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To set up a Left 4 Dead 2 versus server, make sure versus is in Game modes in the lobby in Game settings, add mp_gamemode versus to server.cfg so the server starts in versus, and restart. Versus is 4 survivors against 4 infected, so 8 players fit without mods. For competitive rules, install ZoneMod with the L4D2 Competitive Rework.

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Which L4D2 game mode should you run?

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How to set up a versus server

1

Allow versus in the lobby

In Game settings > Game, check that Game modes in the lobby contains versus. The default list is coop,realism,survival,versus,scavenge.
2

Start the server in versus

Click server.cfg: open the raw file and add:
Save the file.
3

Pick a start map

Under Start-up, set Start map, for example c1m1_hotel. Click Review and save and Save changes.
4

Let teams join

Turn Lobby only off (or click Allow direct connections) so both teams can join with connect 203.0.113.10:27015. To keep the server for your group, set Steam group and turn on Steam group only.
5

Restart

Restart the server. Type mp_gamemode in the Console to check it says versus.

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How to make it competitive

Plain versus uses Valve’s default rules. Competitive servers use a match config that changes weapons, item spawns, Tank and Witch spawns and scoring. The common choice is ZoneMod:
  1. Install the L4D2 Competitive Rework (includes ZoneMod, SourceMod and the plugins).
  2. Players type !match in chat and vote for ZoneMod.
  3. Optional: run 100 tick for better hit registration.
Competitive configs keep file consistency on, so players with custom models are refused. See consistency errors.

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Frequently asked questions

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How many players does an L4D2 versus server hold?

Eight: 4 survivors and 4 infected. For more, see SuperVersus.

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What does sv_maxplayers do in Left 4 Dead 2?

It comes from the L4DToolZ plugin and sets the most human players that can join (0 to 32). Plain versus doesn’t need it.

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How do I switch my server back to co-op?

Change the line in server.cfg to mp_gamemode coop, or remove it, and restart.

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Can I set the difficulty for versus?

Difficulty applies to co-op modes. Versus uses its own fixed balance.

Left 4 Dead 2 server guide

Every Left 4 Dead 2 page in one place.

Competitive configs (ZoneMod)

Install ZoneMod.

100 tickrate

Tickrate Enabler and rates.

Vote settings

Control callvote on your server.

Can't connect to your server

Lobby only and Steam group.
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