This guide covers how to set up and configure your Contagion dedicated server hosted with Legion Hosting. Contagion is a cooperative zombie survival FPS that takes a realistic approach to the genre with dynamic objectives and resource management. For admin commands and server management, see Contagion Server Admin Guide.
1. Accessing Your Server
- Log in to GPanel.
- Select your Contagion server from the server list.
- Your server IP and port are displayed on the Console tab. See How to Find Your Server IP and Port for details.
2. Startup Variables
Configure these settings from the Startup tab in GPanel:
| Variable | Env Name | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Update | AUTO_UPDATE |
1 | Update the server on startup. 1 = on, 0 = off. |
| Startup Map | SRV_MAP |
ce_barlowe | Map the server loads on boot. |
| Max Players | SRV_MAXPLAYERS |
8 | Maximum players (1-32). |
| Server Config | SRV_CONFIG |
server.cfg | Config file to execute on startup. |
3. Configuration File
The server config file is located at contagion/cfg/server.cfg (or whatever filename is set in SRV_CONFIG). Edit it via the Files tab in GPanel or via SFTP.
Common settings to add to server.cfg:
hostname "My Contagion Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "your_rcon_password"
sv_cheats 0
mp_timelimit 30rcon_password to secure remote admin access. Never leave it blank on a public server.
4. Maps
Contagion includes several maps. Set the startup map with the SRV_MAP variable:
| Map Name | Description |
|---|---|
ce_barlowe |
Barlowe -- Default escape map. |
ce_pioneer |
Pioneer -- Escape through a wilderness area. |
ce_roanoke |
Roanoke -- Urban escape scenario. |
ch_alex |
Alex -- Hunted mode map. |
cf_pioneer |
Pioneer -- Flatline mode. |
Map prefixes indicate the game mode: ce_ = Escape, ch_ = Hunted, cf_ = Flatline.
5. Connecting to Your Server
- Launch Contagion on Steam.
- Open the server browser or use the Steam server browser.
- Search for your server by name or filter by IP.
- Alternatively, open the console (
~key) and type:connect [IP]:[PORT]
6. First-Time Setup Checklist
- Set your preferred
SRV_MAPandSRV_MAXPLAYERSin the Startup tab. - Create or edit
contagion/cfg/server.cfgwith your hostname, passwords, and settings. - Set a strong
rcon_passwordfor remote admin access. - Start the server and verify it shows
Connection to Steam servers successfulin the console.
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Need Help?
If you run into issues with your Contagion server, open a support ticket and include your server IP, a description of the problem, and any error messages from the GPanel console.
