Dedicated server guide

Half-Life: Deathmatch

Manage hldmserver with AlphaGSM. Choose a runtime supported by the recorded module capabilities.

Recorded lifecycle pass · Support evidence: 2026-10-16.

Runtime familysteamcmd-linux

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Network bindings

27015/UDP, 27015/TCP, clientport/UDP. Named port values remain unknown; review the game guide and configuration for additional requirements.

Mods and plugins

No mod support is declared in this snapshot; review the game guide before adding mods.

Backup hook

A module-specific backup hook is declared. Review the game guide for its scope, restore procedure and shutdown requirements.

Choose a supported runtime

Linux and Docker quickstart

Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Docker

Complete interactive setup and review game-specific configuration before starting the server. Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Start the Docker manager ./alphagsm-docker start
Create the game instance ./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver create hldmserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver setup
Start the game server ./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver status

./alphagsm-docker start
./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver create hldmserver
./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver setup
./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver start
./alphagsm-docker my-hldmserver status

Host process

Complete interactive setup and review game-specific configuration before starting the server. Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Create the game instance ./alphagsm my-hldmserver create hldmserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm my-hldmserver setup
Check the host prerequisites ./alphagsm my-hldmserver doctor
Start the game server ./alphagsm my-hldmserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm my-hldmserver status

./alphagsm my-hldmserver create hldmserver
./alphagsm my-hldmserver setup
./alphagsm my-hldmserver doctor
./alphagsm my-hldmserver start
./alphagsm my-hldmserver status

This guide covers the hldmserver module in AlphaGSM.

hldmserver is currently PASSED on the documented Ubuntu 24.04 Linux baseline. The current GitHub integration lane still exercises both process and Docker runtime selection, and the validated Linux lifecycle stays aligned across both backends while local runs remain process-backed by default unless you opt into the Docker backend.

Requirements

screen
SteamCMD runtime libraries (lib32gcc-s1, lib32stdc++6)
Python packages from requirements.txt

Quick Start

Create the server:

alphagsm myhldmserv create hldmserver

Run setup:

alphagsm myhldmserv setup

Start it:

alphagsm myhldmserv start

Check it:

alphagsm myhldmserv status

Stop it:

alphagsm myhldmserv stop

Setup Details

Setup configures:

the game port (default 27015)
the install directory
the executable name
SteamCMD downloads the server files
default configuration and backup settings

Useful Commands

alphagsm myhldmserv update
alphagsm myhldmserv backup

Notes

Module name: hldmserver
Default port: 27015

Server variables

After create hldmserver, inspect or change these with set:

alphagsm myserver set --list
alphagsm myserver set KEY --describe
alphagsm myserver set KEY VALUE

Key	Aliases	Type	What it does
`map`	gamemap, startmap, level, worldname	string	The currently selected map or level. Example: `crossfire`.
`maxplayers`	users	integer	Maximum number of player slots. Example: `16`.
`port`	gameport	integer	The primary game port. Example: `27015`.
`rconpassword`	rconpass, querypassword, query_administrator_password	string	Remote console password for administrative access. Stored as a secret.
`servername`	hostname, name	string	The server's public name shown to players. Example: `AlphaGSM Half-Life: Deathmatch`.
`serverpassword`	sv_password, password	string	Password required for players to join the server. Stored as a secret.

Developer Notes

Run File

Executable: hlds_run
Location: <install_dir>/hlds_run
Engine: GoldSrc (HLDS)
SteamCMD App ID: 90

Server Configuration

Config file: valve/server.cfg
Key settings:
- hostname — Server name
- sv_maxrate — Max network rate
- rcon_password — Remote console password
Default port: 27015
Default map: crossfire
Max players: 16
Ports:
- Game port: 27015 (UDP)
- Client port: 27005 (UDP)
Template: See server-templates/hldmserver/

Maps and Mods

Map directory: valve/maps/
Mod directory: valve/dlls/
Workshop support: No
Map install: Copy .bsp files into valve/maps/ and add to valve/mapcycle.txt.
Mod install: Use Metamod in valve/dlls/ or AMX Mod X in valve/addons/amxmodx/.

Configuration templates

Reference files from this source revision. Review paths, passwords and game-specific settings before use.

server.cfg

Share your server

Sector Alpha server directory

When your server is ready, you can publish its connection details and community information on Sector Alpha. Review your listing and keep the information current.

Find a community

Browse the directory for game servers and their published connection details.

Browse server directory

Publish your server

Prepare a name, address and description for your listing.

Publish a server

Manual server sharing instructions

Frequently asked questions

What support evidence is recorded for Half-Life: Deathmatch?

Recorded lifecycle pass. Review the game guide for installation, account, licensing and runtime prerequisites before setup.

Which runtimes can run Half-Life: Deathmatch?

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Which ports does Half-Life: Deathmatch use?

27015/UDP, 27015/TCP, clientport/UDP. Named port values remain unknown; review the game guide and configuration for additional requirements.

Can I add mods to Half-Life: Deathmatch?

No mod support is declared in this snapshot; review the game guide before adding mods.

How should I back up Half-Life: Deathmatch?

A module-specific backup hook is declared. Review the game guide for its scope, restore procedure and shutdown requirements.

Source and support evidence

This guide mirrors AlphaGSM’s upstream documentation at 32cef5ba9e03053c8e461fffa0ba133b160b528d. Commands and prerequisites can change. Check current support notes before installation.

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