Welcome Dev! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about hosting a Killing Floor 2 server. We will go through the setup process, optimization tips, and troubleshooting techniques. Let’s dive into the details!
Introduction
Killing Floor 2 is a popular first-person shooter game developed and published by Tripwire Interactive. The game has a large player base, and many players enjoy playing their own custom game modes on dedicated servers. Hosting a server can be challenging, but it’s manageable if you have the right knowledge and tools.
In this article, we will go through the entire process of setting up and optimizing a Killing Floor 2 server. We will discuss the hardware requirements, software installation, server configuration, and maintenance. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to host a server that provides an excellent gaming experience.
Hardware Requirements
Before we start with the software installation, let’s quickly go through the hardware requirements. A good server requires a robust CPU, plenty of RAM, and a fast internet connection. Here are the minimum specifications:
Component |
Minimum |
|---|---|
CPU |
Intel Core i3 or equivalent |
RAM |
4GB |
Storage |
20GB |
Internet Connection |
4 Mbps upload and download speed |
Note that these are the minimum specifications, and you should aim for better hardware if you expect a high number of players. A dedicated server host can provide you with better hardware and network infrastructure, but it comes with a cost.
CPU
The CPU is the most crucial component for a game server. It affects the number of players that can connect, the tickrate, and the overall game performance. For Killing Floor 2, you should aim for a CPU with a clock speed of at least 3GHz, and at least 4 physical cores. Intel Core i5/i7 or equivalent from AMD are good choices.
RAM
The RAM is responsible for storing the game state, player data, and other crucial information. A server with more RAM can handle more players and services. For Killing Floor 2, you should aim for at least 4GB of RAM. If you expect a high number of players or custom map rotations, 8GB or more is recommended.
Storage
The storage is responsible for storing the game files and configurations. For Killing Floor 2, you should aim for at least 20GB of free storage. This should be enough for the base game and some custom maps. If you expect a high number of custom mods, you should consider more storage.
Internet Connection
The internet connection is responsible for transmitting data between the server and the players. For Killing Floor 2, you should aim for at least 4 Mbps upload and download speed. This should be enough for up to 20 players. If you expect a higher number of players, you should consider a higher internet speed.
Software Installation
Now that we have gone through the hardware requirements, let’s move on to the software installation. We will be using SteamCMD to install and update the Killing Floor 2 server files. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Download SteamCMD
You can download SteamCMD from the official Valve website: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD. Choose the appropriate download for your operating system.
Step 2: Create a New Steam Account
We recommend creating a new Steam account for your server. This will ensure that it has its own library and won’t interfere with your personal account. You can do this by going to the Steam website and clicking on “Join Steam”: https://store.steampowered.com/join/.
Step 3: Login to SteamCMD
Open the SteamCMD executable and login to your new Steam account. Type the following commands:
login your_steam_usernameforce_install_dir C:\killingfloor2serverapp_update 232130 validate
Replace “your_steam_username” with your new account’s username. This will download and install the Killing Floor 2 server files to the “C:\killingfloor2server” directory. It may take several minutes depending on your internet speed.
Step 4: Configure the Server
Now that you have installed the server files, it’s time to configure it. This is done through the “server.cfg” file located in the “KFGame\Config” directory.
You can edit this file using any text editor. Here are some of the essential settings:
[Engine.GameInfo]ServerName=My Killing Floor 2 ServerMaxPlayers=6GamePassword=bIsLanMatch=FalsebIsDedicated=True[KFMod.KFGameMode]GameDifficulty=0MaxPlayers=6[/Script/OnlineSubsystemSteam.SteamNetDriver]NetServerMaxTickRate=30
Replace “My Killing Floor 2 Server” with your desired server name. You can also change the maximum number of players, the server password, and the difficulty level. The tickrate is set to 30 by default, but you can increase it for better game performance.
Optimization Tips
Now that we have set up the server, let’s look at some optimization tips. These will help you provide a better gaming experience for your players.
Tip 1: Use FastDL
FastDL is a technology that allows the players to download custom files from a web server instead of the game server. This reduces the load on the game server and provides a faster download speed. To enable FastDL, you need to host the custom files on a web server and add the following lines to the “server.cfg” file:
[IpDrv.HTTPDownload]RedirectToURL=http://www.myserver.com/killingfloor2UseCompression=TrueMaxDownloadSize=0DownloadManagers=IpDrv.HTTPDownload
Replace “http://www.myserver.com/killingfloor2” with the URL of your web server.
Tip 2: Use a RAM Disk
A RAM disk is a virtual drive created using the computer’s RAM. It provides much faster read and write speeds compared to a traditional hard drive. You can use a RAM disk to store the game files and configurations, which will speed up the server’s performance. Here’s how to create a RAM disk:
1. Open Disk Management (type “diskmgmt.msc” in the Start menu).2. Right-click on an unallocated area of RAM and select “New Simple Volume”.3. Follow the wizard to create a new volume and assign a drive letter.4. Format the new drive using NTFS.5. Move the Killing Floor 2 files to the new drive.6. Update the server.cfg file to point to the new directory.
Tip 3: Use a Game Server Host
If you don’t have the hardware or network infrastructure to host a dedicated server, you can consider using a game server host. There are many hosting providers that specialize in Killing Floor 2 servers. They can provide a high-performance server with low latency and DDoS protection.
Troubleshooting
Finally, let’s look at some common issues and their solutions.
Issue 1: Server Crashes
If the server crashes frequently, it could be because of a plugin or custom map. Try disabling all plugins and using the default map to see if the issue persists. You can also check the server logs for any error messages.
Issue 2: Lag and High Ping
If the players are experiencing lag and high ping, it could be because of a slow internet connection or server hardware. Try checking your internet speed and upgrading your hardware if necessary. You can also try reducing the number of players or using a tickrate of 60.
Issue 3: Server Not Showing Up in the Server List
If the server doesn’t show up in the server list, it could be because of a firewall or router blocking the ports. Make sure that the following ports are open: UDP 7777-7780, UDP 20560-20562, and TCP 8080.
Conclusion
Congratulations Dev! You have now learned everything you need to know about hosting a Killing Floor 2 server. We have discussed the hardware requirements, software installation, optimization tips, and troubleshooting techniques. We hope that you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below. Happy gaming!