Dedicated server guide

Natural Selection

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

Operator-provided prerequisites required · 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

Operator-provided game files, runtime or other prerequisites are required; follow the game guide before setup.

Docker

Complete interactive setup and review game-specific configuration before starting the server. Operator-provided game files, runtime or other prerequisites are required; follow the game guide before setup.

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

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

Host process

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

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

This guide covers the nsserver module in AlphaGSM.

nsserver is currently ENABLED (BYO) on the documented Ubuntu 24.04 Linux baseline. The current GitHub integration lane still exercises both process and Docker runtime selection around that owned-mod-content prerequisite, while local runs remain process-backed by default unless you opt into the Docker backend.

query and info use A2S.

Requirements

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

Quick Start

Create the server:

alphagsm mynsserver create nsserver

Run setup:

alphagsm mynsserver setup

nsserver is supported in ENABLED (BYO) mode. AlphaGSM can install the base HLDS runtime through SteamCMD, but Steam app 90 does not provide the Natural Selection mod payload. Before start, copy a complete owned Natural Selection content tree into <install_dir>/ns/ so <install_dir>/ns/maps/ns_hera.bsp exists.

Start it:

alphagsm mynsserver start

Check it:

alphagsm mynsserver status

Stop it:

alphagsm mynsserver 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

Suggested flow:

alphagsm mynsserver create nsserver
alphagsm mynsserver setup -n 27015 /path/to/nsserver
## copy the full Natural Selection mod tree into /path/to/nsserver/ns/
alphagsm mynsserver start

Useful Commands

alphagsm mynsserver update
alphagsm mynsserver backup

Notes

Module name: nsserver
Default port: 27015

Server variables

After create nsserver, 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: `ns_hera`.
`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 Natural Selection`.
`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
Mod App ID: cstrike

Server Configuration

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

Maps and Mods

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

BYO file helper

Inspect this game's required files, source instructions and destinations with alphagsm <server-name> assets requirements; check the declared files with alphagsm <server-name> assets check. File checks do not establish game readiness. This helper checks known sentinels only and directs you to stage the complete compatible distribution manually; managed import is unavailable for this recipe. See BYO files and private SteamCMD acquisition.

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 Natural Selection?

Operator-provided prerequisites required. Operator-provided game files, runtime or other prerequisites are required; follow the game guide before setup.

Which runtimes can run Natural Selection?

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Which ports does Natural Selection 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 Natural Selection?

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

How should I back up Natural Selection?

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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