How to Host an Insurgency (2014) Dedicated Server

To host an Insurgency (2014) server, install the Insurgency Dedicated Server with SteamCMD (app_update 237410, anonymous login), start it with a map and mode such as srcds -game insurgency +maxplayers 32 +map ministry push, pick a playlist with sv_playlist, and put your name and passwords in insurgency/cfg/server.cfg. Forward UDP 27015 and players find you in the server browser or join with connect. This is the original Source engine game, not Insurgency: Sandstorm.

First, which Insurgency?

New World Interactive made two games with the name. This guide is for Insurgency (2014), the Source engine shooter. Insurgency: Sandstorm is a different game with its own server; if that is what you play, see how to host an Insurgency Sandstorm server. Players of one cannot join servers of the other.

Insurgency (2014) is old and its official matchmaking days are behind it, but it still has a loyal crowd on community servers, both PvP and co-op against bots. In December 2025 the game and its Windows dedicated server received an update that removed BattlEye, so it is still being maintained at a basic level, and servers need to be on that current build.

What you need

Step 1: Install with SteamCMD

login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\insserver
app_update 237410 validate
quit

On Linux, the same commands work in steamcmd.sh. You may need 32 bit libraries such as lib32gcc1 (or lib32gcc-s1 on newer distributions).

One Windows quirk worth knowing: if you install the server through the Steam client's Tools list, copy it out of the Steam folder before running it. Otherwise Steam can treat the running server as the game and refuse to launch Insurgency on the same PC.

Step 2: Write a start line

Insurgency's +map takes the map name and the mode:

srcds.exe -console -port 27015 +maxplayers 32 +sv_playlist nwi/pvp_tactical +map ministry push

On Linux use ./srcds_run -game insurgency with the same options. Some useful combinations:

Step 3: Pick a playlist

sv_playlist tells the server which official ruleset to follow. A long running community guide lists these NWI playlists:

comp
conquer
coop
coop_elite
coop_hardcore
pvp_sustained
pvp_tactical

Use them with the nwi/ prefix, for example sv_playlist "nwi/coop". An official playlist forces its own settings and overrides yours, which keeps the server close to standard play. If you want full control over every setting, use the custom playlist instead.

Step 4: server.cfg and mode configs

Copy insurgency/cfg/server.cfg.example to server.cfg and set the basics:

hostname "Old Guard | Push | 32"
rcon_password "change-this"
sv_password ""
sv_playlist "nwi/pvp_tactical"
mapcyclefile "mapcycle_pvp.txt"
mp_friendlyfire 1
mp_tkpunish 1
sv_alltalk 0

Then the part that trips up nearly everyone: mode configs. The cfg folder has default_server_checkpoint.cfg, default_server_push.cfg and others. Rename a copy to server_checkpoint.cfg (and so on) to customize that mode. These files load after server.cfg when the mode starts and override it. So a setting that keeps reverting is usually set twice, once in server.cfg and again in a mode config or by the playlist.

For co-op specifics, see how to set up an Insurgency co-op Checkpoint server.

Step 5: Ports

Forward UDP 27015 to the server PC and allow srcds through the firewall. A community server guide also notes that if players on the same home network as the server want to join, run the server on 27016 or higher to avoid a conflict with their own game clients. Our port forwarding guide covers routers.

Step 6: Join

Players turn on Enable Developer Console in Insurgency's options, press ~, and type:

password yourpassword
connect 203.0.113.10:27015

Or they search the hostname in the server browser. If the server does not appear or players cannot get in, see Insurgency (2014) server not showing or can't join.

Step 7: Plugins, maps and theaters

• SourceMod: extract Metamod:Source then SourceMod into the insurgency folder for admin menus, bans and stats. After a game update you may need the newest builds.
• Custom maps: upload .bsp files to insurgency/maps and add them to your map cycle. Players need the same map, so share where to get it.
• Theaters: theater files change weapons, classes and bot behavior. Use them on the custom playlist, since official playlists enforce their own.

The easy option

An Insurgency server from GamezServers is live within about a minute of paying, with its own address and open port. The panel sets the default map and auto update, so the server stays on the current build after every restart. server.cfg, the mode configs, map cycles, maps and SourceMod's folders are all in the file manager and over SFTP, with a live console for map and RCON style commands. Plans start small because an old Source server does not need much, and your squad can split the bill.

FAQ

What is the Insurgency (2014) dedicated server app ID?

237410. Install it with SteamCMD using login anonymous.

Can Insurgency: Sandstorm players join a 2014 server?

No. They are separate games with separate servers.

Why does my setting keep changing back?

A mode config such as server_checkpoint.cfg, or an official playlist, sets it after server.cfg. Change it there, or use the custom playlist.

How many players can an Insurgency server hold?

PvP servers commonly run up to 32. In co-op, a smaller human squad fights bots.

What port does an Insurgency server use?

UDP 27015 by default, set with -port. TCP 27015 is RCON.