How to Host an SRB2 Server

Welcome, Dev! If you’re interested in hosting your own SRB2 server for you and your friends to play on, look no further. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step. While it may seem daunting at first, with a little bit of know-how, anyone can host their own server.

Before You Begin

Before we get started, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. System Requirements

First and foremost, you’ll need a machine that’s capable of running SRB2. While the game isn’t particularly resource-intensive, running a server in addition to playing the game can require more processing power than some machines have to offer. Make sure your machine meets the following minimum requirements:

Component	Minimum Requirement
CPU	1 GHz or faster
RAM	1 GB or more
Storage	At least 500 MB free

2. Network Requirements

In order for other players to connect to your server, you’ll need to be connected to the internet. A stable broadband connection is recommended, as well as a router with port forwarding capabilities. Port forwarding allows players outside of your local network to connect to your server. If you’re unfamiliar with port forwarding, check out our FAQ section at the end of this article for more information.

Setting Up Your Server

1. Downloading the Server Files

The first step in setting up your server is downloading the necessary files. You can download the latest version of the SRB2 dedicated server from the official website.

2. Extracting the Server Files

Once you’ve downloaded the server files, you’ll need to extract them to a folder on your computer. We recommend creating a dedicated folder for your server files.

3. Configuring Your Server

Before you can start your server, you’ll need to configure it to your liking. Open the server.cfg file in a text editor such as Notepad or Sublime Text. This file contains various settings that affect how your server behaves. Some of the most important settings include:

• sv_hostname: This is the name that will be displayed in the server browser.
• sv_maxplayers: This setting determines the maximum number of players that can connect to your server at once.
• sv_password: If you want your server to be private, you can set a password here.

4. Starting Your Server

Once you’ve configured your server to your liking, you’re ready to start it up. Simply double-click the srb2ded.exe file to launch the server. You should see a console window pop up, indicating that the server is running. Congratulations, you’re now running your own SRB2 server!

Advanced Configuration

1. Plugins

If you want to add additional features to your server, such as custom game modes or player skins, you can do so by installing plugins. Plugins are small extensions that modify the behavior of your server. You can find a variety of plugins on the SRB2 forums.

2. Console Commands

The SRB2 dedicated server provides a number of console commands that allow you to modify the behavior of your server on the fly. Some useful commands include:

• kick: Kicks a player from the server.
• ban: Bans a player from the server.
• say: Sends a message to all players on the server.

3. Server Modding

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even create your own server mods. Mods allow you to modify the game itself, rather than just the server. With a little bit of programming knowledge, you can create custom game modes, new levels, or even entirely new gameplay mechanics. Check out the SRB2 Modding Wiki for more information.

FAQ

1. What is port forwarding?

Port forwarding is the process of allowing incoming traffic to a specific port on your router to be forwarded to a specific device on your local network. In the case of hosting an SRB2 server, you’ll need to forward port 5029 to the IP address of the computer running your server.

2. How do I find my public IP address?

Your public IP address is the address that other players will use to connect to your server. You can find it by Googling “What is my IP address?”

3. Can I run a server and play the game on the same machine?

Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that running a server in addition to playing the game can require more processing power than some machines have to offer. If you experience lag or other issues, try reducing the number of players on your server or upgrading your hardware.

4. Can I host a server without port forwarding?

It’s possible to host a server without port forwarding, but it requires some additional setup. You’ll need to use a service like Hamachi to create a virtual LAN between you and the other players. Check out the SRB2 forums for more information.

5. How do I install plugins?

To install a plugin, simply place the .dll file in your server’s “plugins” folder. Make sure the plugin is compatible with the version of SRB2 you’re running.