How to Configure Your Team Fortress 2 Server Print

In this guide, I’ll show you how to configure your Team Fortress 2 (TF2) server using the FinnishHost Game Panel. You’ll learn how to set your hostname, configure gameplay settings, and adjust performance options.

Step 1: Stop the Server

Always stop your server from the Game Panel before editing configuration files to prevent file corruption.

Step 2: Open the Configuration Files

1. In your FinnishHost Game Panel, go to Configuration Files.
2. Click Edit next to server.cfg.

Step 3: Basic Configuration Example

A working example of a basic server.cfg looks like this:

hostname "My FinnishHost TF2 Server"
rcon_password "StrongAdminPass"
sv_password ""
sv_lan 0
mp_timelimit 30
mp_winlimit 3
mp_maxrounds 2

• hostname — The name shown in the public server browser.
• rcon_password — Used to control your server remotely.
• sv_password — Leave blank for a public server, or set a password for private access.
• sv_lan — Must be set to 0 for public servers.
• mp_timelimit — Sets the time in minutes before a map changes.

Step 4: Configure Startup Parameters

Open Commandline / Startup Parameters in your control panel. Here’s a typical TF2 startup line:

-game tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24 -autoupdate

You can replace ctf_2fort with any installed map and adjust the player count as needed.

Step 5: Adjust Gameplay and Performance Settings

Inside server.cfg, you can also tweak gameplay options such as respawn times, critical hits, and friendly fire. Example:

mp_friendlyfire 0
mp_disable_respawn_times 0
tf_use_fixed_weaponspreads 1
tf_weapon_criticals 1

Set these values to 0 or 1 depending on the gameplay experience you want.

Step 6: Configure Map Rotation

To define which maps your server cycles through, edit mapcycle.txt in the same directory. Example:

cp_dustbowl
ctf_2fort
pl_badwater

Save the file and restart your server to apply the changes.

Step 7: Save and Start

Once your settings are adjusted, click Save and then Start to launch your server. Use the Web Console to confirm that it loads your chosen map successfully.

Notes

We provide support for configuration, startup, and hosting-related issues only. We don’t provide support for custom SourceMod plugins, server scripting, or third-party modifications. Always back up your server.cfg before making major changes.