Dota 2 Dedicated Server

1. Download the updated dedicated server files. Extract it somewhere.



2. Run Server Launcher.exe inside the dedicated server files folder. On its first run, it will ask for the locations of your Dota 2 directory and the dedicated server folder directory. Supply them with the correct locations.




4. Configure the server as you wish, and then click Launch Server.



5. On startup, the launcher will be minimized to the tray. If you want to re-configure the server, just click on tray and select "Show Main Window".



6. Happy starting the server!

NOTE: This method of making a dedicated server does not require you to make another copy of your game directory.
When the dedicated server starts, you might notice that your autoexec.cfg disappears. Dont worry, it will be restored after 8 seconds (this is required to avoid crashing the server).

From the same machine as your server:
-Open Dota 2 and type this into the in-game console: connect localhost.


Over the network:
-Open Dota 2 and type this into the in-game console: connect [your server's IP address].


Joining a team:
-when you have successfully connected, type this into the in-game console:
jointeam good = join Radiant
jointeam bad = join Dire
jointeam spec = join as spectator

I can't join my server
-Is your server actually running? Make sure the console window for your server is open.
-It might be that there has been a Dota 2 update, and you have updated your client but not your server. A lot of the time, clients will be able to join outdated servers, but there is a chance that they may not. Try updating your server files.


Others can't join my server
-Is your server actually running? Make sure the console window for your server is open.
-If you want to make your server joinable over the network, you need to forward your chosen port. Make sure that nothing (firewalls, etc) is blocking your server.
-It might be that there has been a Dota 2 update, and you have updated your client but not your server. A lot of the time, clients will be able to join outdated servers, but there is a chance that they may not. Try updating your server files.


My server has stopped working after I updated it
-It may be that some files got ovewritten when you copied across your newer Dota files.
-Double check that gameinfo.txt in your Server directory (located at %Server dir%\dota) is set correctly (check this against the fresh download).
-Double check that the file, %server dir%\dota\cfg\autoexec.cfg, and any other config files do not contain bind. bind will crash your server. NOTE/EDIT: Using my method of hosting, you dont need to worry about your autoexec.cfg.
-On the other hand, it might be that the update broke the server files. You might have to wait for it to be fixed and then install the latest update. This is unlikely, but ask me to find out if this is the case.


My server was working but now crashes
-Make sure that you haven't changed anything that may cause it to crash. Check your dedicated server files in your Server directory against the fresh download.
-Make sure that the file, %server dir%\dota\cfg\autoexec.cfg, and any other config files do not contain bind. bind will crash your server.


scrds.exe shows a message saying "GC wants <number>, we are <number>!"
- It means that your dedicated server (the game, specifically) is not updated to the latest version. Update the game to the latest patch.
EDIT: Actually, there is no problem when the server displays this message; it's just a reminder for you to update the game files.


I have the 6v5 players error, please help!
- Make sure that Steam is not running when you run the dedicated server.
- Or, make sure that Steam does not use the same Steam account when Steam is running (this causes authentication errors)


I have the "No Steam logon" problem, please help!
- Go online once in a while. IIRC, Steam checks for logins every now and then to make sure that its games are fully updated. If you havent logged online for a very long time, make sure you do so.

Wait until all players have connected to the game
- The FIRST FOUR PLAYERS should join the Radiant side.
- Then, OTHER FOUR PLAYERS should join the Dire side.
- Then, one player should join the Radiant to complete the group.
- Then, the last player joins the Dire.
- ???
- PROFIT!

NOTE: I am not the developer of this software. All credits go to:- Valve, for making the Alien Swarm dedicated server (it is srcds.exe in the server files)
- psychonic (for making d2fixups.dll)
- M28, Tetl, ramennoodles (for helping a lot in the development of this software, for the FAQ part of this tutorial, and for helping me out on the IRC)
- AlliedModders.net forumers (of which Im also a member) who have all helped in making metamod.source
- Z.Fred and Cylindrical, for thinking out of the box and giving the idea of using only one directory for both the normal game and the server (you guys are geniuses!)
- sile, for figuring out the way on how to enable Captain's Mode on the dedicated server