TMNF vs ManiaPlanet vs Trackmania 2020 — Server Differences
The three generations of Trackmania have different dedicated server binaries, config locations, admin controllers, and distribution methods. This guide explains the differences and how to choose the right version.
Trackmania Version Comparison: TMNF vs ManiaPlanet vs TM2020
There are three distinct generations of Trackmania, each with a different server binary, config format, and community ecosystem. Choosing the wrong guide for your version wastes time.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | TMNF / TMUF | ManiaPlanet (TM2) | Trackmania 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2008 | 2013–2020 | 2020–present |
| Server binary | TrackmaniaServer |
ManiaPlanetServer |
TrackmaniaServer (different) |
| Distribution | Nadeo CDN zip | Nadeo CDN zip | Ubisoft Nadeo CDN zip |
| SteamCMD AppID | None | None | None |
| Config location | GameData/Config/ |
UserData/Config/ |
UserData/Config/ |
| Map format | .Challenge.Gbx |
.Map.Gbx |
.Map.Gbx |
| Map playlist key | <challenge> |
<map> |
<map> |
| Environment selector | <packmask> / /game= flag |
<title> |
N/A (single environment) |
| Admin controller | XASECO / XASECO2 | PyPlanet, ManiaControl | EvoSC#, nextcontrol |
| Account type | Old Nadeo account | ManiaPlanet account | trackmania.com account |
| Ports | 2350 / 3450 / 5000 | 2350 / 3450 / 5000 | 2350 / 3450 / 5000 |
| Still actively played | Small but dedicated community | Small community | Active (main title) |
Trackmania Nations Forever / United Forever
The classic era. TMNF (Nations Forever) is free and features the Stadium environment only. TMUF (United Forever) is paid and unlocks additional environments (Desert, Island, Rally, Bay, Coast).
- Server download:
files.v04.maniaplanet.com/server/TrackmaniaServer_Latest.zip - Required for: Hosting a TMNF/TMUF community server, XASECO records system
- Environment set via
/game=nations(TMNF) or/game=united(TMUF) launch parameter, or<packmask>in config.
ManiaPlanet (Trackmania 2)
The ManiaPlanet era introduced TM² with new environments (Stadium, Canyon, Valley, Lagoon). The platform also hosted ShootMania Storm.
- Server download:
files.v04.maniaplanet.com/server/ManiaplanetServer_Latest.zip - Environment set via
<title>TMStadium</title>(or TMCanyon, TMValley, TMLagoon, SMStorm) indedicated_cfg.txt - Controllers: PyPlanet (Python) or ManiaControl (PHP) recommended
- ManiaPlanet accounts are separate from old Nadeo TMNF accounts
Trackmania 2020
The current title, rebranded simply as "Trackmania." Stadium-only environment. Free-to-play with subscription tiers (Standard, Club).
- Server download: From the Ubisoft Nadeo CDN — not from
files.v04.maniaplanet.com - Requires a trackmania.com account (not old Nadeo or ManiaPlanet accounts)
- Controllers: EvoSC# (C#) or nextcontrol (Node.js)
- Active development; receives regular updates and new content
Which Should You Host?
- For the largest active player base: Trackmania 2020 dedicated server.
- For a classic/retro server with records: TMNF with XASECO.
- For TM2 environments (Canyon, Valley, etc.): ManiaPlanet server.
All three use the same ports (2350/3450/5000), so you can run different versions on the same machine by offsetting ports.