Dedicated server guide

Left 4 Dead

Manage l4dserver 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-l4dserver create l4dserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm-docker my-l4dserver setup
Start the game server ./alphagsm-docker my-l4dserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm-docker my-l4dserver status

./alphagsm-docker start
./alphagsm-docker my-l4dserver create l4dserver
./alphagsm-docker my-l4dserver setup
./alphagsm-docker my-l4dserver start
./alphagsm-docker my-l4dserver 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-l4dserver create l4dserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm my-l4dserver setup
Check the host prerequisites ./alphagsm my-l4dserver doctor
Start the game server ./alphagsm my-l4dserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm my-l4dserver status

./alphagsm my-l4dserver create l4dserver
./alphagsm my-l4dserver setup
./alphagsm my-l4dserver doctor
./alphagsm my-l4dserver start
./alphagsm my-l4dserver status

This guide covers the l4dserver module in AlphaGSM.

l4dserver is currently PASSED in the checked-in support tracker on the documented Ubuntu 24.04 Linux baseline. The current GitHub integration lane validates both process and Docker runtimes for this module, 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 myl4dserve create l4dserver

Run setup:

alphagsm myl4dserve setup

Start it:

alphagsm myl4dserve start

Check it:

alphagsm myl4dserve status

Stop it:

alphagsm myl4dserve 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 myl4dserve update
alphagsm myl4dserve backup

Notes

Module name: l4dserver
Default port: 27015

Server variables

After create l4dserver, 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: `l4d_hospital01_apartment`.
`maxplayers`	users	integer	Maximum number of player slots. Example: `8`.
`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 Left 4 Dead`.
`serverpassword`	sv_password, password	string	Password required for players to join the server. Stored as a secret.

Developer Notes

Run File

Executable: srcds_run
Location: <install_dir>/srcds_run
Engine: Source
SteamCMD App ID: 222840

Server Configuration

Config file: left4dead/cfg/server.cfg
Key settings:
- hostname — Server name
- sv_maxrate — Max network rate
- rcon_password — Remote console password
Default port: 27015
Default map: l4d_hospital01_apartment
Max players: 8
Ports:
- Game port: 27015 (UDP)
- Client port: 27005 (UDP)
Template: See server-templates/l4dserver/

Maps and Mods

Map directory: left4dead/maps/
Mod directory: left4dead/addons/
Workshop support: No
Mod notes: AlphaGSM now supports manifest, direct archive url, gamebanana, and moddb addon sources for this server through the shared Source addon flow. The built-in manifest currently includes metamod and sourcemod. mod cleanup removes only AlphaGSM-tracked addon files and keeps cache/state under .alphagsm/mods/left4dead/.
Map install: Copy .bsp files into left4dead/maps/ and add to left4dead/cfg/mapcycle.txt.
Mod install: Copy addon folders into left4dead/addons/.

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 Left 4 Dead?

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

Which runtimes can run Left 4 Dead?

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Which ports does Left 4 Dead 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 Left 4 Dead?

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

How should I back up Left 4 Dead?

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.

All game guides