Open Fortress server.cfg Reference
A complete reference for open_fortress/cfg/server.cfg — all key cvars, what they do, and a ready-to-use starting config.
server.cfg — Open Fortress Server Configuration
open_fortress/cfg/server.cfg is executed automatically on every map change. It's the main configuration file for your server's identity, rules, and gameplay settings.
File location: <sdk-install>/open_fortress/cfg/server.cfg
Starting Config
Paste this into server.cfg and adjust to your needs:
// ── Identity ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
hostname "My Open Fortress Server"
sv_password ""
sv_lan 0
// ── Security ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
rcon_password "ChangeThisPassword"
sv_cheats 0
// ── Gameplay ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
mp_timelimit 20
mp_maxrounds 0
mp_fraglimit 30
// ── File Transfers ───────────────────────────────────────────
sv_allowupload 1
sv_allowdownload 1
// ── Logging ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
log on
sv_logfile 1
Cvar Reference
Identity and Access
| Cvar | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
hostname |
— | Server name shown in the server browser. Enclose in quotes. |
sv_password |
"" |
Join password. Blank means public. Set a value to make the server private. |
sv_lan |
0 |
0 = internet server (visible in global browser). 1 = LAN only. Always set to 0 for public servers. |
Security
| Cvar | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
rcon_password |
"" |
Password for RCON access. Keep this secure — anyone with it has full console access. Set to blank to disable RCON. |
sv_cheats |
0 |
0 disables cheats. 1 enables developer cheats (sv_noclip, godmode, etc.). Always 0 on public servers. |
Map and Round Flow
| Cvar | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
mp_timelimit |
20 |
Minutes per map before automatic rotation to the next map in the cycle. Set to 0 for no time limit. |
mp_maxrounds |
0 |
Maximum rounds before map change. 0 = disabled. |
mp_fraglimit |
0 |
Kill limit for Deathmatch mode — map changes when a player reaches this kill count. 0 = disabled. |
File Transfers
| Cvar | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
sv_allowupload |
1 |
Allow clients to upload sprays and custom decals to the server. |
sv_allowdownload |
1 |
Allow clients to download custom files (maps, sounds, etc.) from the server. |
autoexec.cfg
open_fortress/cfg/autoexec.cfg runs once when the server process starts, before server.cfg. Use it for settings that only need to apply once at startup — for example, loading a custom plugin config or setting a specific tickrate. Settings in autoexec.cfg may be overridden by server.cfg on the first map load.
Applying Changes Without Restarting
At the server console or via RCON:
exec server.cfg
Most cvars take effect immediately. A small number of engine-level settings require a full server restart.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
sv_lan 1 |
Change to sv_lan 0 — server won't appear publicly otherwise |
Blank rcon_password when you need RCON |
Set an actual password; blank disables RCON entirely |
Editing tf/cfg/server.cfg |
OF uses open_fortress/cfg/ — not the TF2 game directory |
| Changes not taking effect | Run exec server.cfg in console to reload mid-game |