Gamer Hosting: Useful Software KiwamiServer Setup Guide for [Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory] Gamers
Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory (W:ET), despite its age, continues to captivate a dedicated community of players. Setting up your own server offers unparalleled control over gameplay, maps, and modifications, providing a tailored experience for you and your friends. This guide will walk you through every step, from initial requirements to advanced optimization, ensuring your W:ET server runs flawlessly.
Game Server Requirements
Before diving into the setup process, understanding the fundamental requirements for a W:ET server is crucial. While W:ET is an older title, a stable and performant server still demands adequate resources, especially when hosting multiple players or custom modifications.
Operating System: W:ET servers are highly versatile and can run on various operating systems. Linux distributions, particularly Debian, Ubuntu Server, or CentOS, are often preferred due to their stability, lower resource consumption, and robust command-line interface, making them ideal for dedicated server environments. Windows Server is also a viable option, though it typically requires more system resources.
Processor (CPU): The CPU is a critical component for server performance. While W:ET itself isn't incredibly CPU-intensive for a single instance, the number of players and active mods can significantly impact CPU usage. A modern dual-core or quad-core processor (e.g., Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 equivalent or better) is generally recommended for a smooth experience with up to 32 players. For larger player counts or heavily modded servers, a more powerful CPU with higher clock speeds and more cores will be beneficial.
Memory (RAM): RAM directly affects the server's ability to handle concurrent connections and load game assets. For a basic W:ET server with up to 16 players, 2GB of RAM is often sufficient. However, to accommodate more players, custom maps, and extensive modifications, 4GB to 8GB of RAM is a more robust recommendation. This provides ample headroom and prevents performance bottlenecks.
Storage (Disk Space): W:ET server files are relatively small. A minimum of 5GB of free disk space is usually enough for the base game and a few custom maps. However, if you plan to host numerous custom maps, sound packs, or extensive mod installations, consider 20GB to 50GB of SSD storage. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are highly recommended over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) due to their significantly faster read/write speeds, which can improve map loading times and overall server responsiveness.
Network Bandwidth: Network connectivity is paramount for a lag-free gaming experience. A stable internet connection with at least 10 Mbps upload and download speed is recommended for a server hosting up to 16 players. For larger servers or those expecting high traffic, a dedicated connection with 50 Mbps or more symmetrical bandwidth is ideal. Low latency is also crucial; aim for a connection with a ping of under 50ms to major internet hubs.
Beginner's Guide
Setting up your first Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory server might seem daunting, but by following these steps, you'll have your server online in no time.
1. Choose Your Operating System: As mentioned, Linux is often the preferred choice. For this guide, we'll assume a Debian-based Linux distribution (like Ubuntu Server).
2. Install Necessary Dependencies: Before downloading the server files, you'll need to install some essential packages. Open your terminal and run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install screen wget lib32gcc1 libstdc++6
screen allows your server to run in the background even after you close your terminal. wget is for downloading files, and lib32gcc1 and libstdc++6 are 32-bit compatibility libraries required by the W:ET server executable.
3. Create a Dedicated User (Optional but Recommended): For security and organization, it's good practice to run your server under a non-root user.
sudo adduser etserver
sudo usermod -aG sudo etserver # Optional: Grant sudo privileges if needed for specific tasks
su - etserver
From now on, all commands related to the server should be executed as the etserver user.
4. Download Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory Server Files: Navigate to your desired installation directory (e.g., /home/etserver/etserver).
mkdir etserver
cd etserver
wget https://ftp.games.qube.us/pub/enemy-territory/et-linux-2.60.x86.run
chmod +x et-linux-2.60.x86.run
./et-linux-2.60.x86.run
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. You'll likely be asked to accept the license agreement and choose an installation directory.
5. Configure Your Server: The primary configuration file is etmain/server.cfg (or a custom .cfg file you create). You'll need to create this file if it doesn't exist.
cd etmain
nano server.cfg
Here are some essential settings to include:
// Basic Server Settings
set sv_hostname "^1My Awesome ET Server" // Server name
set sv_maxclients "16" // Maximum players
set g_gametype "2" // 2 = objective, 3 = stopwatch, 4 = campaign
set rconpassword "your_rcon_password" // RCON password for remote administration
// Map Rotation (example)
seta sv_maprotation "map battery;map goldrush;map oasis;map radar"
// PunkBuster (optional, but recommended for public servers)
seta sv_punkbuster "1"
// Other common settings seta g_friendlyFire "1" // 1 = enabled, 0 = disabled seta g_antilag "1" // 1 = enabled, 0 = disabled seta g_balancedteams "1" // 1 = enabled, 0 = disabled
Save and exit the file (Ctrl+X, Y, Enter in nano).
6. Start Your Server: It's best to start your server within a screen session so it continues running even if you disconnect.
screen -S etserver
./et_ded.x86 +set fs_game etmain +set dedicated 2 +exec server.cfg
To detach from the screen session, press Ctrl+A then D. To reattach, use screen -r etserver.
7. Port Forwarding: For players to connect to your server from outside your local network, you'll need to configure port forwarding on your router. The default port for Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory is UDP port 27960. You'll need to forward this port to the internal IP address of your server. Consult your router's manual or online resources for specific instructions on how to do this.
Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations
Choosing the right hosting provider is paramount for a stable and enjoyable W:ET server experience. While self-hosting is an option, dedicated game server providers offer optimized infrastructure, support, and often better performance.
Key Factors to Consider:
Performance: Look for providers offering high-clock-speed CPUs, ample RAM, and SSD storage.
Network Quality: Low latency and high bandwidth are crucial. Check for data centers geographically close to your target player base.
DDoS Protection: Essential for public servers to prevent malicious attacks.
Control Panel: A user-friendly control panel (e.g., TCAdmin, Pterodactyl) simplifies server management.
Support: Responsive and knowledgeable customer support can be invaluable.
Price: Compare pricing models, but prioritize quality over the cheapest option.
Recommended Hosting Providers for Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory:
OVHcloud:
Pros: Offers a wide range of dedicated servers and VPS options with excellent global network infrastructure and competitive pricing. Strong DDoS protection is a standard feature.
Cons: Can be more technically demanding to set up compared to managed game server hosts.
Ideal For: Experienced users comfortable with server administration, or those looking for powerful, customizable solutions.
Website: OVHcloud
GamerServers:
Pros: Specializes in game server hosting, offering pre-configured W:ET server instances. Features include a user-friendly control panel, automatic updates, and good customer support.
Cons: May be slightly more expensive than unmanaged VPS options.
Ideal For: Beginners and those who prefer a hands-off approach to server management.
Website: GamerServers
Nitrado:
Pros: A well-known game server host with a global presence. Offers W:ET servers with a custom web interface, easy mod installation, and reliable performance.
Cons: Pricing can be higher for premium features.
Ideal For: Players seeking a balance of ease of use and performance, with good global reach.
Website: Nitrado
DigitalOcean / Vultr / Linode (VPS Providers):
Pros: Offer highly flexible and scalable Virtual Private Servers (VPS). You have full control over the operating system and software. Excellent for those who want to learn server administration.
Cons: Requires significant technical knowledge to set up and maintain. No specific game server support.
Ideal For: Tech-savvy users who want maximum control and are comfortable with command-line interfaces.
Websites: DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode
When making your decision, consider your technical expertise, budget, and the expected player count for your server. For a hassle-free experience, a dedicated game server host is often the best choice for most users.
Troubleshooting
Even with careful setup, issues can arise. Here's a guide to common W:ET server problems and their solutions.
1. Server Not Appearing in In-Game Browser:
Port Forwarding: Double-check that UDP port 27960 is correctly forwarded to your server's internal IP address on your router. Use an online port checker tool to verify if the port is open from the internet.
Firewall: Ensure your server's operating system firewall (e.g., ufw on Linux, Windows Firewall) is not blocking incoming connections on port 27960.
Linux (ufw example): sudo ufw allow 27960/udp
Windows: Add an inbound rule for UDP port 27960.
Master Server Issues: Occasionally, the W:ET master servers might be down or experiencing issues. This is rare but can prevent your server from being listed.
sv_master setting: Ensure your server.cfg does not explicitly block master server reporting. The default behavior is usually to report.
2. Players Cannot Connect (Connection Timed Out):
Incorrect IP Address: Players might be trying to connect to the wrong IP address. Ensure they have your server's public IP address.
Firewall/Port Forwarding: Re-verify firewall rules and port forwarding as described above.
Server Not Running: Confirm your server process is actually running. Check the screen session or process list.
Network Issues: Check your server's internet connection and your own.
3. High Ping / Lag:
Server Location: If your server is geographically far from your players, high ping is inevitable. Choose a hosting location closer to your target audience.
Bandwidth Saturation: Your internet connection might be saturated. Check for other applications consuming bandwidth on your server or home network.
CPU Overload: Too many players or CPU-intensive mods can overload the CPU, leading to lag. Monitor CPU usage.
RAM Shortage: If the server is constantly swapping to disk due to insufficient RAM, performance will suffer. Monitor RAM usage.
DDoS Attack: If you're experiencing sudden, severe lag, your server might be under a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. Your hosting provider's DDoS protection should mitigate this.
4. Server Crashing:
Corrupted Files: Re-download and reinstall the server files.
Faulty Mods/Maps: If crashes started after installing a new mod or map, try removing it.
Insufficient Resources: A server running out of RAM or CPU can crash. Monitor resource usage.
Outdated Server Version: Ensure you are running the latest stable version of the W:ET server (2.60b is common).
5. RCON Not Working:
Incorrect Password: Double-check the rconpassword in your server.cfg and the password you are using.
Firewall: Ensure RCON port (usually 27960 UDP, but some tools might use TCP) is not blocked by a firewall.
rcon_password vs sv_rconpassword: Ensure you are using set rconpassword in your server.cfg for the server's RCON password.
Performance Optimization Tips
Optimizing your W:ET server can significantly enhance the player experience, reducing lag and improving stability.
1. Keep Server Software Updated: While W:ET itself is no longer actively developed, ensure your operating system and any underlying libraries are kept up-to-date. This provides security patches and performance improvements.
2. Choose a Minimalist Operating System: For dedicated servers, opt for a headless (no graphical user interface) Linux distribution like Ubuntu Server or Debian Minimal. This reduces resource overhead, freeing up CPU and RAM for the game server.
3. Monitor Resource Usage: Regularly check your server's CPU, RAM, and network usage. Tools like htop, top, free -h, and iftop (on Linux) can provide valuable insights. If resources are consistently maxed out, it's an indicator that you might need to upgrade your hardware or optimize your configuration.
4. Optimize server.cfg Settings:
sv_maxclients: While tempting to host many players, setting sv_maxclients too high for your server's resources will lead to lag. Start with a lower number (e.g., 16 or 24) and gradually increase it while monitoring performance.
g_antilag "1": This setting helps compensate for player latency, making hit registration more consistent.
g_balancedteams "1": Helps prevent one team from becoming overwhelmingly powerful, leading to more balanced and enjoyable matches.
sv_fps: The default sv_fps "20" is usually sufficient. Increasing it might consume more CPU without a noticeable benefit for W:ET.
sv_pure "1": This setting forces clients to use only server-approved files, preventing cheating and ensuring consistency.
5. Manage Custom Content:
Map Rotation: Keep your map rotation diverse but not excessively large. Too many maps can consume more RAM and disk I/O.
Custom Mods: While mods add variety, some can be poorly optimized or resource-intensive. Test new mods thoroughly on a separate instance before deploying them to your main server.
Download Redirects: For custom maps and mods, consider setting up a fast HTTP download redirect. This offloads file serving from your game server, improving performance for players downloading content.
Example in server.cfg: set sv_dl_maxRate "42000", set sv_allowDownload "1", set sv_dlURL "http://yourfastwebserver.com/et_downloads"
6. Implement PunkBuster (for Public Servers): PunkBuster, while older, still provides a layer of anti-cheat protection. Enabling seta sv_punkbuster "1" in your server.cfg and ensuring the PunkBuster files are correctly installed and updated can deter cheaters, leading to a fairer and more enjoyable environment.
7. Use a Dedicated IP Address: If your hosting provider offers it, a dedicated IP address for your server can sometimes offer slightly better routing and stability compared to shared IP addresses.
Technical Q&A
Here are answers to some common technical questions regarding Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory server administration.
Q: How do I update my W:ET server? A: W:ET server binaries are largely static. The most common "update" involves ensuring you're running the latest stable version (2.60b). If a new patch were ever released (highly unlikely now), you would typically download the new executable and replace the old one. For PunkBuster, you'll need to manually update its files. Navigate to your pb folder within your etmain directory and run pb_sv_upd.x86 (Linux) or pb_sv_upd.exe (Windows).
Q: Can I run multiple W:ET servers on one machine? A: Yes, you can run multiple W:ET servers on a single machine, provided you have sufficient hardware resources (CPU, RAM, bandwidth) and configure each server to use a unique port. For example, one server could use 27960, another 27961, and so on. Each server instance would need its own installation directory and server.cfg file.
Q: How do I ban players from my server? A: You can ban players by their IP address or GUID (Global Unique Identifier).
IP Ban: In your server.cfg or via RCON: addip
GUID Ban: This is more effective as IP addresses can change. You'll need a mod or an admin tool that can retrieve player GUIDs. Once you have the GUID, you can add it to a ban list file (e.g., etmain/ban.txt) or use a command like addguid
Temporary Ban: Many server mods offer temporary ban functionalities.
Q: What is RCON and how do I use it? A: RCON (Remote Console) allows you to administer your server remotely by sending commands to the server console. You set an RCON password in your server.cfg (set rconpassword "your_password"). From the in-game console (usually accessed by pressing ~), you can connect using rconpassword
Q: How do I add custom maps to my server? A:
Download the .pk3 file(s) for the custom map.
Place the .pk3 files into your etmain directory (or a subfolder within etmain like etmain/maps).
Add the map name to your sv_maprotation in server.cfg. For example: seta sv_maprotation "map battery;map goldrush;map mycustommap"
Restart your server or change the map via RCON to load the new rotation.
Q: My server is showing "Awaiting Connection..." indefinitely. A: This usually indicates a network issue.
Firewall: Check your server's firewall and ensure UDP port 27960 is open.
Port Forwarding: Verify that port forwarding is correctly configured on your router to direct traffic to your server's internal IP.
Server IP: Ensure players are trying to connect to the correct public IP address of your server.
Server Process: Confirm the W:ET server process is actually running and hasn't crashed.
Q: How can I protect my server from DDoS attacks? A:
Choose a Hosting Provider with DDoS Protection: This is the most effective method. Reputable game server hosts and dedicated server providers often include robust DDoS mitigation as part of their service.
Firewall Rules: Implement strict firewall rules to only allow necessary ports (27960 UDP).
Monitor Traffic: Keep an eye on network traffic for unusual spikes.
Obfuscate IP (Limited): While not foolproof, avoiding publicizing your server's direct IP address can sometimes reduce targeted attacks. Relying on master server listings is generally safer.