Server Hosting
Hosting a server can be complicated and dangerous if it is done wrong!
People could hijack your server and ruin your whole system (especially when you are using insecure passwords or scripts)!
DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK!
General Info
Some important things & facts you should know
- Server = a computer which runs a server program (OR the server program itself)
- Hosting a CS2D server = opening your own CS2D game and be admin
- Admin (administrator) = a person who can control all server settings etc.
- RCon (remote control)= allows you to be an admin on other servers
- RCon Password = password required to be able to control other CS2D servers
- Console = a text input/output interface where you can enter commands
What does it take to host a CS2D Server?
- Counter-Strike 2D client OR dedicated server+client files
- a good and fast internet connection (also: WLAN is bad for hosting!)
- right router configuration (if you are using a router)
- right firewall configuration (if you are using a firewall/windows)
Listen Or Dedicated Server?
First of all: Both servers do the same thing! They host a CS2D game and they save it in the serverlist - at least if you do everything correctly!
We recommend to use the listen server if it fits your needs (because it is much easier to control)!
Listen Server (CS2D Client, CounterStrike2D)
The listen server is the easiest way to host a server. It has many advantages:
- No additional downloads required! You just need the client!
- Very easy to control because you have a visual interface
- You do not need to setup and use RCon (remote control)
- You can easily play and host at the same time!
So whenever you want to host and play at the same time and at the same PC: Use the listen server!
Dedicated Server (cs2d_dedicated)
The dedicated Server is much harder to use than a listen server! Only advantage:
- Runs all the time without video and audio output (does not need a video card to run)
Huge disadvantage: You always have to use RCon (remote control) to control a dedicated server.
This is more complicated than direct control.
Use the dedicated server when you want to host a CS2D game on a real internet server (a root- or v-server) and if you want the server to be online all the time.
How To Host
Host Listen Server
- Run CounterStrike2D(.exe)
- Click at New Game (in main menu)
- Change the settings as you like
- Click Start
- Done! Problems? Check the first questions and answers at the FAQ
Host Dedicated Server
- Download the dedicated server
- Extract it to your CS2D folder (which contains all client files)
- Use a text editor to modify sys/server.cfg etc.
- Run cs2d_dedicated(.exe) (never run it as root on Linux! It's dangerous!)
- Done! Problems? Check the first questions and answers at the FAQ
Important Server Files
sys/server.cfg
This file contains nearly all
server settings.
sys/config.cfg and sys/more.cfg
Some additional settings. However most of these settings are for the client and do not affect the server.
sys/bans.lst
A list of all players which are banned from your server.
sys/mapcycle.cfg
A list of maps which will run on your server. The server will automatically cycle through these maps (if settings allow it).
You can also add commands which will be executed when a certain map is loaded. Check the comments in this file for details.
Only maps in this file can be voted by players!
sys/serverinfo.txt
A welcome message. It will be displayed to everyone who joins your server!
You can remove this file (or its contents) if you do not want to have a welcome message.
sys/servertransfer.lst
A list of files which will be sent to all clients which join the server (and which accept these files).
Read the comments in this file for details.
sys/logs folder
Contains log files (if logging is enabled). Read them if your server does not work properly.
You can delete log files if you do not need them anymore. They do not influence the server.
sys/stats folder
Contains files which are used to save the server stats and player rankings.
Simply delete these files to reset the stats/rankings (stop the server while doing this).
sys/core folder
Some (internal) core files (nothing you need to edit or care about).
sys/lua/server.lua
This file will be executed by the CS2D Lua parser whenever you start your server.
It allows you to include Lua scripts. This can be done by editting this file with a text editor.
Read the comments in this file for details.
sys/lua/wrapper.lua
A wrapper which makes it easier to use CS2D commands in your Lua scripts. Used by many Lua scripts.
sys/usgn.dat
Masterserver connection info. Essential for servers. Otherwise they will not be able to communicate with the U.S.G.N. masterserver (no serverlist entry, no account login).
bots/Standard AI.lua
This file will be executed by the CS2D Lua parser whenever you start your server.
It contains the Lua scripts for bots. It is unimportant if you are not using any bots.
