How to create a Team Fortress 2 server on Schokr

Create a server from the Team Fortress 2 template in the Schokr console, set a starting map and (optionally) a Steam Game Server Login Token in the Startup settings, add a name and passwords in tf/cfg/server.cfg, then start it and connect with connect.

Creating the server#

1. Sign in at console.schokr.gg.
2. Create a new server with the Team Fortress 2 template.
3. Pick the location nearest your players. See choosing a location.
4. Assign memory and disk. A TF2 server for 24 players usually runs well on 2 GB of memory or less. The game files are several gigabytes, so leave enough disk.
5. Create the server and wait for the install to finish. It downloads the TF2 dedicated server through SteamCMD.

Startup settings#

In the Startup settings you'll find variables for the starting map and a Steam account token, along with other launch options depending on the template. Set the map to something like cp_badlands, ctf_2fort or pl_upward.

Should you add a GSLT?#

A Game Server Login Token is optional for TF2 but recommended. It gives your server a persistent identity on Steam, so players who favourite it keep finding it, and it helps with server browser listing. Create one for App ID 440. See getting a GSLT.

Basic server.cfg#

Open or create tf/cfg/server.cfg in the file manager:

hostname "My TF2 Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "use-a-long-random-password"

mp_timelimit 30
mp_winlimit 0
mp_maxrounds 0
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_teams_unbalance_limit 1
mp_allowspectators 1
sv_alltalk 0
tf_weapon_criticals 1

mapcyclefile "mapcycle.txt"

• mp_timelimit is the minutes per map before changing to the next one in the map cycle.
• tf_weapon_criticals 0 turns off random crits, which many community servers prefer.
• Set sv_password for a private server.

Map rotation is covered in TF2 maps and mapcycle.

Start and connect#

1. Start the server and wait for the console to show the map has loaded.
2. In TF2, enable the developer console in Advanced options, press the tilde key and type:

connect <server-ip>:<port>

Use the IP and port shown on your Schokr console page.

Adding bots#

To test or fill a quiet server, TF2 has built-in bots:

tf_bot_add 4
tf_bot_quota 8
tf_bot_quota_mode fill
tf_bot_kick all

Bots need maps with navigation meshes. Most official maps work; on others, bots may stand still.

Next steps#

• Add admin and plugins: SourceMod and Metamod
• Manage remotely: RCON tools

Still stuck?#

If the server shows up but players can't join, post your console log in the Schokr Discord.