Hosting a Team Fortress 2 server
Team Fortress 2 is Valve's free-to-play class-based shooter, with nine classes across Payload, Control Point, Capture the Flag, King of the Hill and more. Community servers are where much of TF2 still lives, from 24-player vanilla rotations to trade, jump, MGE, Prop Hunt and Versus Saxton Hale servers.
The Team Fortress 2 Dedicated Server Tool is free through SteamCMD for Windows and Linux. To appear in the public server browser, a server needs a Game Server Login Token (GSLT), generated free from your Steam account and tied to it. Custom modes almost always run on SourceMod and Metamod:Source.
What to compare
- SourceMod and Metamod support. Admin tools, custom game modes, stats and anti-cheat plugins depend on them. Check the host lets you install and update plugins yourself.
- Custom maps and FastDL. Community maps need uploading to the server, and a FastDL web host speeds up downloads for joining players. Look for easy uploads and FastDL support.
- Player slots. TF2 servers normally run up to 32 players. Valve added an unsupported option for up to 100, but large counts cost performance, so compare plans by the slots you will fill.
- CPU. Busy 24 to 32 player servers with plugins lean on single-core speed, which shows as lag during big pushes.
- Config access. Map cycles, server.cfg, round timers and admin lists are plain files, so direct file access saves time.
- DDoS protection and location. Public TF2 servers are common targets, and a datacentre near your players keeps hit registration fair.
See the current Team Fortress 2 hosting deals for offers from listed providers. For a whole machine, see dedicated servers.
Team Fortress 2 server hosting FAQ
How many players can a TF2 server hold?
Up to 32 as standard. A launch option added by Valve allows up to 100, but Valve labels it unsupported and not recommended.
What is a GSLT and do I need one?
A Game Server Login Token links your server to your Steam account so it shows in the public browser. Without one the server still runs but stays unlisted.
Can I run custom game modes and plugins?
Yes, through SourceMod and Metamod:Source, if the host allows plugin installs. Most trade, jump and Saxton Hale servers are built this way.
Can I host a Team Fortress 2 server for free?
Yes. The dedicated server tool is free on Windows and Linux, and the game itself is free to play. Your server is only online while your machine is, so public communities usually rent a server.
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