The Best Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Server Hosting

Hosting a Half-Life 2: Deathmatch server

Half-Life 2: Deathmatch is Valve's 2004 multiplayer spin-off of Half-Life 2, where the physics engine is part of the arsenal and the gravity gun turns toilets, barrels and saw blades into weapons. Servers run free-for-all deathmatch or Combine vs Resistance teamplay, and the community still runs custom maps and modded servers.

The Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Dedicated Server Tool is free through SteamCMD for Windows and Linux. HL2DM is a Source engine game, so it works with SourceMod and Metamod:Source for admin tools, stats and custom rules. Most classic maps were designed for around 8 to 16 players, and the map's spawn points limit how many can actually join.

What to compare

• SourceMod and Metamod support. Admin menus, map voting, stats and modded rules all run as plugins. Check the host lets you install and update them.
• Custom maps and FastDL. Community maps need uploading, and a FastDL web host speeds up downloads for players joining for the first time.
• Physics load. Lots of physics props flying around in a busy match adds CPU load. Strong single-core performance keeps movement and hit registration smooth.
• Slot count. Compare plans by the player count your maps actually suit, not the largest number on offer.
• Config access. server.cfg, map cycles, teamplay settings and admin lists are plain files, so direct file access saves time.
• Ping. Fast movement and physics kills reward low latency, so pick a datacentre close to your players.

See the current Half-Life 2: Deathmatch hosting deals for offers from listed providers. For a whole machine, see dedicated servers.

Half-Life 2: Deathmatch server hosting FAQ

How many players can an HL2DM server hold?

The player limit is set with maxplayers, but the classic maps suit roughly 8 to 16 players and spawn points cap what each map can hold.

Can I run plugins on a Half-Life 2: Deathmatch server?

Yes. SourceMod and Metamod:Source work with HL2DM, so you can add admin tools, map voting and custom rules if the host allows plugin installs.

Can I run teamplay instead of free-for-all?

Yes. Combine vs Resistance teamplay is a server setting, so you can switch modes from the config.

Can I host a Half-Life 2: Deathmatch server for free?

Yes, if you run the free Dedicated Server Tool yourself on Windows or Linux. It is only online while that machine is on, so communities that want a server up all day usually rent one.