How to Use RCON to Run Commands on Your Team Fortress 2 Server

The RiverHosting panel includes a built-in RCON page for your Team Fortress 2 server. This lets you run server commands directly from your browser, without needing a separate RCON client or any extra software. It is the quickest way to change settings, kick players, switch maps, or issue any other supported server command while your server is running.

Before you start

• You need an active Team Fortress 2 server on RiverHosting.
• Your server must be running before you can send RCON commands. If it is stopped, start it first from the main server page.
• You need to have access to the RiverHosting panel. Log in at panel.riverhosting.com.

1. How to open the RCON page

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel at panel.riverhosting.com.
2. Click on your Team Fortress 2 server from the server list.
3. In the left-hand menu, click RCON.
4. The RCON page will open with a command input field and a response area where you can see output from the server.

2. How to send a command using RCON

1. On the RCON page, click the command input field at the bottom of the screen.
2. Type the command you want to run. For example, type status to see a list of currently connected players.
3. Press Enter or click the Send button.
4. The server's response will appear in the output area above the input field.

3. How to set or change the RCON password

Your RCON password controls who can connect to your server using RCON. On RiverHosting, this is managed through your Team Fortress 2 server settings rather than a separate config file.

1. In the left-hand menu, click Server Config.
2. Look for the RCON password field in the server configuration editor.
3. Enter a new password in that field.
4. Save your changes and restart your server for the new password to take effect.

Troubleshooting

• The RCON page shows no response after sending a command. Make sure your server is running. A stopped server cannot receive or respond to RCON commands.
• Commands are being rejected or returning errors. Double-check the command syntax. TF2 commands are case-sensitive in some cases and require the correct format. Use help <command> in the RCON console to check usage.
• Map change command did not work. Make sure the map name you typed matches exactly. You can check available map names in your server files using the File Manager.
• I can see the RCON page but it says authentication failed. Your RCON password may not match what is saved in your Server Config. Update it there and restart the server, then try again.
• I do not see the RCON page in the menu. This is a Team Fortress 2 feature. Make sure you are on the correct server type. If the page is missing, contact RiverHosting support.

Need help?

If you run into any issues with the RCON page or need help working out which command to use, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help.