How to Host a Team Fortress 2 Server (2026 Guide)

To host a Team Fortress 2 server, download the Source Dedicated Server (SRCDS) with SteamCMD app 232250, put your rules in tf/cfg/server.cfg and your rotation in tf/cfg/mapcycle.txt, then start it with -game tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24 +sv_setsteamaccount <GSLT>. Open UDP and TCP 27015. Add Metamod:Source and SourceMod for admin tools and plugins. A stock 24 player server runs on 2 GB of RAM.

What do you need to host a TF2 server?

TF2's server is light by modern standards. It runs on Windows and Linux, and since Valve's 2024 update there is a 64-bit Linux binary (srcds_linux64) alongside the classic 32-bit one. Players do not need to buy anything: TF2 is free to play on Steam.

CPU single thread speed matters more than RAM. A tickrate 66 server with 24 players is one busy thread. Upload bandwidth matters too: each player uses a steady stream, and more when downloading custom maps.

How do I install a TF2 dedicated server?

1. Install SteamCMD and download the server anonymously:

steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\tf2server +login anonymous +app_update 232250 validate +quit

2. Create a Steam game server login token (GSLT) at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers using app ID 440. TF2 will run without one, but a token gives the server a stable Steam identity, so it keeps its place in players' favorites and history.
3. Create tf/cfg/server.cfg (next section).
4. Start the server. On Windows:

srcds.exe -console -game tf -port 27015 +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24 +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT

On Linux:

./srcds_run -console -game tf -port 27015 +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24 +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT

Update the server with the same SteamCMD line after every TF2 patch; an outdated server drops out of the browser. The Team Fortress Wiki's dedicated server page has more launch options.

How do I configure server.cfg?

server.cfg runs every time a map loads. A solid starting point for a casual 12v12 server:

hostname "Our TF2 Community Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "use-a-long-random-password"
sv_region 255
mp_timelimit 30
mp_winlimit 0
mp_maxrounds 0
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_teams_unbalance_limit 1
mp_idledealmethod 1
mp_idlemaxtime 5
sv_allow_votes 1
sv_visiblemaxplayers 24
sv_pure 1
mapcyclefile mapcycle.txt

Changed server.cfg and nothing happened? It only runs on map change. Type exec server.cfg in the console or change the map.

How many players can a TF2 server have?

24 is the standard community size and enough for 12v12. You can raise +maxplayers to 32, which the Source engine handles well. Bigger servers need extra launch options and tend to be unstable, so most communities stay at 24 to 32. Competitive 6v6 and Highlander servers run 12 and 18 players plus a few spectator slots.

What ports does a TF2 server use?

Forward these if you host at home; our port forwarding guide shows how. Use -port 27016 and so on for a second server on the same machine.

How do I set the map cycle and Workshop maps?

Write one map per line in tf/cfg/mapcycle.txt:

pl_badwater
pl_upward
cp_dustbowl
koth_harvest_final
ctf_2fort

Workshop maps work too. Find the map's ID in its Workshop URL (the number after ?id=, shown here as an example) and either change to it live:

changelevel workshop/123456789

or add it to the cycle as workshop/123456789. The server downloads the map, and players get it when they join. For faster downloads on a server with many custom maps, set up FastDL with sv_downloadurl pointing at a web host with your compressed maps.

How do I install SourceMod on a TF2 server?

SourceMod is the standard admin and plugin framework for Source games. It needs Metamod:Source underneath.

1. Download the stable builds of Metamod:Source and SourceMod for your server's OS (and 64-bit builds if you run srcds_linux64).
2. Extract both into the tf folder so you end up with tf/addons/metamod and tf/addons/sourcemod.
3. Restart and type meta list and sm plugins list in the console. If Metamod does not answer, check that metamod.vdf is in tf/addons.
4. Make yourself admin in tf/addons/sourcemod/configs/admins_simple.ini:

"STEAM_0:1:12345678" "99:z"

z is full root access. Use smaller flag sets for moderators. Reload with sm_reloadadmins or restart.

Add plugins by dropping .smx files into addons/sourcemod/plugins. Popular picks are map votes (bundled with SourceMod), round stats and class limits. Take a backup before adding a batch of plugins: how to back up a game server.

FAQ

Do I need a GSLT for a TF2 server?

It is optional but recommended. Without a token the server logs in anonymously and gets a new Steam ID each start. Create one with app ID 440.

How do players connect to my TF2 server?

Open the developer console and type connect followed by the address, for example connect 203.0.113.10:27015, or add it to Favorites in the community server browser.

Why is my TF2 server not in the server browser?

Valve's list can take a few minutes after start. Also check that UDP 27015 is open and the server is on the latest update.

Can I run a password protected scrim server?

Yes. Set sv_password in server.cfg, load your league's config, and set mp_autoteambalance 0 so teams stay as picked.

Does a TF2 server need a lot of RAM?

No. 2 GB runs 24 players on stock maps, and 4 GB covers most SourceMod community servers.

The easy option: host it with us

If you would rather not run SteamCMD and manage tokens, you can rent a TF2 server from us. We create the Steam login token for you, you set the default map in the panel, and server.cfg, mapcycle.txt and the addons folder are a click away in the file manager or over SFTP. It is ready minutes after you pay, with DDoS protection and backups before game updates. Plans start at 2 GB, new customers get 50% off the first month, and a community can split the bill with each person paying their own share. More on running a community server is in how to grow a game server community.