> ## 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 Install SourceMod on a L4D2 Server > How to install SourceMod on a L4D2 server: upload Metamod:Source and SourceMod 1.12 for Linux to left4dead2, restart, then check with meta list and sm version. To install SourceMod on a Left 4 Dead 2 server, download the Linux builds of Metamod:Source and SourceMod (the stable SourceMod branch is 1.12), extract both on your PC and upload the `addons` and `cfg` folders into `left4dead2/` with the File Manager or SFTP. Restart the server, then type `meta list` and `sm version` in the console to check that both load. | Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages | | - | - | - | - | | Intermediate | 15 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Left 4 Dead 2 server | **Files**, **Console**, **Backups** | ## Before you start * Make a backup in **Backups** first. See [how to create and restore backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). * Download the **Linux** packages (`.tar.gz`). Our servers run Linux, so Windows builds don't load. * SourceMod needs Metamod:Source. Install both. ## What are Metamod:Source and SourceMod? | Part | What it does | Download | | - | - | - | | Metamod:Source | Loads plugins into Source games. SourceMod runs on top of it. | [metamodsource.net](https://www.metamodsource.net/downloads.php) | | SourceMod | The plugin platform: admin menu, admin commands and thousands of plugins (`.smx`). | [sourcemod.net](https://www.sourcemod.net/downloads.php) | ## How to install SourceMod on Left 4 Dead 2 **1. Download both packages** Download the latest stable Linux build of Metamod:Source and of SourceMod (1.12 at the time of writing). **2. Extract them on your PC** Extract both archives into the same folder. You get an `addons` folder (with `metamod` and `sourcemod` inside) and a `cfg` folder. **3. Stop the server** Stop the server in the panel. **4. Upload to left4dead2** In **Files**, open the `left4dead2` folder and upload the `addons` and `cfg` folders there. For many files, [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md) is faster. Merge with the existing folders; don't delete anything. **5. Start and check** Start the server. In the **Console**, type `meta list`. SourceMod should be listed as a running plugin. Then type `sm version` to see the SourceMod version. ## Where SourceMod files go | Path in `left4dead2/` | What goes there | | - | - | | `addons/sourcemod/plugins/` | Plugins (`.smx`). | | `addons/sourcemod/gamedata/` | Gamedata files some plugins need (`.txt`). | | `addons/sourcemod/extensions/` | Extensions (`.so` on Linux). | | `addons/sourcemod/configs/` | Config files, including `admins_simple.ini` and `databases.cfg`. | | `addons/sourcemod/logs/` | SourceMod error and admin logs. | | `cfg/sourcemod/` | Plugin settings (`.cfg`), often created on the first start. | ## How to add a plugin 1. Upload the plugin's `.smx` to `addons/sourcemod/plugins/`, plus any gamedata or extension files it comes with. 2. Restart the server, or type `sm plugins load ` in the console. 3. Type `sm plugins list` to check it is running. Many L4D2 plugins need [Left 4 DHooks](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/how-to-install-left-4-dhooks.md), so install that next. ## Make yourself an admin Add your SteamID to `addons/sourcemod/configs/admins_simple.ini`: ```text theme={null} "STEAM_1:0:12345678" "99:z" ``` Then type `sm_reloadadmins` in the console. See [SourceMod admin menu basics](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/sourcemod-admin-menu-basics.md). ## Frequently asked questions ### meta list says "Unknown command". What now? Metamod:Source didn't load. Check that `addons/metamod` sits in `left4dead2/addons/`, not in a nested `addons/addons` folder, and that you uploaded the Linux build. ### Do I need DHooks separately? No. DHooks is built into SourceMod 1.11 and newer. ### Do SourceMod updates happen automatically? No. Download the new build and upload it over the old files. Keep your `configs` folder. ### Can I install SourceMod with one click? Not on Left 4 Dead 2. Upload the files as shown above. ## 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. > **[Install Left 4 DHooks](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/how-to-install-left-4-dhooks.md)** > > The library most L4D2 plugins need. > **[SourceMod admin menu](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/sourcemod-admin-menu-basics.md)** > > Admins, flags and sm\_admin. > **[Competitive configs (ZoneMod)](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/setting-up-competitive-configs.md)** > > A full competitive package. > **[Connect via SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md)** > > Upload many files at once. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (Left 4 Dead 2 on our Game Panel). SourceMod details checked against the [AlliedModders wiki](https://wiki.alliedmods.net/Installing_SourceMod) on 30 October 2026. > [!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.