> ## 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. # L4D2 Server Commands and Cvars (Console List) > L4D2 server commands and cvars: changelevel, status, kick, banid, z_difficulty, mp_gamemode, sv_consistency and more, with campaign map names for your console. Left 4 Dead 2 server commands are typed in the Game Panel **Console** without a slash, or from your game with `rcon ` after `rcon_password`. The ones you use most are `changelevel ` to change the map, `status` to list players, `kick ` to remove someone and `z_difficulty ` to set the difficulty. Settings you want to keep go in `server.cfg`. ## How to run L4D2 server commands | Where | How | | - | - | | Panel **Console** | Type the command and press Enter, for example `changelevel c2m1_highway`. | | Your game (RCON) | Type `rcon_password `, then `rcon `. | | Permanent | Add the line to `server.cfg` (**Game settings** > **server.cfg: open the raw file**). | A console command lasts until the next restart or map change. Many options also have a switch in **Game settings**, which is easier. ## Map and campaign commands | Command | What it does | | - | - | | `changelevel ` | Changes the server to that map, for example `changelevel c5m1_waterfront`. | | `map ` | Starts the map from scratch. | | `maps *` | Lists every map on the server, including custom campaigns. | ## Player commands | Command | What it does | | - | - | | `status` | Lists connected players with user ID and SteamID. | | `kick ` | Kicks a player by name. | | `kickid [message]` | Kicks by user ID from `status`, with an optional message. | | `banid ` | Bans a player; `0` minutes is permanent. | | `writeid` | Saves the ban list so bans stay after a restart. | | `say ` | Sends a chat message from the server. | ## Game and server cvars | Cvar | Values | Panel setting | | - | - | - | | `hostname ""` | Server name | **Server name** | | `sv_password ""` | Join password; empty for public | **Server password** | | `rcon_password ""` | RCON password | **RCON password** | | `z_difficulty` | `Easy`, `Normal`, `Hard`, `Impossible` | **Difficulty** | | `mp_gamemode` | `coop`, `realism`, `versus`, `survival`, `scavenge` | — (add to `server.cfg`) | | `sv_allow_lobby_connect_only` | `1` lobby only, `0` allows `connect` | **Lobby only** | | `sv_steamgroup` | Steam group ID | **Steam group** | | `sv_steamgroup_exclusive` | `1` group members only when empty | **Steam group only** | | `sv_cheats` | `0` or `1`; with `1` every player can use cheat commands | **Cheats** | | `sv_consistency` | `1` checks critical files, `0` allows modded files | **Consistency Check (sv\_consistency)** in **Startup**; a `server.cfg` line overrides it | | `sv_pure` | File purity level used by competitive configs | — | | `sv_logbans` | `1` writes bans to the server log | **Log bans** | | `mapcyclefile` | Map cycle text file | **Map cycle file** | | `decalfrequency` | Seconds between player sprays | — | ## Campaign start maps | Campaign | First map | | - | - | | Dead Center | `c1m1_hotel` | | Dark Carnival | `c2m1_highway` | | Swamp Fever | `c3m1_plankcountry` | | Hard Rain | `c4m1_milltown_a` | | The Parish | `c5m1_waterfront` | | The Passing | `c6m1_riverbank` | | The Sacrifice | `c7m1_docks` | | No Mercy | `c8m1_apartment` | | Crash Course | `c9m1_alleys` | | Death Toll | `c10m1_caves` | | Dead Air | `c11m1_greenhouse` | | Blood Harvest | `c12m1_hilltop` | | Cold Stream | `c13m1_alpinecreek` | | The Last Stand | `c14m1_junkyard` | Type `maps *` if a name doesn't work; it shows the exact names on your server. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I change the map on my L4D2 server? Type `changelevel ` in the **Console**. To start on that map every time, set **Start map** in **Game settings**. ### How do I give myself admin commands? Vanilla Left 4 Dead 2 only has RCON. For an in-game admin menu, install SourceMod. See [SourceMod admin menu basics](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/sourcemod-admin-menu-basics.md). ### Why does my console change disappear? Console changes last until the next restart. Add the line to `server.cfg` to keep it. ### How do I ban someone permanently? Find their user ID with `status`, type `banid 0 `, then `writeid`. ## 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. > **[Fix consistency errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/fixing-consistency-errors.md)** > > sv\_consistency explained. > **[Vote settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/configuring-vote-permissions.md)** > > sv\_vote\_\* cvars. > **[SourceMod admin menu](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/left-4-dead-2/sourcemod-admin-menu-basics.md)** > > sm\_kick, sm\_ban and the admin menu. > **[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.