How to Host a Server in Cry of Fear

Hello Dev, if you’re a fan of Cry of Fear, you might have thought about hosting your own server to play with friends or other players from around the world. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to host a server in Cry of Fear. We’ll cover everything from setting up the server to inviting players, and we’ll also answer some frequently asked questions. So, let’s get started!

1. Understanding the Server Types

Before you start hosting a server, you need to understand the two different types of servers available in Cry of Fear: Dedicated Server and Listen Server.

Dedicated Server

A dedicated server is a standalone server that runs the game 24/7, even when no players are connected. You can create a dedicated server on a virtual machine or a dedicated server machine, and it offers the best performance for players. However, running a dedicated server requires more technical skills, and you’ll need to rent or purchase a server machine if you don’t have one.

Listen Server

A Listen Server is a server that runs on your local machine and only exists while you’re playing the game. It’s similar to hosting a game on your own PC or console, but other players can join the game via the internet. A Listen Server is easier to set up than a dedicated server, but it may not offer the same level of performance.

2. Setting Up a Dedicated Server

If you want to set up a dedicated server, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Downloading the Dedicated Server Files

The first step is to download the Cry of Fear Dedicated Server files from Steam. To do this, open Steam and go to the Library tab. Click on the All Games dropdown menu and select Tools. Find Cry of Fear Dedicated Server and install it.

Step 2: Creating a Server Configuration File

Next, you need to create a server configuration file that specifies the server settings. The configuration file is a text file with the extension .cfg, and it should be placed in the Cry of Fear Dedicated Server folder.

Server Configuration File Settings	Description
hostname “your_server_name”	The name of your server
sv_lan 0	Set to 0 to allow players from the internet to join your server
sv_region “your_server_region”	The region where your server is located (e.g. us, eu, asia)
sv_maxplayers “maximum_number_of_players”	The maximum number of players allowed on your server
sv_password “your_server_password”	A password to protect your server from unwanted players

Save the configuration file and exit the text editor.

Step 3: Port Forwarding

Now you need to forward the port 27015 on your router to allow players to connect to your server. The method to do this varies depending on your router, but you can find specific instructions on port forwarding online.

Step 4: Starting the Server

Finally, you need to start the server by running the Cry of Fear Dedicated Server executable file. You can find this file in the Cry of Fear Dedicated Server folder. Make sure to set the server executable file to run as administrator to avoid any issues.

Once the server is running, players can join your server using your IP address or by searching for your server name in the server browser.

3. Setting Up a Listen Server

If you want to set up a Listen Server, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Creating a Game

The first step is to create a game in Cry of Fear by clicking on the Create Game button on the main menu. Choose the game mode you want to play, and select the map you want to play on.

Step 2: Port Forwarding

Next, you need to forward the port 27015 on your router to allow players to connect to your game. The method to do this varies depending on your router, but you can find specific instructions on port forwarding online.

Step 3: Inviting Players

Once the port is forwarded, you can invite players by sharing your IP address with them. To find your IP address, type ‘ipconfig’ in the command prompt and look for the ‘IPv4 Address’.

After you have your IP address, share it with players you want to invite by giving them your IP address and telling them to connect to your game. Alternatively, you can use third-party programs, such as Hamachi, to create a virtual private network (VPN) and invite players.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a fast internet connection to host a server?

Yes, a fast internet connection is recommended for hosting a server. A slow internet connection can cause lag and performance issues, especially with a dedicated server.

2. Can I customize my server settings?

Yes, you can customize your server settings by editing the server configuration file. You can change the server name, region, maximum number of players, and other settings.

3. How do I ban players from my server?

You can ban players from your server by adding their Steam ID to the ban list in the ‘banlist.cfg’ file. The file is located in the Cry of Fear Dedicated Server folder.

4. Can I install mods on my server?

Yes, you can install mods on your server by placing the mod files in the ‘cryoffear/custom’ folder. You can also use the console command ‘sv_pure 0’ to allow players to use custom content.

5. Can I host a server on a virtual machine?

Yes, you can host a server on a virtual machine, but it may require more technical skills to set up. Make sure to allocate enough resources to the virtual machine to avoid any performance issues.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this article has helped you understand how to host a server in Cry of Fear. Remember, whether you choose to set up a dedicated server or a listen server, it’s important to have a fast and stable internet connection to provide the best experience for players.