This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up a SteamCMD game server on your VPS, covering every step from preparing your environment to running your server for the first time.

📌 Prerequisites

  • A VPS hosted by VolticHost.com

  • A working Steam account.

  • Basic familiarity with command-line tools (SSH, terminal commands).

  • A text editor (e.g., nano, vim, or Notepad++ if working locally).

Step 1: Preparing Your Environment

  1. Connect to Your VPS:

    • Use an SSH client (like PuTTY on Windows or the terminal on macOS/Linux) to log in to your VPS:

      ssh root@your_vps_ip

  2. Update Your System:

    • Update package lists and upgrade installed packages:

      sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y

    • (For CentOS/RHEL, use yum update.)

Step 2: Installing SteamCMD

  1. Install Dependencies:

    • For Ubuntu/Debian-based systems:

      sudo apt-get install lib32gcc1 -y

    • For CentOS/RHEL-based systems:

      sudo yum install glibc.i686 -y

  2. Download SteamCMD:

    • Create a directory for SteamCMD:

      mkdir ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd

    • Download the SteamCMD tarball:

      wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

    • Extract the files:

      tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

Step 3: Setting Up the Game Server Directory

  1. Create a Dedicated Server Folder:

    • Within your home directory, create a folder for your game server:

      mkdir ~/YourGameServer

  2. Set the Installation Directory:

    • Launch SteamCMD:

      ./steamcmd.sh

    • In the SteamCMD prompt, set the installation directory:

      force_install_dir ~/YourGameServer/

Step 4: Downloading the Game Server Files

  1. Log In to SteamCMD:

    • In the SteamCMD prompt, log in using your Steam account:

      login your_steam_username

    • If prompted for a password or Steam Guard code, provide the necessary credentials.

  2. Download the Game Server Files:

    • Identify the AppID for the game server you wish to install (consult the SteamDB website or game documentation).

    • Run the update command, for example:

      app_update 2329680

    • Wait for the download to complete.

    • Once done, type:

      quit

    • This will exit SteamCMD and leave the game server files installed in your designated folder.

Step 5: Configuring Your Game Server

  1. Navigate to Your Game Server Directory:

    cd ~/YourGameServer

  2. Locate and Edit Configuration Files:

    • Identify key configuration files (commonly server.cfg or similar) for the game server.

    • Use a text editor to modify settings:

      nano server.cfg

    • Adjust parameters such as server name, max players, and game-specific settings.

  3. Save and Exit the Editor:

    • In nano, press CTRL + O to write changes, then CTRL + X to exit.

Step 6: Running Your Game Server

  1. Create a Startup Script (Optional):

    • Create a script to run the server. For example, create a file named start_server.sh:

      nano start_server.sh

    • Add the following lines (modify according to your server’s launch command):

      #!/bin/bash
cd ~/YourGameServer
./YourServerExecutable -server -log

    • Save the file and make it executable:

      chmod +x start_server.sh

  2. Start the Server:

    • Run your startup script:

      ./start_server.sh

    • Alternatively, launch the server directly from the command line.

  3. Monitor the Server:

    • Check the console output for any errors or confirmation messages indicating that the server is running.

Step 7: Connecting to Your Server

  1. Obtain Your VPS IP Address:

    • Note your VPS’s public IP address (provided by your host).

  2. Launch the Game Client:

    • Open the game you’ve installed the server for.

    • Navigate to the multiplayer section and enter your VPS IP address to connect.

  3. Verify Connectivity:

    • Join the server and confirm that it’s functioning as expected.

🎉 Conclusion

You’ve successfully set up a SteamCMD game server on your VPS! With your server installed, configured, and running, you can now enjoy hosting games for your community. For further customization and troubleshooting, refer to game-specific documentation or reach out to our support team. Happy gaming!