If you’re a fan of Left 4 Dead 2, you might be wondering how you can host your own server. It’s actually not as difficult as you might think, and in this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.
Requirements:
Before you can get started, you’ll need to make sure you have the following:
A computer that meets the minimum system requirements for Left 4 Dead 2
A copy of Left 4 Dead 2
A broadband internet connection
Step 1: Choose Your Server Type
The first step is to decide what type of server you want to host. There are two main types of servers: Listen and Dedicated.
Listen servers are hosted on your own computer and are typically used for LAN parties or small online games with friends. Dedicated servers are hosted on a separate computer and can support more players. They’re also more expensive to set up and maintain.
If you’re just getting started, we recommend choosing a Listen server. They’re much easier to set up and you won’t need to worry about the extra cost of a Dedicated server.
Step 2: Choose Your Server Settings
Once you’ve chosen your server type, you’ll need to decide on some basic settings. These include the server name, password, and game mode.
The server name is what players will see when they connect to your server. Choose something that’s easy to remember and descriptive of your game.
The password is used to keep unwanted players out of your game. Choose something that’s hard to guess but easy for your friends to remember.
The game mode dictates the rules of the game. There are several modes to choose from, but the most popular are Versus and Survival.
Step 3: Download the Server Files
Now that you’ve chosen your settings, it’s time to download the server files. These can be downloaded from the official Left 4 Dead website.
Once you have the files, extract them to a folder on your computer. We recommend creating a folder specifically for your server so everything is kept organized.
Step 4: Configure the Server
Now that you have the server files, it’s time to configure them. This is done through the server.cfg file.
Open the server.cfg file in a text editor and edit the settings to match your preferences. Be sure to pay attention to the maxplayers setting, as this determines how many players can join your server.
Step 5: Start the Server
Now that your server is configured, it’s time to start it up. To do this, open the Left 4 Dead 2 game and go to the Multiplayer menu. From here, select the option to host a game.
Choose your server type, settings, and map, then start the game. Your server will now be up and running!
