How to Install SourceMod and MetaMod on a TF2 Server

SourceMod is the standard plugin platform for Team Fortress 2 servers. It runs on top of MetaMod:Source, so you install both. Plugins give you admin commands, map voting, custom rules and much more.

Choose versions

Download the stable branch of MetaMod:Source and SourceMod from their official sites. Pick the Linux builds if your server runs on Linux. The two projects should be a matching generation, so check each download page for compatibility notes.

Install steps

1. Stop the server.
2. In the Files tab, open the tf folder.
3. Upload both archives and extract them so that an addons folder exists inside tf. You should end up with tf/addons/metamod and tf/addons/sourcemod.
4. Start the server.
5. In the Console tab, type meta list. SourceMod should appear.
6. Type sm version to confirm SourceMod is running.

Adding plugins

Compiled plugins end in .smx and go in tf/addons/sourcemod/plugins. Plugin source files end in .sp and are not used directly by the server. Many plugins also need a config file or translation file, so read the plugin page and copy all required files.

• Load a plugin from the console with sm plugins load filename.
• List plugins with sm plugins list.
• Disable one by moving it into the plugins/disabled folder.

Common problems

• meta list is unknown: MetaMod did not load, so check the folder layout.
• Plugin fails to load: it may require another extension or a newer SourceMod.
• Plugin loads but does nothing: check the console for errors and the plugin config.

Tips

• Install a single plugin at a time and test.
• Keep downloaded plugins from trusted sources only.
• After game updates, check that MetaMod and SourceMod still load, and update them if needed.
• Keep a backup of the addons folder.

Once SourceMod works, the next step is setting up your admin list, covered in our TF2 admin guide.