your game server running smoothly. The Pterodactyl panel includes a built-in scheduler that lets you set up tasks to run automatically on a recurring basis.
Accessing the Scheduler
In the Pterodactyl panel, navigate to your server and click on the Schedules tab. This is where you can create, edit, and manage all scheduled tasks for your server.
Creating a Scheduled Restart
Step 1: Create a New Schedule
Click the Create Schedule button. Give your schedule a name (for example, "Daily Restart") and set the timing using the cron expression fields. For a daily restart at 4:00 AM, you would set minute to 0, hour to 4, and leave day, month, and weekday as * (every).
Step 2: Add a Task
Once the schedule is created, click into it and add a new task. Set the action to Power Action and select Restart. You can also add a preceding task to send a warning message to players before the restart occurs.
Step 3: Enable the Schedule
Make sure the schedule is toggled on. It will now run automatically at the time you configured.
Other Useful Scheduled Tasks
Beyond restarts, you can schedule tasks to send console commands (such as save-all for Minecraft), create backups, or run custom scripts. Chaining multiple tasks within a single schedule with time offsets allows you to build sequences - for example, warn players, save the world, then restart.
Tip: Schedule restarts during off-peak hours to minimise disruption to your players. A daily restart in the early morning is a common best practice.