This guide covers how to set up your Half-Life 2: Deathmatch (HL2DM) dedicated server on Legion Hosting, configure startup variables, edit server.cfg, set up map rotation, and connect to your server. HL2DM features fast-paced multiplayer combat using Half-Life 2's physics engine and Gravity Gun. For admin commands and SourceMod support, see Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Admin Commands.
Note: HL2DM runs on the Source engine. If you have experience with other Source engine servers (CS:GO, TF2, Garry's Mod), many settings and commands will be familiar.
1. First Start
- Log in to GPanel and select your HL2DM server.
- Go to the Startup tab and review the configurable variables (see Section 2).
- Set your preferred MAP_NAME, SERVER_NAME, and passwords.
- Return to the Console tab and click Start.
- Wait for
Connection to Steam servers successful.in the console.
Ports are randomly assigned unless you have a private IP. Check the Network tab in GPanel for your assigned port. See How to Find Your Server IP and Port.
2. GPanel Startup Variables
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
SERVER_NAME | Pterodactyl-server | Server name shown in the browser. |
MAP_NAME | dm_lockdown | Map loaded on server start. |
MAX_PLAYERS | 20 | Maximum concurrent players (1-20). |
SERVER_PASSWORD | ChangeMe | Password to join. Set empty for public. |
RCON_PASSWORD | ChangeMe | Remote console password. |
TICK_RATE | 66 | Server tick rate. Higher values = smoother gameplay but more CPU. |
AUTO_UPDATE | 1 | Auto-update the server on startup. |
Change both default passwords immediately. Both
SERVER_PASSWORD and RCON_PASSWORD default to ChangeMe. Set the server password to empty if you want public access, and always use a strong RCON password.
3. Server Configuration (server.cfg)
For detailed settings, edit server.cfg. Stop your server before making changes.
File Location
hl2mp/cfg/server.cfgKey Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
hostname | (from startup) | Server name shown in browser. |
sv_password | (from startup) | Join password. Empty for public. |
rcon_password | (from startup) | Remote console password. |
mp_timelimit | 20 | Time limit per map in minutes. |
mp_fraglimit | 0 | Frag limit to end round. 0 = no limit. |
mp_friendlyfire | 0 | Friendly fire in team modes. |
mp_autoteambalance | 0 | Auto-balance teams in TDM. |
sv_alltalk | 1 | Cross-team voice chat. |
mp_forcerespawn | 1 | Force instant respawn after death. |
sv_hl2mp_weapon_respawn_time | 20 | Weapon respawn timer in seconds. |
sv_hl2mp_item_respawn_time | 30 | Item respawn timer in seconds. |
Example server.cfg
hostname "My Legion HL2DM Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "MySecretRcon"
mp_timelimit 20
mp_fraglimit 30
mp_friendlyfire 0
sv_alltalk 1
mp_forcerespawn 14. Map Rotation
Edit the map cycle file:
hl2mp/cfg/mapcycle.txtList one map per line:
dm_lockdown
dm_overwatch
dm_powerhouse
dm_resistance
dm_runoff
dm_steamlab
dm_underpassAvailable Maps
dm_lockdown-- Prison-themed with tight corridors and open yards.dm_overwatch-- City rooftops with vertical combat.dm_powerhouse-- Industrial power plant with physics objects.dm_resistance-- Urban streets and buildings.dm_runoff-- Water treatment facility.dm_steamlab-- Laboratory with experimental weapons.dm_underpass-- Highway underpass with long sightlines.
5. How to Connect
Option A -- Steam Server Browser
- Launch Half-Life 2: Deathmatch from Steam.
- Go to Find Servers.
- Search for your server by name in the Internet tab.
- Select and connect.
Option B -- Console Connect
- Open the console (
~). Enable it in Options > Keyboard > Advanced > Enable Developer Console if needed. - Type:
connect <your-server-ip>:<port>
Related Articles
- Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Admin Commands
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
Need Help?
If you run into issues with your HL2DM server that are not covered here, open a support ticket and include your server IP, a description of the problem, and any relevant error messages from the GPanel console.
