How to run other Source games with the Custom Source Engine template

The Custom Source Engine template installs any Source dedicated server that SteamCMD can download anonymously and that runs on Linux. You give it the dedicated server's Steam App ID and the game's folder name, and it handles the rest like the CS:GO and TF2 templates do.

When to use it#

Use it for Source games that don't have their own Schokr template. If your game is Garry's Mod, CS:GO or TF2, use the dedicated template instead, as it's already configured.

Finding the App ID and game folder#

You need two values: the App ID of the dedicated server (not the game itself) and the game directory name passed with -game.

For other games, look up the dedicated server's App ID on the game's official wiki or the Valve Developer Community. The game folder is the folder containing that game's cfg and maps directories after install.

Creating the server#

1. Sign in at console.schokr.gg.
2. Create a new server with the Custom Source Engine template.
3. Pick a location and assign memory and disk. Check the size of the game's server files first; some are large.
4. In the Startup settings, enter the App ID and game folder name, plus a starting map that ships with the game, such as de_dust2 for Counter-Strike: Source or dm_lockdown for Half-Life 2: Deathmatch.
5. Reinstall or start the server so it downloads the correct files.

If you change the App ID after the first install, reinstall the server so it downloads the new game. Back up anything you need first.

Configuring it#

Source games share the same basics:

• Main config: <game-folder>/cfg/server.cfg, for example cstrike/cfg/server.cfg.
• Maps: <game-folder>/maps/.
• RCON uses the same port as the game, so one allocation is enough. See RCON tools.
• SourceMod works on most of these games. See SourceMod and Metamod.

A minimal server.cfg:

hostname "My Source Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "use-a-long-random-password"
sv_lan 0

Limits#

• Anonymous download only: some dedicated servers require a Steam account that owns the game. Those won't install with an anonymous login.
• Linux only: the server must have a Linux build. Windows-only dedicated servers won't run.
• GSLT: some games need a Game Server Login Token for public listing. Check the game's documentation, and see getting a GSLT for how tokens work.
• Mods: Source mods distributed outside Steam may need manual uploads into the server folder and extra launch options, which may not be possible in every template.

Still stuck?#

If the install fails with a SteamCMD error, check the App ID first. Post the error in the Schokr Discord if it persists.