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In Left 4 Dead 2, players start votes from the pause menu or with callvote, and vote Yes with F1 and No with F2. Server owners can limit vote spam in server.cfg: sv_vote_creation_timer sets how often one player can call a vote, sv_vote_plr_map_limit how many failed votes a player may call per map, and sv_vote_timer_duration how long a vote lasts.

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L4D2 vote cvars

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How to change the vote settings

1

Open server.cfg

In Game settings, click server.cfg: open the raw file.
2

Add the cvars

Add the lines you want, for example:
Save the file.
3

Restart and check

Restart the server. Type a cvar name in the Console, for example sv_vote_creation_timer, to see its value.

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How to stop vote-kick abuse

The vanilla cvars only slow votes down. To block vote kicks completely or make votes admin-only, use SourceMod:
  • Install SourceMod and a vote-control plugin for Left 4 Dead 2 from AlliedModders. Check that it supports the current game version.
  • Let admins run SourceMod’s own votes instead: sm_votekick, sm_voteban and sm_votemap need the k (vote) flag. See SourceMod admin menu basics.
  • On a private server, set a Server password or turn on Steam group only in Game settings so strangers can’t join and start votes.

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Frequently asked questions

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What is F2 in Left 4 Dead 2?

F2 votes No in an active vote. F1 votes Yes.

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Can I turn off vote kick only?

Not with the cvars above. Use a SourceMod vote-control plugin.

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Do vote settings need a restart?

Settings in server.cfg are read when the server starts or changes map. Restart after editing, or type the cvar in the console to apply it until the next restart.

Left 4 Dead 2 server guide

Every Left 4 Dead 2 page in one place.

SourceMod admin menu

Admins and flags.

L4D2 server commands

Common cvars.

Versus server

Set up 4v4 versus.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on 30 October 2026 (Left 4 Dead 2 on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its plugins change.

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Last Updated: October 2026