How to Use the SourceMod Tools on Your Team Fortress 2 Server

SourceMod is the most popular server-side framework for Team Fortress 2. It lets you run plugins that add custom game modes, admin tools, voting systems, fun commands, and much more. If you want to take your TF2 server beyond the defaults, SourceMod is the place to start.

The RiverHosting panel gives you a dedicated SourceMod page so you can manage everything from your browser, without editing files by hand or using any command-line tools.

Before you start

• You need an active Team Fortress 2 server on your RiverHosting account.
• Log in to the RiverHosting panel at panel.riverhosting.com and open your TF2 server.
• Your server should be running before you make changes. If it is offline, start it first using the power controls at the top of the page.

1. Open the SourceMod page

The SourceMod page is built into the left-hand menu of your Team Fortress 2 server. Here is how to get there:

1. Go to panel.riverhosting.com and open your Team Fortress 2 server.
2. In the left-hand menu, click SourceMod.
3. The SourceMod page will load and show you the current status of SourceMod on your server, along with any installed plugins.

2. Enable or verify SourceMod is active

Before adding plugins, confirm that SourceMod is active on your server. The SourceMod page will show you its current state. If SourceMod is not yet enabled, you can turn it on from that same page.

1. On the SourceMod page, check the status indicator at the top.
2. If SourceMod is shown as disabled or not installed, look for an enable or install option and click it.
3. Restart your server after enabling SourceMod so the changes take effect. Use the power controls at the top of your server page to do a full restart.

3. Install and manage SourceMod plugins

Plugins are what make SourceMod useful. Each plugin adds a specific feature or behaviour to your server. You can add, review, and remove plugins from the SourceMod page.

1. On the SourceMod page, look for the plugins section or a button to add a plugin.
2. You can upload a plugin file directly from the panel using the upload option. Plugin files typically end in .smx.
3. Once uploaded, the plugin will appear in your plugin list.
4. To remove a plugin, find it in the list and use the remove or delete option next to it.
5. Restart your server after any plugin changes to make sure they load correctly.

4. Manage SourceMod admins

SourceMod has its own admin system separate from the general server admin tools. SourceMod admins can use in-game commands like kicking players, changing maps, and running plugin-specific admin actions.

You can manage SourceMod admins directly from the panel without editing any config files.

1. On the SourceMod page, look for the admins section.
2. To add a new SourceMod admin, enter the player's Steam ID and choose the permission level you want to grant them.
3. To remove an admin, find them in the admin list and use the remove option.
4. Changes to SourceMod admins usually take effect without a full restart, but a restart guarantees the changes are applied cleanly.

5. Use the Admins page for server-level admin access

In addition to SourceMod's own admin system, your Team Fortress 2 server has a separate Admins page in the left-hand menu. This page controls server-level admin access, which is different from SourceMod plugin permissions.

1. In the left-hand menu, click Admins.
2. Use this page to manage who has general admin access to your server, such as the ability to use the server's RCON console.
3. For plugin-specific admin powers (like those granted by SourceMod plugins), use the SourceMod page instead.

Troubleshooting

• SourceMod is not loading after a restart: Check the Console page for error messages. A missing or corrupted plugin file is the most common cause. Try removing recently added plugins one at a time to find the problem.
• A plugin is not working in-game: Make sure the plugin file ends in .smx and was uploaded correctly. Some plugins also require a configuration file. Check the plugin's documentation for any extra setup steps.
• Two plugins are conflicting: Remove both plugins, restart, and then add them back one at a time to identify which plugin is causing the conflict.
• An admin cannot use in-game commands: Double-check that the Steam ID was entered correctly on the SourceMod page. Make sure the player is using the correct Steam account when they join.
• Server crashes after adding a plugin: Remove the plugin immediately and restart the server. Not all plugins are compatible with every version of TF2 or with every other plugin.

Need help?

If you run into an issue that is not covered here, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help.