Team Fortress 2 Dedicated Server: srcds, server.cfg & sourcemod Guide
Data Verified: May 2026Complete TF2 dedicated server reference. Configure server.cfg, mapcycle, sv_pure, SourceMod/MetaMod plugins, GSLT login tokens, and size hardware for stable 24-32 slot community servers.
Commands & configuration database
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
hostname | Team Fortress | Public server name in the browser. | |
sv_password | (empty) | Password required to join the server. | |
rcon_password | (empty) | Password for remote console. | |
sv_setsteamaccount | (empty) | GSLT login token (required for public servers). | |
maxplayers | 24 | Slot count. Set via command line `-maxplayers`. | |
mp_timelimit | 30 | Minutes per map before rotation. | |
mp_winlimit | 0 | Rounds won by a team before map change. 0 disables. | |
sv_pure | 1 | Pure server enforcement level (0/1/2). | |
sv_cheats | 0 | Enables cheat commands like noclip/give. Leave 0 in production. | |
sv_lan | 0 | Restricts the server to LAN. Must be 0 for internet play. | |
tv_enable | 0 | Enables SourceTV demo/broadcast server. | |
mp_autoteambalance | 1 | Automatically rebalances RED/BLU. |
Showing 12 of 12 configuration parameters.
| Command | Default Value | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
changelevel <map> | N/A | Switches the server to the named map immediately. | |
kick <player> | N/A | Disconnects the named player. | |
banid <minutes> <steamid> | N/A | Bans a SteamID for the given minutes (0 = permanent). | |
status | N/A | Lists connected players with SteamIDs, ping, and slot. | |
say <text> | N/A | Broadcasts a chat message from the server console. | |
exec <file.cfg> | N/A | Executes the named .cfg file from tf/cfg/. | |
sm_admin | N/A | Opens the SourceMod admin menu in-game (requires SourceMod). |
Showing 7 of 7 admin console commands.
Recommended hosting providers
Vetted hosts with one-click Team Fortress 2 installs. Links are affiliate placeholders and marked rel="sponsored".
Legacy Source-engine specialist with one-click TF2 + SourceMod installs.
Visit GameServers.com →Long-standing community-favourite for low-ping competitive TF2 boxes.
Visit NFOservers →DDoS-protected slots with web-based server.cfg editor.
Visit Host Havoc →Hardware specifications
Sizing guidance for self-hosting a Team Fortress 2 dedicated server.
| Tier | Specification | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| Small (12-18 slots) | 1 GB RAM / 1-core 3.5 GHz+ CPU | Source servers are single-threaded, clock speed dominates. |
| Standard (24 slots) | 2 GB RAM / 1-core 4.0 GHz+ CPU / SSD | Competitive/community pub at 66 tick. |
| High-tick / Modded (32+) | 4 GB RAM / 1-core 4.5 GHz+ Dedicated Node | 100-tick scrim servers with SourceMod plugins and SourceTV. |
Default file locations
Default installation paths for Team Fortress 2 dedicated servers installed via SteamCMD.
Windows
C:\srcds\tf\cfg\Linux
/home/steam/tf2/tf/cfg/Pro-Tip: Always stop the server completely before editing configuration files, or the server will overwrite your changes upon restart.
Default ports for port forwarding
Open these on your router and firewall before exposing the server to the internet.
| Service | Protocol | Port |
|---|---|---|
| Game Port | UDP | 27015 |
| Query Port | UDP | 27015 |
| RCON / Telnet | TCP | 27015 |
Quick start: launch your Team Fortress 2 server
Copy-paste these two commands to install and start a Team Fortress 2 dedicated server. Tested against SteamCMD on a fresh box.
Step 1, Install via SteamCMDSteam App ID 232250
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/steam/tf2server +login anonymous +app_update 232250 validate +quitStep 2, Launch the Team Fortress 2 server
cd /home/steam/tf2server && ./srcds_run -game tf +map cp_badlands +maxplayers 24Step 1, Install via SteamCMDSteam App ID 232250
steamcmd +force_install_dir "C:\tf2server" +login anonymous +app_update 232250 validate +quitStep 2, Launch the Team Fortress 2 server
C:\tf2server\srcds.exe -console -game tf +map cp_badlands +maxplayers 24Frequently asked questions
Other dedicated servers you might run
Browse all games →Arma 3
Tactical ShooterComplete Arma 3 dedicated server admin reference. Configure server.cfg & basic.cfg, headless clients, BattlEye RCON commands, mod loading, and hardware sizing for milsim servers.
16 configs · 9 consoleOpen guideArma Reforger
Tactical ShooterComplete Arma Reforger dedicated server admin reference. Configure config.json, Workshop mod sync, Conflict/Game Master scenarios, RCON via BattlEye, and hardware sizing.
18 configs · 6 consoleOpen guideCounter-Strike 2
Tactical ShooterComprehensive CS2 dedicated server guide. Configure server.cfg, set tick rate, manage GSLT tokens, run competitive/Wingman/DM modes, and size hardware for low-latency 128-tick scrims.
13 configs · 10 consoleOpen guideHell Let Loose
Tactical ShooterComplete Hell Let Loose dedicated server admin reference. Configure Game.ini, RotateMap.txt, RCON admin commands, VIP slots, and hardware sizing for 100-player WW2 servers.
15 configs · 9 consoleOpen guideInsurgency: Sandstorm
Tactical ShooterComplete Insurgency: Sandstorm dedicated server admin reference. Configure Game.ini, MapCycle.txt, Mods.txt, RCON admin commands, GSLT login token, and hardware sizing.
14 configs · 9 consoleOpen guidePavlov VR
Tactical ShooterDefinitive Pavlov VR dedicated server guide. Configure Game.ini, RCON, MapRotation, Mods.txt for Workshop sync, modes (TTT, WW2, Push), and size hardware for stable 10-32 player servers.
10 configs · 6 consoleOpen guide
Host your own Team Fortress 2 server
All hosting guides →Step-by-step install and deploy walkthroughs (panels, ports, RAM sizing). Pair these with the command reference above.