diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9ee0fe5..5758bc4 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -27,7 +27,9 @@ Some other features included:
   -auto-scale-allow-deny string
     	Path to config for server allowlists and denylists. If a global/server entry is specified, only players allowed to connect to the server will be able to trigger a scale up when -auto-scale-up is enabled or cancel active down scalers when -auto-scale-down is enabled (env AUTO_SCALE_ALLOW_DENY)
   -auto-scale-asleep-motd string
-      MOTD to display when auto-scaled down servers are accessed; if empty, no status will be served (env AUTO_SCALE_ASLEEP_MOTD)
+    	MOTD to display when auto-scaled down servers are accessed; if empty, no status will be served (env AUTO_SCALE_ASLEEP_MOTD)
+  -auto-scale-loading-motd string
+    	MOTD to display while auto-scaled Docker servers are waking up; if empty, asleep status will be served (env AUTO_SCALE_LOADING_MOTD)
   -auto-scale-down
     	Scale to zero after idle. For Kubernetes, decreases StatefulSet replicas from 1 to 0. For Docker, gracefully stops the container when there are no connections (env AUTO_SCALE_DOWN)
   -auto-scale-down-after string
@@ -176,6 +178,7 @@ These are the labels scanned:
 - `mc-router.auto-scale-down`: Per-container override to enable/disable auto scale down for Docker. When true (or left unspecified and the global `-auto-scale-down` flag is enabled), mc-router will stop this container after it has been idle for the configured `-auto-scale-down-after` duration.
 - `mc-router.auto-scale-asleep-motd`: Per-container override for MOTD to show when container is scaled to zero. If empty or not set the host will
 appear unresponsive.
+- `mc-router.auto-scale-loading-motd`: Per-container override for MOTD to show while the container is waking and not yet reachable. If empty or not set, the global `-auto-scale-loading-motd` value is used.
 
 #### Docker Auto Scale Up/Down
 
@@ -198,6 +201,7 @@ For usage with docker compose refer to the [examples/docker-autoscale/compose.ym
 Behavior:
 
 - When a client connects to a labeled hostname and the container is stopped or paused, mc-router will start/unpause it and wait until it becomes reachable (up to ~60s).
+- While that wake-up is in progress and status pings are received, mc-router can return a loading MOTD (per-container override or `-auto-scale-loading-motd`).
 - When no clients remain connected and the idle timer elapses (`-auto-scale-down-after`), mc-router gracefully stops the container.
 
 Note: Docker Swarm discovery is supported; however, auto scale up/down is not yet supported for Swarm services.
diff --git a/server/api_server.go b/server/api_server.go
index a57cb90..eaba753 100644
--- a/server/api_server.go
+++ b/server/api_server.go
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ func routesCreateHandler(writer http.ResponseWriter, request *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	Routes.CreateMapping(definition.ServerAddress, definition.Backend, "", nil, nil, "")
+	Routes.CreateMapping(definition.ServerAddress, definition.Backend, "", nil, nil, "", "")
 	RoutesConfigLoader.SaveRoutes()
 	writer.WriteHeader(http.StatusCreated)
 }
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ func routesSetDefault(writer http.ResponseWriter, request *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	Routes.SetDefaultRoute(body.Backend, "", nil, nil, "")
+	Routes.SetDefaultRoute(body.Backend, "", nil, nil, "", "")
 	RoutesConfigLoader.SaveRoutes()
 	writer.WriteHeader(http.StatusOK)
 }
diff --git a/server/configs.go b/server/configs.go
index b688ca7..c22ee72 100644
--- a/server/configs.go
+++ b/server/configs.go
@@ -8,11 +8,12 @@ type WebhookConfig struct {
 }
 
 type AutoScale struct {
-	Up         bool          `usage:"Scale from zero on access. For Kubernetes, increases StatefulSet replicas from 0 to 1. For Docker, starts or unpauses the container when accessed"`
-	Down       bool          `default:"false" usage:"Scale to zero after idle. For Kubernetes, decreases StatefulSet replicas from 1 to 0. For Docker, gracefully stops the container when there are no connections"`
-	DownAfter  time.Duration `default:"10m" usage:"Server scale down delay after there are no connections"`
-	AllowDeny  string        `usage:"Path to config for server allowlists and denylists. If a global/server entry is specified, only players allowed to connect to the server will be able to trigger a scale up when -auto-scale-up is enabled or cancel active down scalers when -auto-scale-down is enabled"`
-	AsleepMOTD string        `usage:"MOTD to display when auto-scaled down servers are accessed; if empty, no status will be served"`
+	Up          bool          `usage:"Scale from zero on access. For Kubernetes, increases StatefulSet replicas from 0 to 1. For Docker, starts or unpauses the container when accessed"`
+	Down        bool          `default:"false" usage:"Scale to zero after idle. For Kubernetes, decreases StatefulSet replicas from 1 to 0. For Docker, gracefully stops the container when there are no connections"`
+	DownAfter   time.Duration `default:"10m" usage:"Server scale down delay after there are no connections"`
+	AllowDeny   string        `usage:"Path to config for server allowlists and denylists. If a global/server entry is specified, only players allowed to connect to the server will be able to trigger a scale up when -auto-scale-up is enabled or cancel active down scalers when -auto-scale-down is enabled"`
+	AsleepMOTD  string        `usage:"MOTD to display when auto-scaled down servers are accessed; if empty, no status will be served"`
+	LoadingMOTD string        `usage:"MOTD to display while auto-scaled Docker servers are waking up; if empty, asleep status will be served"`
 }
 
 type RoutesConfig struct {
diff --git a/server/connector.go b/server/connector.go
index 750cb51..5e45a2d 100644
--- a/server/connector.go
+++ b/server/connector.go
@@ -78,6 +78,7 @@ func NewConnector(ctx context.Context, metrics *ConnectorMetrics, sendProxyProto
 		autoScaleUpAllowDenyConfig: autoScaleUpAllowDenyConfig,
 		activeConnections:          NewActiveConnections(),
 		scaleActiveConnections:     NewActiveConnections(),
+		wakingServers:              NewActiveConnections(),
 	}
 }
 
@@ -97,12 +98,14 @@ type Connector struct {
 	totalActiveConnections     int32
 	activeConnections          *ActiveConnections
 	scaleActiveConnections     *ActiveConnections
+	wakingServers              *ActiveConnections
 	connectionsCond            *sync.Cond
 	ngrok                      NgrokConnector
 	clientFilter               *ClientFilter
 	autoScaleUpAllowDenyConfig *AllowDenyConfig
 	connectionNotifier         ConnectionNotifier
 	asleepMOTD                 string
+	loadingMOTD                string
 }
 
 func (c *Connector) UseConnectionNotifier(notifier ConnectionNotifier) {
@@ -364,9 +367,11 @@ func (c *Connector) HandleConnection(frontendConn net.Conn) {
 
 // serveStatus writes a predefined status JSON and optionally handles ping/pong
 func (c *Connector) serveStatus(frontendConn net.Conn, reader *bufio.Reader, serverAddress string, clientProtocol int) {
-	motd := Routes.GetAsleepMOTD(serverAddress)
-	if motd == "" {
-		motd = c.asleepMOTD
+	motd := ""
+	if c.isWakeInProgress(serverAddress) {
+		motd = c.getLoadingMOTD(serverAddress)
+	} else {
+		motd = c.getAsleepMOTD(serverAddress)
 	}
 	if motd == "" {
 		return
@@ -453,8 +458,13 @@ func (c *Connector) serveStatus(frontendConn net.Conn, reader *bufio.Reader, ser
 }
 
 // serveLegacyStatus writes a simple legacy SLP response and closes the connection
-func (c *Connector) serveLegacyStatus(frontendConn net.Conn) {
-	motd := c.asleepMOTD
+func (c *Connector) serveLegacyStatus(frontendConn net.Conn, serverAddress string) {
+	motd := ""
+	if c.isWakeInProgress(serverAddress) {
+		motd = c.getLoadingMOTD(serverAddress)
+	} else {
+		motd = c.getAsleepMOTD(serverAddress)
+	}
 	if motd == "" {
 		return
 	}
@@ -550,7 +560,9 @@ func (c *Connector) findAndConnectBackend(frontendConn net.Conn,
 			}
 			cleanupCheckScaleDown = true
 			logrus.WithField("serverAddress", serverAddress).Info("Waking up backend server")
+			c.wakingServers.Increment(serverAddress)
 			newBackendHostPort, err := waker(c.ctx)
+			c.wakingServers.Decrement(serverAddress)
 			if err != nil {
 				logrus.WithFields(logrus.Fields{"serverAddress": serverAddress}).WithError(err).Error("failed to wake up backend")
 				c.metrics.Errors.With("type", "wakeup_failed").Add(1)
@@ -561,6 +573,9 @@ func (c *Connector) findAndConnectBackend(frontendConn net.Conn,
 				c.metrics.Errors.With("type", "wakeup_no_address").Add(1)
 				return
 			}
+			if scalingTarget == "" {
+				scalingTarget = newBackendHostPort
+			}
 			// Cancel again in case any routes were changed during wake up
 			DownScaler.Cancel(scalingTarget)
 			backendHostPort = newBackendHostPort
@@ -571,13 +586,15 @@ func (c *Connector) findAndConnectBackend(frontendConn net.Conn,
 		}
 	}
 
-	if backendHostPort == "" {
-		logrus.
-			WithField("serverAddress", serverAddress).
-			WithField("resolvedHost", resolvedHost).
-			WithField("player", playerInfo).
-			Warn("Unable to find registered backend")
-		c.metrics.Errors.With("type", "missing_backend").Add(1)
+	if backendHostPort == "" || (c.isWakeInProgress(serverAddress) && nextState == mcproto.StateStatus) {
+		if waker == nil {
+			logrus.
+				WithField("serverAddress", serverAddress).
+				WithField("resolvedHost", resolvedHost).
+				WithField("player", playerInfo).
+				Warn("Unable to find registered backend")
+			c.metrics.Errors.With("type", "missing_backend").Add(1)
+		}
 
 		if c.connectionNotifier != nil {
 			err := c.connectionNotifier.NotifyMissingBackend(c.ctx, clientAddr, serverAddress, playerInfo)
@@ -597,7 +614,7 @@ func (c *Connector) findAndConnectBackend(frontendConn net.Conn,
 			// Read Status Request and Ping directly from the client connection
 			br := bufio.NewReader(frontendConn)
 			if isLegacy {
-				c.serveLegacyStatus(frontendConn)
+				c.serveLegacyStatus(frontendConn, serverAddress)
 			} else {
 				c.serveStatus(frontendConn, br, serverAddress, clientProtocol)
 			}
@@ -605,6 +622,18 @@ func (c *Connector) findAndConnectBackend(frontendConn net.Conn,
 		return
 	}
 
+	if c.isWakeInProgress(serverAddress) {
+		logrus.
+			WithField("serverAddress", serverAddress).
+			WithField("resolvedHost", resolvedHost).
+			WithField("player", playerInfo).
+			Debug("Waiting for backend to wake up before connecting")
+		// TODO: replace with event-based notification
+		for c.isWakeInProgress(serverAddress) {
+			time.Sleep(500 * time.Millisecond)
+		}
+	}
+
 	logrus.
 		WithField("client", clientAddr).
 		WithField("server", serverAddress).
@@ -793,6 +822,39 @@ func (c *Connector) UseAsleepMOTD(motd string) {
 	c.asleepMOTD = motd
 }
 
+// UseLoadingMOTD configures a predefined MOTD to serve when backends are waking up
+func (c *Connector) UseLoadingMOTD(motd string) {
+	c.loadingMOTD = motd
+}
+
+func (c *Connector) isWakeInProgress(serverAddress string) bool {
+	if serverAddress == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	return c.wakingServers.GetCount(serverAddress) > 0
+}
+
+func (c *Connector) getAsleepMOTD(serverAddress string) string {
+	motd := Routes.GetAsleepMOTD(serverAddress)
+	if motd == "" {
+		motd = c.asleepMOTD
+	}
+	return motd
+}
+
+func (c *Connector) getLoadingMOTD(serverAddress string) string {
+	motd := Routes.GetLoadingMOTD(serverAddress)
+	if motd == "" {
+		motd = c.loadingMOTD
+	}
+	// If no specific loading MOTD, fall back to asleep MOTD
+	if motd == "" {
+		return c.getAsleepMOTD(serverAddress)
+	}
+	return motd
+}
+
 // getVersionInfo falls back to client protocol and a derived name but in future
 // could be extended to cache server-reported versions
 func (c *Connector) getVersionInfo(_ string, clientProtocol int) (string, int) {
diff --git a/server/connector_test.go b/server/connector_test.go
index ab26a53..f428f44 100644
--- a/server/connector_test.go
+++ b/server/connector_test.go
@@ -77,3 +77,36 @@ func parseTrustedProxyNets(nets []string) []*net.IPNet {
 	}
 	return parsedNets
 }
+
+func TestConnectorWakeTracking(t *testing.T) {
+	c := &Connector{wakingServers: NewActiveConnections()}
+
+	assert.False(t, c.isWakeInProgress("scale-target"))
+	c.wakingServers.Increment("scale-target")
+	assert.True(t, c.isWakeInProgress("scale-target"))
+
+	// track concurrent wake operations for same route
+	c.wakingServers.Increment("scale-target")
+	c.wakingServers.Decrement("scale-target")
+	assert.True(t, c.isWakeInProgress("scale-target"))
+
+	c.wakingServers.Decrement("scale-target")
+	assert.False(t, c.isWakeInProgress("scale-target"))
+}
+
+func TestConnectorGetLoadingMOTD(t *testing.T) {
+	oldRoutes := Routes
+	defer func() {
+		Routes = oldRoutes
+	}()
+
+	Routes = NewRoutes()
+	Routes.CreateMapping("mc.example.com", "backend:25565", "", nil, nil, "", "route loading")
+
+	c := &Connector{loadingMOTD: "global loading"}
+	assert.Equal(t, "route loading", c.getLoadingMOTD("mc.example.com"))
+	assert.Equal(t, "global loading", c.getLoadingMOTD("other.example.com"))
+
+	Routes.SetDefaultRoute("default:25565", "", nil, nil, "", "default loading")
+	assert.Equal(t, "default loading", c.getLoadingMOTD(""))
+}
diff --git a/server/docker.go b/server/docker.go
index e29330c..ac740e8 100644
--- a/server/docker.go
+++ b/server/docker.go
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ const (
 	DockerRouterLabelAutoScaleUp         = "mc-router.auto-scale-up"
 	DockerRouterLabelAutoScaleDown       = "mc-router.auto-scale-down"
 	DockerRouterLabelAutoScaleAsleepMOTD = "mc-router.auto-scale-asleep-motd"
+	DockerRouterLabelAutoScaleLoadingMOTD = "mc-router.auto-scale-loading-motd"
 )
 
 type dockerWatcherConfig struct {
@@ -163,6 +164,11 @@ func (w *dockerWatcherImpl) makeSleeperFunc(rc *routableContainer) SleeperFunc {
 				return err
 			}
 		}
+		err = w.monitorContainers(ctx)
+		if err != nil {
+			logrus.WithError(err).Error("Docker monitoring failed")
+			return err
+		}
 		return nil
 	}
 }
@@ -186,23 +192,24 @@ func (w *dockerWatcherImpl) monitorContainers(ctx context.Context) error {
 			wakerFunc := w.makeWakerFunc(rs)
 			sleeperFunc := w.makeSleeperFunc(rs)
 			if rs.externalContainerName != "" {
-				Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalContainerName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD)
+				Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalContainerName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD, rs.autoScaleLoadingMOTD)
 			} else {
-				Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD)
+				Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD, rs.autoScaleLoadingMOTD)
 			}
 		} else if oldRs.containerEndpoint != rs.containerEndpoint ||
 			oldRs.containerID != rs.containerID ||
 			oldRs.autoScaleUp != rs.autoScaleUp ||
 			oldRs.autoScaleDown != rs.autoScaleDown ||
-			oldRs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD != rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD {
+			oldRs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD != rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD ||
+			oldRs.autoScaleLoadingMOTD != rs.autoScaleLoadingMOTD {
 			w.containerMap[rs.externalContainerName] = rs
 			wakerFunc := w.makeWakerFunc(rs)
 			sleeperFunc := w.makeSleeperFunc(rs)
 			if rs.externalContainerName != "" {
 				Routes.DeleteMapping(rs.externalContainerName)
-				Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalContainerName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD)
+				Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalContainerName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD, rs.autoScaleLoadingMOTD)
 			} else {
-				Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD)
+				Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, rs.autoScaleAsleepMOTD, rs.autoScaleLoadingMOTD)
 			}
 			logrus.WithFields(logrus.Fields{"old": oldRs, "new": rs}).Debug("UPDATE")
 		}
@@ -214,7 +221,7 @@ func (w *dockerWatcherImpl) monitorContainers(ctx context.Context) error {
 			if rs.externalContainerName != "" {
 				Routes.DeleteMapping(rs.externalContainerName)
 			} else {
-				Routes.SetDefaultRoute("", "", nil, nil, "")
+				Routes.SetDefaultRoute("", "", nil, nil, "", "")
 			}
 			logrus.WithField("routableContainer", rs).Debug("DELETE")
 		}
@@ -257,9 +264,9 @@ func (w *dockerWatcherImpl) Start(ctx context.Context) error {
 		wakerFunc := w.makeWakerFunc(c)
 		sleeperFunc := w.makeSleeperFunc(c)
 		if c.externalContainerName != "" {
-			Routes.CreateMapping(c.externalContainerName, c.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, c.autoScaleAsleepMOTD)
+			Routes.CreateMapping(c.externalContainerName, c.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, c.autoScaleAsleepMOTD, c.autoScaleLoadingMOTD)
 		} else {
-			Routes.SetDefaultRoute(c.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, c.autoScaleAsleepMOTD)
+			Routes.SetDefaultRoute(c.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, c.autoScaleAsleepMOTD, c.autoScaleLoadingMOTD)
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -315,6 +322,7 @@ func (w *dockerWatcherImpl) listContainers(ctx context.Context) ([]*routableCont
 				autoScaleUp:           data.autoScaleUp,
 				autoScaleDown:         data.autoScaleDown,
 				autoScaleAsleepMOTD:   data.autoScaleAsleepMOTD,
+				autoScaleLoadingMOTD:  data.autoScaleLoadingMOTD,
 			})
 		}
 		if data.def != nil && *data.def {
@@ -325,6 +333,7 @@ func (w *dockerWatcherImpl) listContainers(ctx context.Context) ([]*routableCont
 				autoScaleUp:           data.autoScaleUp,
 				autoScaleDown:         data.autoScaleDown,
 				autoScaleAsleepMOTD:   data.autoScaleAsleepMOTD,
+				autoScaleLoadingMOTD:  data.autoScaleLoadingMOTD,
 			})
 		}
 	}
@@ -341,6 +350,7 @@ type parsedDockerContainerData struct {
 	autoScaleDown       bool
 	autoScaleUp         bool
 	autoScaleAsleepMOTD string
+	autoScaleLoadingMOTD string
 	notRunning          bool
 }
 
@@ -419,6 +429,9 @@ func (w *dockerWatcherImpl) parseContainerData(container *container.InspectRespo
 		if key == DockerRouterLabelAutoScaleAsleepMOTD {
 			data.autoScaleAsleepMOTD = value
 		}
+		if key == DockerRouterLabelAutoScaleLoadingMOTD {
+			data.autoScaleLoadingMOTD = value
+		}
 	}
 
 	// probably not minecraft related
@@ -499,4 +512,5 @@ type routableContainer struct {
 	autoScaleUp           bool
 	autoScaleDown         bool
 	autoScaleAsleepMOTD   string
+	autoScaleLoadingMOTD  string
 }
diff --git a/server/docker_swarm.go b/server/docker_swarm.go
index 319d25e..3e246f0 100644
--- a/server/docker_swarm.go
+++ b/server/docker_swarm.go
@@ -89,9 +89,9 @@ func (w *dockerSwarmWatcherImpl) Start(ctx context.Context) error {
 		wakerFunc := w.makeWakerFunc(s)
 		sleeperFunc := w.makeSleeperFunc(s)
 		if s.externalServiceName != "" {
-			Routes.CreateMapping(s.externalServiceName, s.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "")
+			Routes.CreateMapping(s.externalServiceName, s.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "", "")
 		} else {
-			Routes.SetDefaultRoute(s.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "")
+			Routes.SetDefaultRoute(s.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "", "")
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -113,9 +113,9 @@ func (w *dockerSwarmWatcherImpl) Start(ctx context.Context) error {
 						wakerFunc := w.makeWakerFunc(rs)
 						sleeperFunc := w.makeSleeperFunc(rs)
 						if rs.externalServiceName != "" {
-							Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalServiceName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "")
+							Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalServiceName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "", "")
 						} else {
-							Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "")
+							Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "", "")
 						}
 					} else if oldRs.containerEndpoint != rs.containerEndpoint {
 						serviceMap[rs.externalServiceName] = rs
@@ -123,9 +123,9 @@ func (w *dockerSwarmWatcherImpl) Start(ctx context.Context) error {
 						sleeperFunc := w.makeSleeperFunc(rs)
 						if rs.externalServiceName != "" {
 							Routes.DeleteMapping(rs.externalServiceName)
-							Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalServiceName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "")
+							Routes.CreateMapping(rs.externalServiceName, rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "", "")
 						} else {
-							Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "")
+							Routes.SetDefaultRoute(rs.containerEndpoint, "", wakerFunc, sleeperFunc, "", "")
 						}
 						logrus.WithFields(logrus.Fields{"old": oldRs, "new": rs}).Debug("UPDATE")
 					}
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ func (w *dockerSwarmWatcherImpl) Start(ctx context.Context) error {
 						if rs.externalServiceName != "" {
 							Routes.DeleteMapping(rs.externalServiceName)
 						} else {
-							Routes.SetDefaultRoute("", "", nil, nil, "")
+							Routes.SetDefaultRoute("", "", nil, nil, "", "")
 						}
 						logrus.WithField("routableService", rs).Debug("DELETE")
 					}
diff --git a/server/k8s.go b/server/k8s.go
index 4bbc2b4..39d64f6 100644
--- a/server/k8s.go
+++ b/server/k8s.go
@@ -185,9 +185,9 @@ func (w *K8sWatcher) handleUpdate(oldObj interface{}, newObj interface{}) {
 			"new": newRoutableService,
 		}).Debug("UPDATE")
 		if newRoutableService.externalServiceName != "" {
-			w.routesHandler.CreateMapping(newRoutableService.externalServiceName, newRoutableService.containerEndpoint, newRoutableService.scalingTarget, newRoutableService.autoScaleUp, newRoutableService.autoScaleDown, "")
+			w.routesHandler.CreateMapping(newRoutableService.externalServiceName, newRoutableService.containerEndpoint, newRoutableService.scalingTarget, newRoutableService.autoScaleUp, newRoutableService.autoScaleDown, "", "")
 		} else {
-			w.routesHandler.SetDefaultRoute(newRoutableService.containerEndpoint, newRoutableService.scalingTarget, newRoutableService.autoScaleUp, newRoutableService.autoScaleDown, "")
+			w.routesHandler.SetDefaultRoute(newRoutableService.containerEndpoint, newRoutableService.scalingTarget, newRoutableService.autoScaleUp, newRoutableService.autoScaleDown, "", "")
 		}
 	}
 }
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ func (w *K8sWatcher) handleDelete(obj interface{}) {
 			if routableService.externalServiceName != "" {
 				w.routesHandler.DeleteMapping(routableService.externalServiceName)
 			} else {
-				w.routesHandler.SetDefaultRoute("", "", nil, nil, "")
+				w.routesHandler.SetDefaultRoute("", "", nil, nil, "", "")
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -216,9 +216,9 @@ func (w *K8sWatcher) handleAdd(obj interface{}) {
 			logrus.WithField("routableService", routableService).Debug("ADD")
 
 			if routableService.externalServiceName != "" {
-				w.routesHandler.CreateMapping(routableService.externalServiceName, routableService.containerEndpoint, routableService.scalingTarget, routableService.autoScaleUp, routableService.autoScaleDown, "")
+				w.routesHandler.CreateMapping(routableService.externalServiceName, routableService.containerEndpoint, routableService.scalingTarget, routableService.autoScaleUp, routableService.autoScaleDown, "", "")
 			} else {
-				w.routesHandler.SetDefaultRoute(routableService.containerEndpoint, routableService.scalingTarget, routableService.autoScaleUp, routableService.autoScaleDown, "")
+				w.routesHandler.SetDefaultRoute(routableService.containerEndpoint, routableService.scalingTarget, routableService.autoScaleUp, routableService.autoScaleDown, "", "")
 			}
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/server/k8s_test.go b/server/k8s_test.go
index f9a56f0..42a6b38 100644
--- a/server/k8s_test.go
+++ b/server/k8s_test.go
@@ -28,16 +28,16 @@ func (m *MockedRoutesHandler) GetBackendForServer(server string) string {
 	}
 }
 
-func (m *MockedRoutesHandler) CreateMapping(serverAddress string, backend string, scaleKey string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string) {
-	m.MethodCalled("CreateMapping", serverAddress, backend, scaleKey, waker, sleeper, asleepMOTD)
+func (m *MockedRoutesHandler) CreateMapping(serverAddress string, backend string, scaleKey string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string, loadingMOTD string) {
+	m.MethodCalled("CreateMapping", serverAddress, backend, scaleKey, waker, sleeper, asleepMOTD, loadingMOTD)
 	if m.routes == nil {
 		m.routes = make(map[string]string)
 	}
 	m.routes[serverAddress] = backend
 }
 
-func (m *MockedRoutesHandler) SetDefaultRoute(backend string, scaleKey string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string) {
-	m.MethodCalled("SetDefaultRoute", backend, scaleKey, waker, sleeper, asleepMOTD)
+func (m *MockedRoutesHandler) SetDefaultRoute(backend string, scaleKey string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string, loadingMOTD string) {
+	m.MethodCalled("SetDefaultRoute", backend, scaleKey, waker, sleeper, asleepMOTD, loadingMOTD)
 	if m.routes == nil {
 		m.routes = make(map[string]string)
 	}
@@ -183,8 +183,8 @@ func TestK8sWatcherImpl_handleAddThenUpdate(t *testing.T) {
 			DownScaler = NewDownScaler(context.Background(), false, 1*time.Second)
 
 			routesHandler := new(MockedRoutesHandler)
-			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
-			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
 			routesHandler.On("GetAsleepMOTD", mock.Anything).Return("")
 			routesHandler.On("DeleteMapping", mock.Anything).Return(true)
 
@@ -264,8 +264,8 @@ func TestK8sWatcherImpl_handleAddThenDelete(t *testing.T) {
 			DownScaler = NewDownScaler(context.Background(), false, 1*time.Second)
 
 			routesHandler := new(MockedRoutesHandler)
-			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
-			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
 			routesHandler.On("GetAsleepMOTD", mock.Anything).Return("")
 			routesHandler.On("DeleteMapping", mock.Anything).Return(true)
 
@@ -363,8 +363,8 @@ func TestK8s_externalName(t *testing.T) {
 			DownScaler = NewDownScaler(context.Background(), false, 1*time.Second)
 
 			routesHandler := new(MockedRoutesHandler)
-			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
-			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
 			routesHandler.On("GetAsleepMOTD", mock.Anything).Return("")
 			routesHandler.On("DeleteMapping", mock.Anything).Return(true)
 
@@ -431,8 +431,8 @@ func TestK8s_proxyServerName(t *testing.T) {
 			DownScaler = NewDownScaler(context.Background(), false, 1*time.Second)
 
 			routesHandler := new(MockedRoutesHandler)
-			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
-			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+			routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
 			routesHandler.On("GetAsleepMOTD", mock.Anything).Return("")
 			routesHandler.On("DeleteMapping", mock.Anything).Return(true)
 
@@ -456,8 +456,8 @@ func TestK8s_proxyServerNameScaleEndpoint(t *testing.T) {
 	DownScaler = NewDownScaler(context.Background(), false, 1*time.Second)
 
 	routesHandler := new(MockedRoutesHandler)
-	routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
-	routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+	routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+	routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
 	routesHandler.On("GetAsleepMOTD", mock.Anything).Return("")
 	routesHandler.On("DeleteMapping", mock.Anything).Return(true)
 
@@ -472,15 +472,15 @@ func TestK8s_proxyServerNameScaleEndpoint(t *testing.T) {
 	watcher.handleAdd(&svc)
 
 	// Verify CreateMapping was called with the correct scaleKey (original endpoint)
-	routesHandler.AssertCalled(t, "CreateMapping", "mc.example.com", "velocity:25577", "10.0.0.5:25565", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything)
+	routesHandler.AssertCalled(t, "CreateMapping", "mc.example.com", "velocity:25577", "10.0.0.5:25565", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything)
 }
 
 func TestK8s_proxyServerNameUpdate(t *testing.T) {
 	DownScaler = NewDownScaler(context.Background(), false, 1*time.Second)
 
 	routesHandler := new(MockedRoutesHandler)
-	routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
-	routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+	routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+	routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
 	routesHandler.On("GetAsleepMOTD", mock.Anything).Return("")
 	routesHandler.On("DeleteMapping", mock.Anything).Return(true)
 
@@ -509,8 +509,8 @@ func TestK8s_autoScaleWithoutProxy(t *testing.T) {
 	DownScaler = NewDownScaler(context.Background(), false, 1*time.Second)
 
 	routesHandler := new(MockedRoutesHandler)
-	routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
-	routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+	routesHandler.On("CreateMapping", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
+	routesHandler.On("SetDefaultRoute", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything).Return()
 	routesHandler.On("GetAsleepMOTD", mock.Anything).Return("")
 	routesHandler.On("DeleteMapping", mock.Anything).Return(true)
 
@@ -532,5 +532,5 @@ func TestK8s_autoScaleWithoutProxy(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// CRITICAL: Verify scaleKey is set to the service endpoint (not empty)
 	// This ensures auto-scaling targets the correct StatefulSet
-	routesHandler.AssertCalled(t, "CreateMapping", "atm-10.example.com", "10.0.0.10:25565", "10.0.0.10:25565", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything)
+	routesHandler.AssertCalled(t, "CreateMapping", "atm-10.example.com", "10.0.0.10:25565", "10.0.0.10:25565", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything, mock.Anything)
 }
diff --git a/server/routes.go b/server/routes.go
index 824bc43..a74bdf9 100644
--- a/server/routes.go
+++ b/server/routes.go
@@ -36,8 +36,8 @@ type RouteFinder interface {
 }
 
 type RoutesHandler interface {
-	CreateMapping(serverAddress string, backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string)
-	SetDefaultRoute(backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string)
+	CreateMapping(serverAddress string, backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string, loadingMOTD string)
+	SetDefaultRoute(backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string, loadingMOTD string)
 	// DeleteMapping requests that the serverAddress be removed from routes.
 	// Returns true if the route existed.
 	DeleteMapping(serverAddress string) bool
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ type IRoutes interface {
 	GetMappings() map[string]string
 	GetDefaultRoute() (string, string, WakerFunc, SleeperFunc)
 	GetAsleepMOTD(serverAddress string) string
+	GetLoadingMOTD(serverAddress string) string
 	SimplifySRV(srvEnabled bool)
 }
 
@@ -74,7 +75,7 @@ func NewRoutes() IRoutes {
 
 func (r *routesImpl) RegisterAll(mappings map[string]string) {
 	for k, v := range mappings {
-		r.CreateMapping(k, v, "", nil, nil, "")
+		r.CreateMapping(k, v, "", nil, nil, "", "")
 	}
 }
 
@@ -83,6 +84,7 @@ type mapping struct {
 	waker         WakerFunc
 	sleeper       SleeperFunc
 	asleepMOTD    string
+	loadingMOTD   string
 	scalingTarget string // The endpoint to scale (may differ from backend when using proxy)
 }
 
@@ -98,11 +100,11 @@ func (r *routesImpl) Reset() {
 	DownScaler.Reset()
 }
 
-func (r *routesImpl) SetDefaultRoute(backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string) {
+func (r *routesImpl) SetDefaultRoute(backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string, loadingMOTD string) {
 	if scalingTarget == "" {
 		scalingTarget = backend
 	}
-	r.defaultRoute = mapping{backend: backend, scalingTarget: scalingTarget, waker: waker, sleeper: sleeper, asleepMOTD: asleepMOTD}
+	r.defaultRoute = mapping{backend: backend, scalingTarget: scalingTarget, waker: waker, sleeper: sleeper, asleepMOTD: asleepMOTD, loadingMOTD: loadingMOTD}
 
 	logrus.WithFields(logrus.Fields{
 		"backend": backend,
@@ -127,6 +129,20 @@ func (r *routesImpl) GetAsleepMOTD(serverAddress string) string {
 	return ""
 }
 
+func (r *routesImpl) GetLoadingMOTD(serverAddress string) string {
+	r.RLock()
+	defer r.RUnlock()
+
+	if serverAddress == "" {
+		return r.defaultRoute.loadingMOTD
+	}
+
+	if m, ok := r.mappings[serverAddress]; ok {
+		return m.loadingMOTD
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
 func (r *routesImpl) SimplifySRV(srvEnabled bool) {
 	r.simplifySRV = srvEnabled
 }
@@ -225,7 +241,7 @@ func (r *routesImpl) DeleteMapping(serverAddress string) bool {
 	}
 }
 
-func (r *routesImpl) CreateMapping(serverAddress string, backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string) {
+func (r *routesImpl) CreateMapping(serverAddress string, backend string, scalingTarget string, waker WakerFunc, sleeper SleeperFunc, asleepMOTD string, loadingMOTD string) {
 	r.Lock()
 	defer r.Unlock()
 
@@ -239,7 +255,7 @@ func (r *routesImpl) CreateMapping(serverAddress string, backend string, scaling
 		"serverAddress": serverAddress,
 		"backend":       backend,
 	}).Info("Created route mapping")
-	r.mappings[serverAddress] = mapping{backend: backend, scalingTarget: scalingTarget, waker: waker, sleeper: sleeper, asleepMOTD: asleepMOTD}
+	r.mappings[serverAddress] = mapping{backend: backend, scalingTarget: scalingTarget, waker: waker, sleeper: sleeper, asleepMOTD: asleepMOTD, loadingMOTD: loadingMOTD}
 
 	// Trigger auto scale down when mapping is created to ensure servers are shut down if router restarts
 	if DownScaler != nil && scalingTarget != "" {
diff --git a/server/routes_config_loader.go b/server/routes_config_loader.go
index 44c51e2..3104caa 100644
--- a/server/routes_config_loader.go
+++ b/server/routes_config_loader.go
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ func (r *routesConfigLoader) Load(routesConfigFileName string) error {
 	}
 
 	Routes.RegisterAll(config.Mappings)
-	Routes.SetDefaultRoute(config.DefaultServer, "", nil, nil, "")
+	Routes.SetDefaultRoute(config.DefaultServer, "", nil, nil, "", "")
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ func (r *routesConfigLoader) Reload() error {
 	logrus.WithField("routesConfig", r.fileName).Info("Re-loading routes config file")
 	Routes.Reset()
 	Routes.RegisterAll(config.Mappings)
-	Routes.SetDefaultRoute(config.DefaultServer, "", nil, nil, "")
+	Routes.SetDefaultRoute(config.DefaultServer, "", nil, nil, "", "")
 
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/server/routes_test.go b/server/routes_test.go
index 9c36194..c18f1f6 100644
--- a/server/routes_test.go
+++ b/server/routes_test.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ func Test_routesImpl_FindBackendForServerAddress(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
 			r := NewRoutes()
 
-			r.CreateMapping(tt.mapping.serverAddress, tt.mapping.backend, "", nil, nil, "")
+			r.CreateMapping(tt.mapping.serverAddress, tt.mapping.backend, "", nil, nil, "", "")
 
 			if got, server, _, _, _ := r.FindBackendForServerAddress(context.Background(), tt.args.serverAddress); got != tt.want {
 				t.Errorf("routesImpl.FindBackendForServerAddress() = %v, want %v", got, tt.want)
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ func Test_routesImpl_ScaleKey(t *testing.T) {
 
 	t.Run("scaleKey defaults to backend when empty", func(t *testing.T) {
 		r := NewRoutes()
-		r.CreateMapping("mc.example.com", "backend:25565", "", nil, nil, "")
+		r.CreateMapping("mc.example.com", "backend:25565", "", nil, nil, "", "")
 
 		_, _, scaleKey, _, _ := r.FindBackendForServerAddress(context.Background(), "mc.example.com")
 		assert.Equal(t, "backend:25565", scaleKey)
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ func Test_routesImpl_ScaleKey(t *testing.T) {
 
 	t.Run("scaleKey is set when provided", func(t *testing.T) {
 		r := NewRoutes()
-		r.CreateMapping("mc.example.com", "proxy:25577", "10.0.0.5:25565", nil, nil, "")
+		r.CreateMapping("mc.example.com", "proxy:25577", "10.0.0.5:25565", nil, nil, "", "")
 
 		backend, _, scaleKey, _, _ := r.FindBackendForServerAddress(context.Background(), "mc.example.com")
 		assert.Equal(t, "proxy:25577", backend)
@@ -108,8 +108,8 @@ func Test_routesImpl_ScaleKey(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 
 		// Two routes with same proxy backend but different scaleKeys
-		r.CreateMapping("mc1.example.com", "proxy:25577", "10.0.0.1:25565", nil, sleeper, "")
-		r.CreateMapping("mc2.example.com", "proxy:25577", "10.0.0.2:25565", nil, nil, "")
+		r.CreateMapping("mc1.example.com", "proxy:25577", "10.0.0.1:25565", nil, sleeper, "", "")
+		r.CreateMapping("mc2.example.com", "proxy:25577", "10.0.0.2:25565", nil, nil, "", "")
 
 		sleepers := r.GetSleepers("10.0.0.1:25565")
 		require.Len(t, sleepers, 1)
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ func Test_routesImpl_ScaleKey(t *testing.T) {
 
 	t.Run("default route scaleKey", func(t *testing.T) {
 		r := NewRoutes()
-		r.SetDefaultRoute("proxy:25577", "10.0.0.5:25565", nil, nil, "")
+		r.SetDefaultRoute("proxy:25577", "10.0.0.5:25565", nil, nil, "", "")
 
 		backend, scaleKey, _, _ := r.GetDefaultRoute()
 		assert.Equal(t, "proxy:25577", backend)
@@ -136,10 +136,21 @@ func Test_routesImpl_ScaleKey(t *testing.T) {
 
 	t.Run("default route scaleKey defaults to backend", func(t *testing.T) {
 		r := NewRoutes()
-		r.SetDefaultRoute("backend:25565", "", nil, nil, "")
+		r.SetDefaultRoute("backend:25565", "", nil, nil, "", "")
 
 		backend, scaleKey, _, _ := r.GetDefaultRoute()
 		assert.Equal(t, "backend:25565", backend)
 		assert.Equal(t, "backend:25565", scaleKey)
 	})
 }
+
+func Test_routesImpl_LoadingMOTD(t *testing.T) {
+	r := NewRoutes()
+	r.CreateMapping("mc.example.com", "backend:25565", "", nil, nil, "asleep", "loading")
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "loading", r.GetLoadingMOTD("mc.example.com"))
+	assert.Equal(t, "", r.GetLoadingMOTD("other.example.com"))
+
+	r.SetDefaultRoute("default:25565", "", nil, nil, "default asleep", "default loading")
+	assert.Equal(t, "default loading", r.GetLoadingMOTD(""))
+}
diff --git a/server/server.go b/server/server.go
index e412ea5..5902514 100644
--- a/server/server.go
+++ b/server/server.go
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ func NewServer(ctx context.Context, config *Config) (*Server, error) {
 
 	Routes.RegisterAll(config.Mapping)
 	if config.Default != "" {
-		Routes.SetDefaultRoute(config.Default, "", nil, nil, "")
+		Routes.SetDefaultRoute(config.Default, "", nil, nil, "", "")
 	}
 
 	if config.ConnectionRateLimit < 1 {
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ func NewServer(ctx context.Context, config *Config) (*Server, error) {
 		autoScaleAllowDenyConfig)
 
 	connector.UseAsleepMOTD(config.AutoScale.AsleepMOTD)
+	connector.UseLoadingMOTD(config.AutoScale.LoadingMOTD)
 
 	clientFilter, err := NewClientFilter(config.ClientsToAllow, config.ClientsToDeny)
 	if err != nil {