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A Left 4 Dead 2 server runs at 30 tick by default. To run 100 tick you need three things: the Tickrate Enabler extension (included in the L4D2 Competitive Rework), the start option -tickrate 100, and network rates in server.cfg that match (for example sv_minupdaterate 100 and sv_minrate 100000). On FREAKHOSTING you add the extension and rates yourself and ask our support team to add the start option.

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What does tickrate do in L4D2?

The tickrate is how many times per second the server updates the game. At 100 tick the server checks hits, shoves and movement more often, which competitive versus players prefer. It also uses more CPU, especially with many common infected.

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How to set up 100 tick

1

Install the Tickrate Enabler

The easiest way is the L4D2 Competitive Rework, which includes the Tickrate Enabler and rates already set for 100 tick. If you don’t use it, install a Tickrate Enabler build for Linux into left4dead2/addons/ as its instructions say.
2

Ask us to add -tickrate 100

The start command isn’t editable on the Startup page for Left 4 Dead 2. Open a ticket and ask us to add -tickrate 100 to your server’s start options.
3

Set the rates in server.cfg

In Game settings, click server.cfg: open the raw file and add the rates below (skip this if the Competitive Rework’s server.cfg already has them). Save.
4

Restart and test

Restart the server. Join, type net_graph 1 in your console and check the two middle values reach the tickrate.

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Rates for 100 tick in server.cfg

These are the values the Competitive Rework uses for 100 tick:
For another tickrate, use the tickrate for the update and command rates and the tickrate times 1,000 for the rate values.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does net_graph show 100 when I set 128 tick?

The client has a hardcoded display limit of 100. It is only visual; the two middle values show what you really get.

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Why don’t I reach 100 updates per second?

Check the rates in server.cfg and your own frame rate. A client can’t send more commands per second than its frame rate.

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Does a higher tickrate change gameplay?

Some things, such as door speed, behave differently at high tickrates. The Competitive Rework adjusts door speed with tick_door_speed 1.3 for this.

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Does 100 tick need a stronger server?

It uses more CPU than 30 tick. Watch Statistics in the panel during Tank fights and hordes.

Left 4 Dead 2 server guide

Every Left 4 Dead 2 page in one place.

Competitive configs (ZoneMod)

Includes the Tickrate Enabler.

Versus server

Set up 4v4 versus.

Install SourceMod

Metamod:Source and SourceMod.

View server statistics

CPU and memory over time.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on 30 October 2026 (Left 4 Dead 2 on our Game Panel). Tickrate details checked against the L4D2 Competitive Rework on 30 October 2026.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026