Sven Co-op server hosting for co-op nights
Fight through co-op maps together on a server that stays online. The free Sven Co-op dedicated server runs custom maps, AngelScript plugins and map votes for up to 32 players on Windows or Linux.
- Free dedicated server for Windows and Linux
- Up to 32 players, 12 by default
- Custom maps with fast HTTP downloads
- AngelScript plugins, Metamod and AMX Mod X
- PlayersSet with +maxplayers. The manual notes that most maps get crowded above 12 players.
- 12 by default, 2–32
- Ports27015/UDP carries the game, content transfers and RCON; 26900/UDP is used for VAC.
- 27015 UDP · 26900 UDP
- Server
- SteamCMD app 276060, anonymous
- Version
- 5.26 (December 2024)
- Config
- server.cfg · mapcycle.txt
- Plugins
- AngelScript · Metamod · AMX Mod X
Options
- Custom maps
- HTTP downloads
- AngelScript
- Metamod
- AMX Mod X
- Map voting
Game facts from the official Sven Co-op manual and wiki and the Valve Developer Community, checked in October 2026.
- DDoS protection
- 20 game server locations
Sven Co-op plans are being prepared
Tell us your slot count and the map packs you run, and our team will reply with the options. Or open a ticket and we will let you know when the plans are online.
How big should a Sven Co-op server be?
Sven Co-op runs on the GoldSrc engine and is light; slots, scripts and custom map packs decide the load.
Find your size
| Feature |
Small
Up to 8 slots
|
Recommended Standard
Up to 12 slots
|
Full
Up to 32 slots
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players, monsters and scripts. | 1 GB | 1–2 GB | 2–3 GB |
| CPU coresThe server simulates every tick on its main thread, so fast cores matter most. | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Disk spaceThe game takes about 5 GB; custom map packs in svencoop_addon need extra room. | 10 GB | 15 GB | 20 GB |
| Players per mapThe manual notes that most maps become crowded above 12 players; large maps suit full servers. | Any map | Most maps | Large maps |
| Typical use | Friends playing a campaign | A regular co-op evening | A public server with map packs |
-
Small
Up to 8 slots
- Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players, monsters and scripts.
- 1 GB
- CPU coresThe server simulates every tick on its main thread, so fast cores matter most.
- 1
- Disk spaceThe game takes about 5 GB; custom map packs in svencoop_addon need extra room.
- 10 GB
- Players per mapThe manual notes that most maps become crowded above 12 players; large maps suit full servers.
- Any map
- Typical use
- Friends playing a campaign
-
Recommended
Standard
Up to 12 slots
- Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players, monsters and scripts.
- 1–2 GB
- CPU coresThe server simulates every tick on its main thread, so fast cores matter most.
- 2
- Disk spaceThe game takes about 5 GB; custom map packs in svencoop_addon need extra room.
- 15 GB
- Players per mapThe manual notes that most maps become crowded above 12 players; large maps suit full servers.
- Most maps
- Typical use
- A regular co-op evening
-
Full
Up to 32 slots
- Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players, monsters and scripts.
- 2–3 GB
- CPU coresThe server simulates every tick on its main thread, so fast cores matter most.
- 2
- Disk spaceThe game takes about 5 GB; custom map packs in svencoop_addon need extra room.
- 20 GB
- Players per mapThe manual notes that most maps become crowded above 12 players; large maps suit full servers.
- Large maps
- Typical use
- A public server with map packs
Sven Co-op publishes no server hardware figures; its wiki only notes that a dedicated server needs no graphics card. These are starting points.
Maps, plugins and admin
What you configure on a Sven Co-op server, from the first map to the admin list.
Custom maps
Put custom maps and resources into svencoop_addon, not into svencoop, so updates do not overwrite them.
HTTP downloads
Set sv_downloadurl so players fetch missing maps from a web server; the wiki calls this essential for custom maps. HTTPS is not supported.
AngelScript plugins
List server plugins in default_plugins.txt. Metamod and AMX Mod X are also referenced in the official docs.
Admins
admins.txt lists admin Steam IDs; a leading * marks an owner. Admins can use cheat commands and kicksteamid.
Map voting
Players vote on the next map from mapvote.cfg; the docs warn that more than 200 maps can stop players from joining.
server.cfg
Load it with +servercfgfile server.cfg and keep hostname, passwords, time limits and votes in it.
Set up your Sven Co-op server
Four steps to the first co-op map.
-
Pick slots and maps
Choose the slot count with the table above and decide which map packs you will run.
-
Pick a location
Choose the one closest to your players from our 20 game server locations; ping matters in a shooter.
-
Set the config and a start map
Start with +servercfgfile server.cfg and a +map such as _server_start; without a start map the server cannot be joined.
-
Invite your players
Players find the server in the server browser or connect from the console with the address.
Other game servers you might like
Half-Life 2: Deathmatch
Gravity Gun deathmatch with up to 100 slots and SourceMod.
Black Mesa
Half-Life deathmatch reborn on the free official server.
Left 4 Dead 2
Co-op campaigns and 4v4 Versus with custom VPKs and SourceMod.
Counter-Strike 1.6
Classic CS on Valve’s HLDS with AMX Mod X and 32 slots.
Garry’s Mod
Sandbox, TTT, DarkRP or Prop Hunt with Workshop content.
Frequently asked questions
How many players can join a Sven Co-op server?
Between 2 and 32, set with +maxplayers; the default is 12. The manual notes that most maps become overcrowded with more than 12 players.
Which ports does the server use?
UDP 27015 for the game, content transfers and RCON, and UDP 26900 for VAC, which moves up automatically if taken. TCP 27015 for RCON is legacy and no longer needed.
How is the server installed?
With SteamCMD as app 276060 and an anonymous login; no Steam account is needed. Windows runs SvenDS.exe and Linux runs svends_run; the Linux server supports Debian and its derivatives.
Why can nobody join my new server?
Start it with a map, for example +map _server_start. Without a start map the server stays in a state that nobody can connect to.
Where do I put my server settings?
In server.cfg, loaded with +servercfgfile server.cfg. Keep hostname under about 40 characters and set sv_password, rcon_password, mp_timelimit and the vote settings there. Do not change deathmatch.
How do I add custom maps?
Copy them into svencoop_addon and set sv_downloadurl to a web server that holds the same files. Players need the same content and download it from the server or over HTTP.
How do I make someone an admin?
Add their Steam ID to admins.txt; put a * in front to make them an owner. The built-in admin rights cover cheat commands, and kicksteamid removes a player by Steam ID.
Can I add plugins?
Yes. AngelScript plugins are listed in default_plugins.txt. The official docs also cover Metamod with plugins.ini and AMX Mod X.
How do bans work?
Banned Steam IDs go into banned.cfg and banned addresses into listip.cfg, both loaded with exec. Vote bans are off by default.
Which version is current?
Version 5.26 from December 2024, and the team has posted progress on 5.27. Sven Co-op is free on Steam.
Ready for a night of co-op?
Tell us your slot count and map packs, and we will help you pick the right Sven Co-op server.