> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Set Up a L4D2 Dedicated Server (First Steps)

> How to set up a L4D2 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: set the name, password and start map in Game settings, allow direct connections and join with connect.

To set up a Left 4 Dead 2 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, start it once in the Game Panel, then open **Game settings** to set the server name, an RCON password and the start map (default `c1m1_hotel`). Turn **Lobby only** off if you want players to join by address, click **Review and save**, restart, and join with `connect 203.0.113.10:27015` in the developer console.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Left 4 Dead 2 server | **Game settings**, **Console**, **Backups** |

## Before you start

* You can sign in to the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com). See [how to log in](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* Left 4 Dead 2 is installed on your PC through Steam.

## How to set up your Left 4 Dead 2 server

**1. Start the server once**

Open your server and click **Start**. Wait until the console shows the map loading, then continue.

**2. Open Game settings**

Click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS** in the sidebar. The page edits the start map and `server.cfg` for you.

**3. Name the server and set passwords**

Under **Server**, set **Server name**. Click **Set** next to **RCON password** and choose a long password; anyone with it controls the server. Set **Server password** only if you want a private server (leave it empty for a public one).

**4. Choose the start map**

Under **Start-up**, set **Start map**, for example `c1m1_hotel` (Dead Center, chapter 1). The server loads this map when it starts.

**5. Decide how players join**

With **Lobby only** on, players can only join through a game lobby and anyone who types your address is refused. If you want to share the address, turn it off. The panel shows the note "Players can only join through a lobby" with an **Allow direct connections** button that does this for you.

**6. Review, save and restart**

Click **Review and save**, check the changes and click **Save changes**. Restart the server so they apply.

![Left 4 Dead 2 Game settings page with Start map, Server name, RCON password and Lobby only settings](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no/images/games/left-4-dead-2/l4d2-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no\&q=85\&s=19852ee4395a79e2fdcffdf37dccf8ce)

Left 4 Dead 2 Game settings in the Game Panel

## How to connect to your L4D2 server

**1. Copy your address**

On the **Console** page, copy the address from the address card, for example `203.0.113.10:27015`.

**2. Turn on the developer console**

In Left 4 Dead 2, open **Options** > **Keyboard/Mouse** and set **Allow Developer Console** to **Enabled**.

**3. Connect**

Press the `~` key to open the console and type:

```text theme={null}
connect 203.0.113.10:27015
```

If the server has a password, type `password yourpassword` first, then `connect`.

If `connect` is refused, **Lobby only** is still on. See [server not showing or can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/l4d2-server-not-showing-or-cant-connect.md).

## How to use RCON in Left 4 Dead 2

RCON lets you run server commands from your game console. Type these in your game console while connected:

```text theme={null}
rcon_password yourrconpassword
rcon changelevel c2m1_highway
```

The first line logs you in; every command after `rcon` runs on the server. You can also type commands without `rcon` in the panel **Console**. See [L4D2 server commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/left-4-dead-2-server-commands.md).

## Make your first backup

Open **Backups** and click **Create backup** before you add SourceMod, plugins or campaigns. See [how to create and restore backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### How many players can join a Left 4 Dead 2 server?

The game is built for 4 survivors in co-op and 4 versus 4 in versus. More players need the L4DToolZ extension; see [8+ player servers (SuperVersus)](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/setting-up-8-player-servers-superversus.md).

### How do I change the difficulty or game mode?

In **Game settings** > **Game**, set **Difficulty**, or use the **Expert** and **Normal** presets. **Game modes in the lobby** lists the modes players can pick (`coop`, `realism`, `survival`, `versus`, `scavenge`).

### Why do players get "server is enforcing consistency for this file"?

They use add-ons that change checked models. See [fix consistency errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/fixing-consistency-errors.md).

### Can I install SourceMod?

Yes. Upload Metamod:Source and SourceMod with the File Manager or SFTP. See [install SourceMod](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/how-to-install-sourcemod-on-left-4-dead-2.md).

## Related guides

> **[Left 4 Dead 2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/left-4-dead-2-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Left 4 Dead 2 page in one place.

> **[Server not showing or can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/l4d2-server-not-showing-or-cant-connect.md)**
>
> Lobby only, Steam group and region.

> **[L4D2 server commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/left-4-dead-2-server-commands.md)**
>
> Maps, kicks, difficulty and more.

> **[Install SourceMod](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/how-to-install-sourcemod-on-left-4-dead-2.md)**
>
> Metamod:Source and SourceMod.

> **[Use the server console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md)**
>
> Send commands from the panel.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (Left 4 Dead 2 on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.