This page contains a list of community plugins and tools that are known to work with ''Team Fortress 2 Classified'' or are designed for it. Many plugins require the patched TF2 Tools extension and appropriate gamedata. Check each plugin's page for their respective dependencies.

== Dependencies ==

Some existing plugins have dependencies which need to be rebuilt to work with post-Steam builds. This section contains a list of extensions that are rebuilt or otherwise fixed to work with modern TF2C.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| TF2 Tools || Azzy || AlliedModders' TF2 Tools extension patched to work with TF2C. || https://discord.gg/3zMk4vn || https://discord.com/channels/196337717267791874/1011914229307166780/1467172013637636327
|-
| SteamWorks || IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL || SteamWorks extension built for amd64. || https://github.com/irql-notlessorequal/SteamWorks || https://github.com/irql-notlessorequal/SteamWorks/actions
|-
| SMJansson || bottiger || JSON extension recompiled for Linux on amd64. Community build with no corresponding source code, use with caution. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showpost.php?p=2822313&postcount=80 || https://forums.alliedmods.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=204314&d=1715116049
|-
| Rest in Pawn (Moon's Pub fork) || webb || Ripext recompiled for the latest 1.13 Sourcemod branch. || https://github.com/moonspub/sm-ext-ripext || https://github.com/moonspub/sm-ext-ripext/actions/runs/28586021800
|}

== General ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Drug Test || webb || Provides command targets for GRN and YLW (i.e. <code>sm_slay @yellow</code>). || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| NativeVotes (Heapons Fork) || Heapons || Allows servers to use native menus for voting. || https://github.com/Heapons/sourcemod-nativevotes-updated || https://github.com/Heapons/sourcemod-nativevotes-updated/releases
|-
| Simple-Scramble || BitsE9 || A simple team scramble plugin. || https://github.com/BitsE9/simple-scramble || https://github.com/BitsE9/simple-scramble/releases
|}

== Chat ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Basic Chat (MCP Fork) || DosMike || AlliedModders' Basic Chat plugin forked to work with MCP. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| MCP Chat Tags || DosMike || Allows for chat tags and coloring of player's chat messages. Backwards compatible with Custom Chat Colors configs. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| MCP Mentions || DosMike || Allows players to ping others in chat using their name. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| MCP SayRedirects || DosMike || Common redirects for chat messages. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| Meta Chat Processor || DosMike || A chat processor known to work well with Team Fortress 2 Classified that includes backwards compatibility with other chat processors like Simple Chat Processor Redux. Includes its own suite of chat tools. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| SRCDS Discord Redux || Heapons || Chat bridge between srcds and Discord. || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SRCDS-Discord-Redux || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SRCDS-Discord-Redux/releases
|-
| Zensitive || webb || Provides the ability to mark messages as "sensitive" which are not visible unless opted in, similar to spoilered messages. Can work standalone or in conjunction with Meta Chat Processor. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|}

== Server administration ==

{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Admin Caboose || webb || Provides small utility commands to admins such as the ability to get information like spray hexes and traditional Steam IDs from players, as well as generate steamhistory.net links. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| CIDR Blocker || rumblefrog || Can block IP ranges from joining your server, useful for blocking proxies. || https://cidr-blocker.github.io/ || https://github.com/CIDR-Blocker/CIDR-Blocker/releases
|-
| IDlesslessness || webb || Makes players without Steam IDs unable to chat or spray. Includes a command to kick all IDless players. Optionally can kick them after a period of time after being put in game if they don't still have one. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| Lumberjack || webb || Provides logging of chat and other information to Discord via webhooks. Optionally can work with CallAdmin to ping admins. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| Rat Poison || webb || Allows admins to specify a whitelist of players who can spray. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| SM Utilities || Heapons || A variety of tools for various games, including Team Fortress 2 Classified. || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SM-Utilities || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SM-Utilities/releases/
|-
| Sourcebans++ || Sourcebans++ Dev Team || A suite of tools for managing bans, comm blocks, and more across multiple servers. Requires special setup outside of SourceMod. || https://sbpp.github.io/ || https://github.com/sbpp/sourcebans-pp/releases
|-
| Spraytime || Jester || Adds a server playtime requirement before players are allowed to spray. || https://github.com/magisjester/spraytime || https://github.com/magisjester/spraytime/raw/refs/heads/master/compiled/spraytime.smx
|-
| Stuffify || webb || Provides commands to change certain attributes of players like class, team, as well as regenerate them and respawn them. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| VPNBlock || PwnK || Blocks IPs with poor reputations using the Blackbox API. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?t=312792 || Unavailable from original author
|}

== Custom gamemodes/fun ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Class Consciousness || webb || Configurable and stable Class Wars/per-team class enforcement plugin. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| MiniSentryFix || Maxim766 || Plugin that fixes various problems with mini-sentries. || https://github.com/Maxim766/TF2Classified_MiniSentryFix || https://github.com/Maxim766/TF2Classified_MiniSentryFix/archive/refs/heads/main.zip
|-
| Roll the Dice (Heapons Fork) || Heapons || Roll the Dice forked to work with TF2 mods. || https://github.com/Heapons/RTD || https://github.com/Heapons/RTD/raw/refs/heads/master/scripting/rtd.smx
|}

List of dedicated server tools

2026-07-05T09:03:59Z

Webb: Add Moon's Pub ripext fork

2026-04-08T00:09:00Z

Webb: Webb moved page User:Webb/Dedicated server plugins to List of dedicated server tools

#REDIRECT [[List of dedicated server tools]]

List of dedicated server tools

2026-04-08T00:09:00Z

Webb: Webb moved page User:Webb/Dedicated server plugins to List of dedicated server tools

This page contains a list of community SourceMod plugins that are known to work with ''Team Fortress 2 Classified'' or are designed for it. Many plugins require the patched TF2 Tools extension and appropriate gamedata. Check each plugin's page for their respective dependencies.

== General ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Drug Test || webb || Provides command targets for GRN and YLW (i.e. <code>sm_slay @yellow</code>). || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| NativeVotes (Heapons Fork) || Heapons || Allows servers to use native menus for voting. || https://github.com/Heapons/sourcemod-nativevotes-updated || https://github.com/Heapons/sourcemod-nativevotes-updated/releases
|-
| Simple-Scramble || BitsE9 || A simple team scramble plugin. || https://github.com/BitsE9/simple-scramble || https://github.com/BitsE9/simple-scramble/releases
|}

== Chat ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Basic Chat (MCP Fork) || DosMike || AlliedModders' Basic Chat plugin forked to work with MCP. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| MCP Chat Tags || DosMike || Allows for chat tags and coloring of player's chat messages. Backwards compatible with Custom Chat Colors configs. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| MCP Mentions || DosMike || Allows players to ping others in chat using their name. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| MCP SayRedirects || DosMike || Common redirects for chat messages. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| Meta Chat Processor || DosMike || A chat processor known to work well with Team Fortress 2 Classified that includes backwards compatibility with other chat processors like Simple Chat Processor Redux. Includes its own suite of chat tools. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?p=2777572 || https://github.com/DosMike/SM-MetaChatProcessor/releases
|-
| SRCDS Discord Redux || Heapons || Adds chat bridging between srcds and Discord. || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SRCDS-Discord-Redux || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SRCDS-Discord-Redux/releases
|-
| Zensitive || webb || Provides the ability to mark messages as "sensitive" which are not visible unless opted in, similar to spoilered messages. Can work standalone or in conjunction with Meta Chat Processor. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|}

== Server administration ==

{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Admin Caboose || webb || Provides small utility commands to admins such as the ability to get information like spray hexes and traditional Steam IDs from players, as well as generate steamhistory.net links. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| CIDR Blocker || rumblefrog || Can block IP ranges from joining your server, useful for blocking proxies. || https://cidr-blocker.github.io/ || https://github.com/CIDR-Blocker/CIDR-Blocker/releases
|-
| IDlesslessness || webb || Makes players without Steam IDs unable to chat or spray. Includes a command to kick all IDless players. Optionally can kick them after a period of time after being put in game if they don't still have one. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| Lumberjack || webb || Provides logging of chat and other information to Discord via webhooks. Optionally can work with CallAdmin to ping admins. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| Rat Poison || webb || Allows admins to specify a whitelist of players who can spray. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| SM Utilities || Heapons || A variety of tools for various games, including Team Fortress 2 Classified. || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SM-Utilities || https://github.com/Serider-Lounge/SM-Utilities/releases/
|-
| Sourcebans++ || Sourcebans++ Dev Team || A suite of tools for managing bans, comm blocks, and more across multiple servers. Requires special setup outside of SourceMod. || https://sbpp.github.io/ || https://github.com/sbpp/sourcebans-pp/releases
|-
| Stuffify || webb || Provides commands to change certain attributes of players like class, team, as well as regenerate them and respawn them. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|-
| VPNBlock || PwnK || Blocks IPs with poor reputations using the Blackbox API. || https://forums.alliedmods.net/showthread.php?t=312792 || Unavailable from original author
|}

== Custom gamemodes/fun ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Name !! Author !! Description !! Web page !! Download
|-
| Class Consciousness || webb || Configurable and stable Class Wars/per-team class enforcement plugin. || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp || https://codeberg.org/spiderden/sp/releases
|}

2026-03-14T08:40:13Z

Webb:

{{Ambox|contents=This article is based on a guide written by Raizo, the original of which can be found [https://blog.raizo.dev/posts/tf2-classic-linux-server-tutorial/ here].}}

== Reading this article ==

A command prefixed by <code>#</code> is meant to be run as '''root'''.

A command prefixed by <code>$</code> is meant to be run as a '''regular user''' without root permissions. In this case the <code>srcds</code> user.

A command prefixed by <code>Steam></code> is meant to be run inside of a SteamCMD shell.

Some commands are listed in-line with the rest of a paragraph and lack this symbol, in which case you should run the command as whichever account you're currently logged in with.

== Prerequisites ==

* A Linux server running Ubuntu Server* on an amd64 CPU** with root access
* At least 25GB of free storage
* A minimum of a ten megabit upload speed if you intend on hosting a server over the Internet, more will be needed if you host custom content
* An opened port on your firewall for the server if you want a persistent IP address (unless using SDR, see [[#Enabling the Steam Datagram Relay|this section on enabling the Steam Datagram Relay]])
* ''Optional'': An SSH/SFTP client if doing remote access/file management

* This guide was written for and tested on Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS Minimal. Other Linux distributions may use different package names and conventions.

**Architectures other than amd64 (including 32-bit x86) are unsupported. Compatibility layers like FEX or Box64 may not work or cause unexpected problems.

== Preparing for install ==

=== Dependencies ===

We'll need to install some required software and tools for our server first. Let's start with SteamCMD, which we'll use to download and update the server software.

Since SteamCMD is built for 32-bit, we'll need to enable 32-bit packages. We'll also add the <code>multiverse</code> repository which has SteamCMD.

<pre>
# add-apt-repository multiverse
# dpkg --add-architecture i386
# apt update
</pre>

Next, we'll install the <code>dialog</code> package so the Steam Subscriber Agreement dialog works, and then the rest of the packages we need.

<pre>
# apt install dialog
# apt install steamcmd p7zip aria2 tilde lib32z1 libbz2-1.0:i386 lib32gcc-s1 lib32stdc++6 libcurl3-gnutls:i386 libsdl2-2.0-0:i386 wget
</pre>

If your version of Ubuntu doesn't come with a text editor, you may install one now. For this guide we'll use <code>nano</code>.

<pre># apt install nano</pre>

=== Creating a user for the server ===

Pick a directory to install your server into. Many put it under a directory in <code>/opt</code>, but for this guide we'll be using <code>/home/srcds</code>.

Create a disabled user with a home directory.

<pre>
# useradd -s /bin/false -mr srcds
</pre>

<code>-m</code> creates a home directory for the new user, <code>-r</code> specifies that it's a system account that will not have a password, and <code>-s /bin/false</code> prevents the account from having a default shell.

=== Installing the live TF2 server ===

The live version of TF2's dedicated server is required to run a Classified server.

<pre>
# sudo -Hu srcds bash
$ cd ~
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd
Steam>force_install_dir /home/srcds/tf
Steam>login anonymous
Steam>app_update 232250 validate
Steam>quit
</pre>

== Installing the dedicated server ==

Ensure you've quit SteamCMD before continuing.

<pre>
$ cd ~
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd
Steam>force_install_dir /home/srcds/classified
Steam>login anonymous
Steam>app_update 3557020 validate
Steam>quit
</pre>

Before continuing, we'll need to symlink the install's <code>steamclient.so</code> to a special directory.

<pre>
$ mkdir -p ~/.steam/sdk64
$ ln -s ~/classified/linux64/steamclient.so ~/.steam/sdk64/
</pre>

=== Testing the server ===

Before proceeding, we can manually run the server to make sure the install was successful.

<pre>
$ cd ~/classified
$ ./srcds.sh -port 27015 -tf_path ~/tf +map ctf_2fort +sv_password changethis
</pre>

If all goes well, it should start and be accessible over the internet.

== Server configuration ==

For a basic, private server, you should only need to set a password in <code>classified/tf2classified/cfg/server.cfg</code> by appending the file with <code>sv_password yourpassword</code>.
You can also make it LAN-only by appending <code>sv_lan 1</code> in the same file.

If you want a more complicated setup, consider using [https://cfg.tf/ cfg.tf]. If you don't need this you can skip to the next section.

Make sure the server type is set to “Internet and LAN” if you want players outside your LAN to be able to join (you may need to port forward if you’re on consumer broadband or open ports on your firewall).

Upload the generated ZIP file to your server, perhaps using SFTP, and unzip the folder.

<pre>
$ cd /tmp
$ unzip $PATH_TO_ARCHIVE</pre>

And merge the <code>cfg</code> folder with <code>/home/srcds/classified/tf2classified/cfg</code>.

<pre>
$ rsync /tmp/cfg ~/classified/tf2classified/cfg
$ rm -rf /tmp/cfg
</pre>

== Managing the server via Systemd ==

Systemd is a program that will automatically handle things like logging, restarts, and starting your server when your machine boots. We'll use this to run our server, instead of manually running commands.

=== Creating an update script ===

We're going to create a script that will update the dedicated server for us instead of typing it out manually each time. Later, we'll optionally use this script to check and update our server automatically when the server starts.

First, let's create a directory for the script.

<pre>
$ mkdir ~/bin
$ nano ~/bin/update-classified.steamcmd
</pre>

Fill the file with the following contents:

<pre>
@ShutdownOnFailedCommand 1 //set to 0 if updating multiple servers at once
@NoPromptForPassword 1
force_install_dir /home/srcds/classified
login anonymous
app_update 3557020
quit
</pre>

You can execute this script manually by using the +runscript argument on SteamCMD.

<pre>
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd +runscript /home/srcds/bin/update-classified.steamcmd
</pre>

Similarly, we will create one for the live TF2 server as that will need to be updated occasionally. We'll put
it at <code>/home/srcds/bin/update-tf.steamcmd</code>.

<pre>
@ShutdownOnFailedCommand 1 //set to 0 if updating multiple servers at once
@NoPromptForPassword 1
force_install_dir /home/srcds/tf
login anonymous
app_update 232250
quit
</pre>

=== Creating a service file ===

Create a service file in <code>/etc/systemd/system/</code> as root. For this guide we'll use <code>/etc/systemd/system/tf2c.service</code>.

<pre>
[Unit]
Description=TF2C Server
After=network-online.target
Wants=network-online.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=srcds
StandardError=journal
StandardOutput=journal
WorkingDirectory=/home/srcds/classified
RemainAfterExit=no
ExecStartPre=-/usr/games/steamcmd +runscript /home/srcds/bin/update-tf.steamcmd
ExecStartPre=-/usr/games/steamcmd +runscript /home/srcds/bin/update-classified.steamcmd
Environment="LD_LIBRARY_PATH=".:bin/linux64:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH""
ExecStart=/usr/bin/script -e -c "/home/srcds/classified/srcds_linux64 -port 27015 -tf_path /home/srcds/tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24" /dev/null
TimeoutStartSec=infinity
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
</pre>

Then, enable the service to start with Systemd on boot.

<pre>
# systemctl enable tf2c.service
</pre>

You may create as many services as you have TF2C servers but remember to name the service files uniquely. When modifying existing service files, remember to run <code>systemctl daemon-reload</code> before restarting the service.

=== Automatic restarts using crontab ===

Cron is a program built into most Linux distros that runs scheduled commands.

As root, execute <code>crontab -e</code>. This will open a special file in your editor where you can declare what jobs you want to run and when. Let's add a job to run at 04:00 that will restart our server.

<pre>
0 4 * * * systemctl restart tf2c.service
</pre>

=== Manually managing services ===

If you don't wish to use the service files above to automatically boot servers, or you need to perform these actions for maintenance: you may issue commands to manually ''start'', ''stop'', ''restart'', or ''update'' the server(s) through systemd.

<pre>
# systemctl restart tf2c # in case you need to restart manually or to grab updates!!
# systemctl stop tf2c # in case you need to stop the server manually
# systemctl start tf2c # in case you need to start the server manually
# systemctl disable tf2c # in case you need to stop the server from booting as your system initializes
# systemctl enable tf2c # in case you need to start the server to boot as your system initializes
</pre>

== Extras ==

=== Enabling the Steam Datagram Relay ===

Servers can use the Steam Datagram Relay. It masks your server's IP address, helps prevent DDoS attacks, and allows you to run a server without port forwarding or configuring firewalls. However, this comes at the cost of added latency and using ephemeral IP addresses for your server, the latter breaking server favoriting and IP bans.

You can enable this by adding <code>sv_use_steam_networking 1</code> to <code>classified/tf2classified/cfg/default.cfg</code>.

If you want your server to appear on the server browser with SDR enabled you will need to supply a GLST token. You can acquire a key by going to [https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers this page]. Once you've got it, put <code>sv_setsteamaccount $KEY</code> in your configuration, replacing $KEY with the token from the page.

=== Installing SourceMod ===

SourceMod is a server modding platform that provides admin tools, permissions, and plugin support. Installing it is strongly recommended if you plan to run a publicly-facing server.

You'll need to install the '''latest development version''' of SourceMod, as well as MetaMod which SourceMod depends on to work. '''It will not work with stable releases currently'''. As of writing this article, it's 7301 and 1389 respectively.

<pre>
$ cd ~
$ wget https://mms.alliedmods.net/mmsdrop/2.0/mmsource-2.0.0-git1389-linux.tar.gz -O /tmp/mm.tar.gz
$ wget https://sm.alliedmods.net/smdrop/1.13/sourcemod-1.13.0-git7301-linux.tar.gz -O /tmp/sm.tar.gz
$ tar -xf /tmp/mm.tar.gz
$ tar -xf /tmp/sm.tar.gz
$ mv addons ~/classified/tf2classified
$ mv cfg/sourcemod ~/classified/tf2classified/cfg
$ rm -r cfg
$ rm /tmp/mm.tar.gz
$ rm /tmp/sm.tar.gz
</pre>

Once the server starts it should work. A good way to test if everything is running properly is to use the <code>!motd</code> command in chat. If the MOTD pops up after the command that means SourceMod is working. For further information on setting up SourceMod, read [https://wiki.alliedmods.net/Category:SourceMod_Documentation the documentation].

Existing SourceMod plugins are not guaranteed to work and may require special steps or patching to get working.

==== Installing the patched TF Tools extension ====

Many plugins depend on the built-in TF Tools extension that comes with Sourcemod. This isn't compatible with TF2C. Instead, we can use a patched version of the extension which enables the use of many plugins.

There's currently no public download link for this extension. After joining the Team Fortress 2 Classified Discord server you can find the files you need in [https://discordapp.com/channels/196337717267791874/1011914229307166780/1467172013637636327 this message]. Specifically, you need <code>game.tf2.ext.2.tf2.so</code> and <code>sm-tf2.games.txt</code>.

First, we'll need to disable automatic game data updating to prevent our gamedata file from being removed.

<pre>
$ nano ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/sourcemod/configs/core.cfg
</pre>

Replace <code>"no"</code> in this part of the file with <code>"yes"</code>

<pre>
/**
* Enables or Disables SourceMod's automatic gamedata updating.
*
* The default value is "no". A value of "yes" will block the Auto Updater.
*/
"DisableAutoUpdate" "no" // Change to "yes"
</pre>

Next we'll add both the gamedata file and the plugin to our installation.

<pre>
$ mv $WHEREVER_YOU_PUT_IT/sm-tf2.games.txt ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/gamedata/sm-tf2.games.txt
$ mv $WHEREVER_YOU_PUT_IT/game.tf2.ext.2.tf2.so ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/extensions/x64
</pre>

Finally, create an empty file so that the extension is automatically loaded.

<pre>
$ touch ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/sourcemod/extensions/game.tf2.autoload
</pre>

== Troubleshooting ==

=== Sounds are missing/only stock weapons are usable ===

This is likely due to a problem with <code>libvstdlib.so</code>. It's possible it wasn't updated or is corrupted. Validate your install.

<pre>
$ cd ~
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd
Steam>force_install_dir /home/srcds/classified
Steam>login anonymous
Steam>app_update 3557020 validate
Steam>quit
</pre>

=== Server not showing up on the server browser while using SDR ===

This is likely happening because you enabled use of the SDR but didn't supply a game key. Read [[#Enabling the Steam Datagram Relay|the last paragraph of this section]] for more information.

=== Server using high levels of CPU when ran via the service file ===

The service file included in this guide has a workaround for Source servers refusing to log without a TTY present. There has been at least one report of this causing unusually high CPU usage. It's believed this happens on servers with slower SSDs and spinning hard drives. You can disable it, but it will mean there will be no journald logs for your server and you can't use features like Systemd sockets.

To disable it, unwrap the <code>srcds_linux64</code> command from <code>script</code>.

<pre>ExecStart=/usr/bin/script -e -c "/home/srcds/classified/srcds_linux64 -port 27015 -tf_path /home/srcds/tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24" /dev/null</pre>
<pre>ExecStart=/home/srcds/classified/srcds_linux64 -port 27015 -tf_path /home/srcds/tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24</pre>

[[Category:Guides]]

Dedicated Linux server

2026-03-14T08:38:22Z

Webb:

{{Ambox|contents=This article is based on a guide written by Raizo, the original of which can be found [https://blog.raizo.dev/posts/tf2-classic-linux-server-tutorial/ here].}}

== Reading this article ==

A command prefixed by <code>#</code> is meant to be run as '''root'''.

A command prefixed by <code>$</code> is meant to be run as a '''regular user''' without root permissions. In this case the <code>srcds</code> user.

A command prefixed by <code>Steam></code> is meant to be run inside of a SteamCMD shell.

Some commands are listed in-line with the rest of a paragraph and lack this symbol, in which case you should run the command as whichever account you're currently logged in with.

== Prerequisites ==

* A Linux server running Ubuntu Server* on an amd64 CPU** with root access
* At least 25GB of free storage
* A minimum of a ten megabit upload speed if you intend on hosting a server over the Internet, more will be needed if you host custom content
* An opened port on your firewall for the server if you want a persistent IP address (unless using SDR, see [[#Enabling the Steam Datagram Relay|this section on enabling the Steam Datagram Relay]])
* ''Optional'': An SSH/SFTP client if doing remote access/file management

* This guide was written for and tested on Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS Minimal. Other Linux distributions may use different package names and conventions.

**Architectures other than amd64 (including 32-bit x86) are unsupported. Compatibility layers like FEX or Box64 may not work or cause unexpected problems.

== Preparing for install ==

=== Dependencies ===

We'll need to install some required software and tools for our server first. Let's start with SteamCMD, which we'll use to download and update the server software.

Since SteamCMD is built for 32-bit, we'll need to enable 32-bit packages. We'll also add the <code>multiverse</code> repository which has SteamCMD.

<pre>
# add-apt-repository multiverse
# dpkg --add-architecture i386
# apt update
</pre>

Next, we'll install the <code>dialog</code> package so the Steam Subscriber Agreement dialog works, and then the rest of the packages we need.

<pre>
# apt install dialog
# apt install steamcmd p7zip aria2 tilde lib32z1 libbz2-1.0:i386 lib32gcc-s1 lib32stdc++6 libcurl3-gnutls:i386 libsdl2-2.0-0:i386 wget
</pre>

If your version of Ubuntu doesn't come with a text editor, you may install one now. For this guide we'll use <code>nano</code>.

<pre># apt install nano</pre>

=== Creating a user for the server ===

Pick a directory to install your server into. Many put it under a directory in <code>/opt</code>, but for this guide we'll be using <code>/home/srcds</code>.

Create a disabled user with a home directory.

<pre>
# useradd -s /bin/false -mr srcds
</pre>

<code>-m</code> creates a home directory for the new user, <code>-r</code> specifies that it's a system account that will not have a password, and <code>-s /bin/false</code> prevents the account from having a default shell.

=== Installing the live TF2 server ===

The live version of TF2's dedicated server is required to run a Classified server.

<pre>
# sudo -Hu srcds bash
$ cd ~
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd
Steam>force_install_dir /home/srcds/tf
Steam>login anonymous
Steam>app_update 232250 validate
Steam>quit
</pre>

== Installing the dedicated server ==

Ensure you've quit SteamCMD before continuing.

<pre>
$ cd ~
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd
Steam>force_install_dir /home/srcds/classified
Steam>login anonymous
Steam>app_update 3557020 validate
Steam>quit
</pre>

Before continuing, we'll need to symlink the install's <code>steamclient.so</code> to a special directory.

<pre>
$ mkdir -p ~/.steam/sdk64
$ ln -s ~/classified/linux64/steamclient.so ~/.steam/sdk64/
</pre>

=== Testing the server ===

Before proceeding, we can manually run the server to make sure the install was successful.

<pre>
$ cd ~/classified
$ ./srcds.sh -port 27015 -tf_path ~/tf +map ctf_2fort +sv_password changethis
</pre>

If all goes well, it should start and be accessible over the internet.

== Server configuration ==

For a basic, private server, you should only need to set a password in <code>classified/tf2classified/cfg/server.cfg</code> by appending the file with <code>sv_password yourpassword</code>.
You can also make it LAN-only by appending <code>sv_lan 1</code> in the same file.

If you want a more complicated setup, consider using [https://cfg.tf/ cfg.tf]. If you don't need this you can skip to the next section.

Make sure the server type is set to “Internet and LAN” if you want players outside your LAN to be able to join (you may need to port forward if you’re on consumer broadband or open ports on your firewall).

Upload the generated ZIP file to your server, perhaps using SFTP, and unzip the folder.

<pre>
$ cd /tmp
$ unzip $PATH_TO_ARCHIVE</pre>

And merge the <code>cfg</code> folder with <code>/home/srcds/classified/tf2classified/cfg</code>.

<pre>
$ rsync /tmp/cfg ~/classified/tf2classified/cfg
$ rm -rf /tmp/cfg
</pre>

== Managing the server via Systemd ==

Systemd is a program that will automatically handle things like logging, restarts, and starting your server when your machine boots. We'll use this to run our server, instead of manually running commands.

=== Creating an update script ===

We're going to create a script that will update the dedicated server for us instead of typing it out manually each time. Later, we'll optionally use this script to check and update our server automatically when the server starts.

First, let's create a directory for the script.

<pre>
$ mkdir ~/bin
$ nano ~/bin/update-classified.steamcmd
</pre>

Fill the file with the following contents:

<pre>
@ShutdownOnFailedCommand 1 //set to 0 if updating multiple servers at once
@NoPromptForPassword 1
force_install_dir /home/srcds/classified
login anonymous
app_update 3557020
quit
</pre>

You can execute this script manually by using the +runscript argument on SteamCMD.

<pre>
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd +runscript /home/srcds/bin/update-classified.steamcmd
</pre>

Similarly, we will create one for the live TF2 server as that will need to be updated occasionally. We'll put
it at <code>/home/srcds/bin/update-tf.steamcmd</code>.

<pre>
@ShutdownOnFailedCommand 1 //set to 0 if updating multiple servers at once
@NoPromptForPassword 1
force_install_dir /home/srcds/tf
login anonymous
app_update 232250
quit
</pre>

=== Creating a service file ===

Create a service file in <code>/etc/systemd/system/</code> as root. For this guide we'll use <code>/etc/systemd/system/tf2c.service</code>.

<pre>
[Unit]
Description=TF2C Server
After=network-online.target
Wants=network-online.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=srcds
StandardError=journal
StandardOutput=journal
WorkingDirectory=/home/srcds/classified
RemainAfterExit=no
ExecStartPre=-/usr/games/steamcmd +runscript /home/srcds/bin/update-tf.steamcmd
ExecStartPre=-/usr/games/steamcmd +runscript /home/srcds/bin/update-classified.steamcmd
Environment="LD_LIBRARY_PATH=".:bin/linux64:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH""
ExecStart=/usr/bin/script -e -c "/home/srcds/classified/srcds_linux64 -port 27015 -tf_path /home/srcds/tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24" /dev/null
TimeoutStartSec=infinity
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
</pre>

Then, enable the service to start with Systemd on boot.

<pre>
# systemctl enable tf2c.service
</pre>

You may create as many services as you have TF2C servers but remember to name the service files uniquely. When modifying existing service files, remember to run <code>systemctl daemon-reload</code> before restarting the service.

=== Automatic restarts using crontab ===

Cron is a program built into most Linux distros that runs scheduled commands.

As root, execute <code>crontab -e</code>. This will open a special file in your editor where you can declare what jobs you want to run and when. Let's add a job to run at 04:00 that will restart our server.

<pre>
0 4 * * * systemctl restart tf2c.service
</pre>

=== Manually managing services ===

If you don't wish to use the service files above to automatically boot servers, or you need to perform these actions for maintenance: you may issue commands to manually ''start'', ''stop'', ''restart'', or ''update'' the server(s) through systemd.

<pre>
# systemctl restart tf2c # in case you need to restart manually or to grab updates!!
# systemctl stop tf2c # in case you need to stop the server manually
# systemctl start tf2c # in case you need to start the server manually
# systemctl disable tf2c # in case you need to stop the server from booting as your system initializes
# systemctl enable tf2c # in case you need to start the server to boot as your system initializes
</pre>

== Extras ==

=== Enabling the Steam Datagram Relay ===

Servers can use the Steam Datagram Relay. It masks your server's IP address, helps prevent DDoS attacks, and allows you to run a server without port forwarding or configuring firewalls. However, this comes at the cost of added latency and using ephemeral IP addresses for your server, the latter breaking server favoriting and IP bans.

You can enable this by adding <code>sv_use_steam_networking 1</code> to <code>classified/tf2classified/cfg/default.cfg</code>.

If you want your server to appear on the server browser with SDR enabled you will need to supply a GLST token. You can acquire a key by going to [https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers this page]. Once you've got it, put <code>sv_setsteamaccount $KEY</code> in your configuration, replacing $KEY with the token from the page.

=== Installing SourceMod ===

SourceMod is a server modding platform that provides admin tools, permissions, and plugin support. Installing it is strongly recommended if you plan to run a publicly-facing server.

You'll need to install the '''latest development version''' of SourceMod, as well as MetaMod which SourceMod depends on to work. '''It will not work with stable releases currently'''. As of writing this article, it's 7301 and 1389 respectively.

<pre>
$ cd ~
$ wget https://mms.alliedmods.net/mmsdrop/2.0/mmsource-2.0.0-git1389-linux.tar.gz -O /tmp/mm.tar.gz
$ wget https://sm.alliedmods.net/smdrop/1.13/sourcemod-1.13.0-git7301-linux.tar.gz -O /tmp/sm.tar.gz
$ tar -xf /tmp/mm.tar.gz
$ tar -xf /tmp/sm.tar.gz
$ mv addons ~/classified/tf2classified
$ mv cfg/sourcemod ~/classified/tf2classified/cfg
$ rm -r cfg
$ rm /tmp/mm.tar.gz
$ rm /tmp/sm.tar.gz
</pre>

Once the server starts it should work. A good way to test if everything is running properly is to use the <code>!motd</code> command in chat. If the MOTD pops up after the command that means SourceMod is working. For further information on setting up SourceMod, read [https://wiki.alliedmods.net/Category:SourceMod_Documentation the documentation].

Existing SourceMod plugins are not guaranteed to work and may require special steps or patching to get working.

==== Installing the patched TF Tools extension ====

Many plugins depend on the built-in TF Tools extension that comes with Sourcemod. This isn't compatible with TF2C. Instead, we can use a patched version of the extension which enables the use of many plugins.

There's currently no public download link for this extension. After joining the Team Fortress 2 Classified Discord server you can find the files you need in [https://discordapp.com/channels/196337717267791874/1011914229307166780/1467172013637636327 this message]. Specifically, you need <code>game.tf2.ext.2.tf2.so</code> and <code>sm-tf2.games.txt</code>.

First, we'll need to disable automatic game data updating to prevent our gamedata file from being removed.

<pre>
$ nano ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/sourcemod/configs/core.cfg
</pre>

Replace <code>"no"</code> in this part of the file with <code>"yes"</code>

<pre>
/**
* Enables or Disables SourceMod's automatic gamedata updating.
*
* The default value is "no". A value of "yes" will block the Auto Updater.
*/
"DisableAutoUpdate" "no" // Change to "yes"
</pre>

Next we'll add both the gamedata file and the plugin to our installation.

<pre>
$ mv $WHEREVER_YOU_PUT_IT/sm-tf2.games.txt ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/sm-tf2.games.txt
$ mv $WHEREVER_YOU_PUT_IT/game.tf2.ext.2.tf2.so ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/extensions/x64
</pre>

Finally, create an empty file so that the extension is automatically loaded.

<pre>
$ touch ~/classified/tf2classified/addons/sourcemod/extensions/game.tf2.autoload
</pre>

== Troubleshooting ==

=== Sounds are missing/only stock weapons are usable ===

This is likely due to a problem with <code>libvstdlib.so</code>. It's possible it wasn't updated or is corrupted. Validate your install.

<pre>
$ cd ~
$ . /etc/environment
$ steamcmd
Steam>force_install_dir /home/srcds/classified
Steam>login anonymous
Steam>app_update 3557020 validate
Steam>quit
</pre>

=== Server not showing up on the server browser while using SDR ===

This is likely happening because you enabled use of the SDR but didn't supply a game key. Read [[#Enabling the Steam Datagram Relay|the last paragraph of this section]] for more information.

=== Server using high levels of CPU when ran via the service file ===

The service file included in this guide has a workaround for Source servers refusing to log without a TTY present. There has been at least one report of this causing unusually high CPU usage. It's believed this happens on servers with slower SSDs and spinning hard drives. You can disable it, but it will mean there will be no journald logs for your server and you can't use features like Systemd sockets.

To disable it, unwrap the <code>srcds_linux64</code> command from <code>script</code>.

<pre>ExecStart=/usr/bin/script -e -c "/home/srcds/classified/srcds_linux64 -port 27015 -tf_path /home/srcds/tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24" /dev/null</pre>
<pre>ExecStart=/home/srcds/classified/srcds_linux64 -port 27015 -tf_path /home/srcds/tf +map ctf_2fort +maxplayers 24</pre>

[[Category:Guides]]