Servers

What is a server?

Like all multiplayer games based on Valve's Source Engine, Team Fortress 2 is designed around the idea of a client/server architecture. The "client" in this case being simply being Team Fortress 2 running on a players computer. However the client alone is useless, it requires a server to connect to to allow the player to interact with other players over the internet. Thankfully, with more 3,000 Team Fortress 2 servers currently running worldwide, the vast majority of players will never need to worry or even thinking about this.

To put it simply, a game server is what handles the virtual world you are playing in. Where players are in the game, what they are doing, and lets everyone know what everyone else is doing. If you have seen any of the Matrix films, a game server isn't too different. The server manages a virtual world which everyone connected to can interact within.

Why would I want a server?

Running your own server has a number of advantages, for example it allows you to:

• Set your own map rotation
• Have your own settings regarding gravity, slot limit, etc
• Install custom mods such as Prop Hunt and TF2DM
• Password your server to allow only a small group of friends to play
• Let communities grow by providing a common place to play and chat
• Configure admin plugins to allow friends and people you trust to kick/ban problem players

Different types of servers

There are 2 types of servers that can be run using the Source engine.

Listen/Local Server

A Listen Server is just a basic server running within your TF2 client. To create one, simply click the "Create Server" button at the main menu.

Dedicated Server

A dedicated server is strangely enough, a standalone server. These do not require Steam to run and typically run in a command line window. They are usually run on specialised high-end hardware set up for no other purpose than to run game servers.

Differences

For most purposes, a Dedicated server is usually a better option in most situations. As they are run as an entirely standalone program, it is far easier to manage and modify. It also puts far less load on the computer it is running on, due to not having the extra work of rendering the game graphics. A Listen server on the other hand is ideal for small LAN events where there may only be a handful of players.

Requirements

While GSPs (Game Server Providers) typically use high-end, dedicated hardware to run game servers, this isn't necessary for simply learning how to set one up. All you need is a spare computer running either Windows (XP or newer) or Linux (x86 or amd64). Unfortunately, despite Team Fortress 2 now being available on OSX, Valve are yet to release OSX dedicated server files.

Further Information

Linux Dedicated Server Information Windows Dedicated Server Information