How to Host a Left 4 Dead 2 Server

Welcome Dev, are you a fan of Left 4 Dead 2 and want to host your own server? Hosting a server can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and steps, you can create your own server and play with your friends. In this article, we will guide you on how to host a Left 4 Dead 2 server. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Install Left 4 Dead 2 Server Software

The first step is to install the Left 4 Dead 2 server software. This software is the foundation of the server and allows players to connect and play on your server. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1.1: Download SteamCMD

You will need to download SteamCMD, which is a command-line tool that allows you to download and update dedicated servers for Steam games. Here is how to download SteamCMD:

Operating System	Download Link
Windows	https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd.zip
Linux	sudo apt-get install steamcmd
macOS	https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_osx.tar.gz

Make sure to extract the files into a folder where you want to install the server.

Step 1.2: Install Left 4 Dead 2 Server Software

Now that you have downloaded SteamCMD, it’s time to install the Left 4 Dead 2 server software. Here is how:

login anonymous
force_install_dir ./l4d2-server
app_update 222860 validate
quit

This will install the server software into the folder ./l4d2-server. Note that the 222860 is the AppID of Left 4 Dead 2 server software.

Step 1.3: Set Up Server Configuration

After installing the server software, you need to set up the server configuration. This includes the server name, max players, game mode, and more. Here is how to set up the configuration file:

Go to the folder ./l4d2-server/left4dead2/cfg and create a file named server.cfg. Edit the file with your preferred settings. Here is an example:

hostname "My L4D2 Server"
sv_maxplayers 8
sv_gamemode "coop"
sv_steamgroup "steamgroup/12345678"
sv_password ""

The sv_steamgroup setting is optional and allows only members of the specified Steam group to join the server. The sv_password setting is also optional and allows you to set a password for your server.

Step 2: Forward Ports in Your Router

Now that you have set up the server software and configuration, you need to forward ports in your router to allow players to connect to your server. Here is how:

Step 2.1: Find Your Router IP Address

Open command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux). Look for the “Default Gateway” IP address, which is your router IP address.

Step 2.2: Access Your Router Settings

Type the router IP address in your web browser and enter your username and password to access the router settings. If you don’t know the username and password, check the router manual or website.

Step 2.3: Forward Ports

Find the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section in your router settings. Add a new custom service with the following details:

Service Name	Port Range	Local IP Address	Protocol
Left 4 Dead 2 Server	27015-27016	Your PC’s local IP address	UDP

Save the settings and restart the router.

Step 3: Start the Server

Now that you have installed the server software, set up the configuration, and forwarded the ports, it’s time to start the server. Here is how:

Go to the folder ./l4d2-server and run the following command in the terminal or command prompt:

./srcds_run -game left4dead2 -console -autoupdate +map c1m1_hotel +maxplayers 8

This will start the server with the map “c1m1_hotel” and a maximum of 8 players.

FAQ

Q1. Can I host a Left 4 Dead 2 server without SteamCMD?

No, SteamCMD is required to install and update the server software.

Q2. Can I set up a Left 4 Dead 2 server on a VPS?

Yes, you can set up a Left 4 Dead 2 server on a VPS, but make sure to check the VPS provider’s policy on game servers.

Q3. How do I set up custom maps on my Left 4 Dead 2 server?

You can download custom maps from the Steam Workshop or other websites and install them in the folder ./l4d2-server/left4dead2/addons. Edit the server configuration file server.cfg with the map name.

Q4. How do I configure server admin permissions?

You can configure server admin permissions using the admins_simple.ini or admins_super.cfg files in the folder ./l4d2-server/left4dead2/cfg. See the official Valve documentation for more information.

Q5. How do I update the Left 4 Dead 2 server software?

Use the following command in SteamCMD to update the server software:

app_update 222860 validate

This will update the server to the latest version.

That’s it, Dev! You have learned how to host a Left 4 Dead 2 server. We hope this guide was helpful. Have fun playing with your friends on your own server!