How to Host a Trackmania Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hello Devs, are you looking to host your own Trackmania server? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started. From setting up your server to managing player accounts, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Section 1: Getting Started

Before we jump into the technical details, let’s talk about why you might want to host your own Trackmania server. For starters, hosting your own server gives you complete control over your gaming experience. You can customize everything from the tracks to the game modes, and you won’t have to deal with any unwanted mods or hackers. Plus, hosting your own server can be a great way to build a community of like-minded players.

Now that you’re convinced, let’s get started with the technical details. Here’s what you’ll need:

Section 2: Setting up Your Server

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to set up your server. Here’s how:

Step 1: Install Linux or Windows on Your Server

The first step is to install the operating system of your choice on your server. If you’re new to server administration, we recommend using a Linux distribution like Ubuntu, as it’s easier to set up and maintain than Windows.

Step 2: Install the Required Dependencies

Next, you’ll need to install the dependencies required to run Trackmania. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Java
• MySQL
• Apache Web Server
• PHP

To install these dependencies, follow the instructions provided by your server’s operating system. For Ubuntu, you can use the following command:

sudo apt-get install default-jre mysql-server apache2 php

Step 3: Download and Install Trackmania

With the dependencies installed, it’s time to download and install Trackmania. You can download the server files from the official website.

Once you’ve downloaded the server files, extract them to a directory of your choice. Then, run the following command to start the server:

./TrackmaniaServer

Step 4: Configure Your Server

With the server running, it’s time to configure it to your liking. Here are a few things you might want to customize:

• The server name and description
• The game mode
• The tracks
• The server settings (e.g. maximum number of players)

To make these changes, you’ll need to modify the dedicated_cfg.txt file located in the server’s installation directory. Make sure to save your changes and restart the server for them to take effect.

Section 3: Managing Player Accounts

Now that your server is up and running, you’ll need to manage player accounts. Here’s how:

Step 1: Set Up a MySQL Database

To manage player accounts, you’ll need to set up a MySQL database. You can do this using the following command:

mysql -u root -p

Then, create a new database and user:

CREATE DATABASE trackmania;CREATE USER 'tmuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'tmuserpassword';GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON trackmania.* TO 'tmuser'@'localhost';

Make sure to replace tmuser and tmuserpassword with your desired username and password.

Step 2: Configure Your Server to Use the Database

To configure your server to use the database, modify the following lines in the dedicated_cfg.txt file:

dbAddress=localhostdbLogin=tmuserdbPassword=tmuserpassworddbPort=3306dbName=trackmania

Again, make sure to replace tmuser and tmuserpassword with your desired username and password.

Step 3: Manage Player Accounts

With the database configured, you can now manage player accounts using the PlayerPage.php webpage provided with Trackmania. To access the webpage, navigate to the following URL:

http://yourserveripaddress:5000/PlayerPage.php

From here, you can add, delete, and edit player accounts as needed.

Section 4: FAQ

Q: Can I host a Trackmania server on a shared hosting plan?

A: No, you’ll need a dedicated server or VPS to host a Trackmania server.

Q: Can I host a Trackmania server on Windows?

A: Yes, you can host a Trackmania server on either Linux or Windows.

Q: Can I customize the tracks and game modes?

A: Yes, you can customize everything from the tracks to the game modes using the dedicated_cfg.txt file.

Q: How many players can I host on my server?

A: The maximum number of players you can host depends on your server’s hardware and network bandwidth. You can customize this value in the dedicated_cfg.txt file.

Q: How can I ensure that my server is secure?

A: To ensure that your server is secure, make sure to follow best practices for server administration, such as using strong passwords and keeping your server up-to-date with security patches.

That’s it for our guide on how to host a Trackmania server. We hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below!