How To Configure Custom Game Modes On A TF2 Server

Configuring a Team Fortress 2 dedicated server allows you to expand beyond standard matches and host custom game modes like VS Saxton Hale, Dodgeball, or Prop Hunt. If you are wondering how to configure custom game modes on a TF2 server, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire setup process.

Install Metamod and SourceMod on your server. Refer to this guide.

Install the Game Mode Plugin

• Download the desired plugin.

• Access the Apollo Panel.

• Stop the server.

• Go to the Files tab.

• Navigate to the following directory: `tf/addons/sourcemod/plugins`

• Upload the `.smx` file.

• If the plugin came with extra folders, upload them to the matching folders inside `tf/addons/sourcemod`

• Start the server.

Add the Right Maps

A game mode only works on maps made for it.

• Download the maps for your game mode as `.bsp` files.

• Access the Apollo Panel.

• Stop the server.

• Go to the Files tab.

• Navigate to the following directory: `tf/maps`

• Upload the maps.

• Add the exact map names (without .bsp) to your `mapcycle.txt` in `tf/cfg`

• Start the server.

Configure the Game Mode

Many plugins create their own config file the first time they run. You can find these in:

• `tf/cfg/sourcemod` for plugin settings, usually named after the plugin.

• `tf/addons/sourcemod/configs` for extra files, such as boss or map lists.

You can also change a plugin setting live from the Console tab.

sm_cvar cvar_name value

• sm_cvar is the command.

• cvar_name is the setting you want to change. Replace it with a real setting name, like `mp_timelimit`.

• value is what you want to set it to. Replace it with a real value, like `20`.

Add the setting to your `server.cfg` afterward so it stays after a restart.

Map Configs for Different Modes

You can run more than one game mode on the same server by giving each map its own config. TF2 runs the map's config right after `server.cfg`, so its settings override yours for that map.

• Navigate to the following directory: `tf/cfg`

• Click New File and name it after the map, for example, `tfdb_battlenet.cfg`

• Add the settings for that game mode, such as:

mp_timelimit 20
mp_autoteambalance 0

• Then save the file.

Updated on: 07/10/2026