This guide covers how to set up your Sven Co-op dedicated server on Legion Hosting, configure startup variables, edit server.cfg, set up map rotation, configure RCON, and connect to your server. Sven Co-op is a cooperative multiplayer mod for Half-Life where players work together to complete maps and campaigns. For admin setup, RCON commands, plugin support, and troubleshooting, see Sven Co-op Admin Commands.
1. First Start
- Log in to GPanel and select your Sven Co-op server.
- Go to the Startup tab and review the configurable variables (see Section 2).
- Set SERVER_NAME, optionally set SERVER_PASSWORD, and set RCON_PASSWORD to a strong password.
- Return to the Console tab and click Start.
- Wait for the console to confirm startup. The first launch generates default configuration files.
server.cfg, start the server once, let it finish loading, then stop it before editing.
2. GPanel Startup Variables
| Variable | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
SC_NAME | Yes | The name displayed in the server browser. Default is Sven Co-op server. |
SC_PASSWORD | No | Optional password to join. Leave blank for public. |
SC_PLAYERS | No | Maximum concurrent players. Default is 12. Range: 2-32. |
SC_MAP | No | Map loaded on start. Default is svencoop1. |
SC_REGION | No | Server region for the Steam browser. 255 = International, 3 = Europe, 0 = USA East. Default is 255. |
3. Server Configuration (server.cfg)
For detailed settings, edit server.cfg. Stop your server before making changes.
File Location
svencoop/server.cfg
Uses standard GoldSrc key "value" syntax, one setting per line.
Key Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
hostname | (from startup) | Server name shown in browser. |
sv_password | (empty) | Join password. Empty means public. |
rcon_password | (from startup) | Remote console password. |
maxplayers | 32 | Maximum concurrent players. |
mp_timelimit | 30 | Time limit per map in minutes. 0 = no limit. |
mp_friendlyfire | 0 | Friendly fire. 0 = off, 1 = on. |
mp_weaponstay | 1 | Weapons remain after pickup. |
mp_flashlight | 1 | Allow players to use flashlights. |
Example server.cfg
hostname "My Legion Sven Co-op Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "MySecretRcon"
maxplayers 24
mp_timelimit 45
mp_friendlyfire 0
mp_weaponstay 1
mp_flashlight 1
4. Map Rotation (mapcycle.txt)
Edit svencoop/mapcycle.txt to customize the map rotation. List one map name per line:
svencoop1
svencoop2
svencoop3
svencoop4
svencoop5
hl_c00
hl_c01_a
Built-in maps include:
- svencoop1-5: Original Sven Co-op campaign maps.
- hl_c*: Half-Life single-player campaign adapted for co-op.
- op4_*: Opposing Force campaign maps adapted for co-op.
- Custom maps: Downloaded from Workshop or community sites.
5. Game Modes
Sven Co-op primarily focuses on cooperative play, but supports different styles through map selection and configuration:
- Campaign Co-op: Play through structured campaigns (Half-Life, Opposing Force, custom campaigns) cooperatively. This is the primary game mode and the core Sven Co-op experience.
- Survival maps: Wave-based maps where players defend against enemy hordes. Enable through map selection.
- Puzzle maps: Maps focused on cooperative puzzle-solving rather than combat.
- Custom modes: Community maps often feature unique game mechanics and objectives.
mapcycle.txt. For variety servers, mix different map types.
6. RCON Setup
RCON allows remote server management. Set the password in startup variables or server.cfg:
rcon_password "YourStrongPassword"
To use RCON in-game, open the console (~) and authenticate:
rcon_password YourStrongPassword
rcon changelevel svencoop2
7. How to Connect
Option A -- Steam Server Browser
- Launch Sven Co-op and click Find Servers.
- Use the Internet tab and search for your server by name.
- Select your server and click Connect.
Option B -- Console Connect
- Open the game console (
~) and type:connect <your-server-ip>:<port>
Related Articles
- Sven Co-op Admin Commands
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
- Server Startup Guide
Need Help?
If you run into issues with your Sven Co-op 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.