diff --git a/src/settings.cpp b/src/settings.cpp
--- a/src/settings.cpp
+++ b/src/settings.cpp
@@ -956,6 +956,7 @@ static GRFConfig *GRFLoadConfig(IniFile 
 
 	if (group == nullptr) return nullptr;
 
+	uint num_grfs = 0;
 	for (item = group->item; item != nullptr; item = item->next) {
 		GRFConfig *c = nullptr;
 
@@ -1030,8 +1031,14 @@ static GRFConfig *GRFLoadConfig(IniFile 
 			continue;
 		}
 
-		/* Mark file as static to avoid saving in savegame. */
-		if (is_static) SetBit(c->flags, GCF_STATIC);
+		if (is_static) {
+			/* Mark file as static to avoid saving in savegame. */
+			SetBit(c->flags, GCF_STATIC);
+		} else if (++num_grfs > NETWORK_MAX_GRF_COUNT) {
+			/* Check we will not load more non-static NewGRFs than allowed. This could trigger issues for game servers. */
+			ShowErrorMessage(STR_CONFIG_ERROR, STR_NEWGRF_ERROR_TOO_MANY_NEWGRFS_LOADED, WL_CRITICAL);
+			break;
+		}
 
 		/* Add item to list */
 		*curr = c;