---
title: "Team Fortress 2 Gamemodes"
description: "Configure server files for trade, jump, MGE, VSH, or DeathRun modes, including custom mapcycle edits and required game cvars."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/gamemodes/"
category: "Team Fortress 2"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/"
published: "2026-07-03T22:19:48.494Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T04:44:20.559Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# Team Fortress 2 Gamemodes

TF2's community has built dozens of custom game modes over the years. This guide covers the popular ones and how to set them up. Most build on SourceMod, so complete [SourceMod Plugins](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/sourcemod-plugins/) first, along with [Getting started with your Team Fortress 2 server](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/getting-started-with-your-team-fortress-2-server/) and [Maps and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/maps-and-fastdl/).

## 24/7 Single-Map Servers

The simplest "mode." Put one map in `tf/cfg/mapcycle.txt` and the server never rotates off it. Popular for 24/7 2Fort, Dustbowl, or Hightower servers.

```text title="tf/cfg/mapcycle.txt"
ctf_2fort
```

> [!TIP] Keep a 24/7 map from ever rotating out
> Set `mp_timelimit 0` so the map never ends, or leave a time limit and the same map just reloads.

## Trade Servers

Trade servers are social hubs where players hang out, show off cosmetics, and trade items. Setup:

1. Use a trade map like `trade_plaza_b3.bsp` (download per [Maps and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/maps-and-fastdl/)).

2. Install SourceMod plugins that enable a relaxed environment:

   - No fall damage (`mp_falldamage 0`, already in the baseline config)
   - Instant respawn plugin
   - Sometimes god mode in spawn or all-talk enabled

3. Set `sv_pure 0` so players can use custom cosmetics and skins.

Stripper:Source (from [SourceMod Plugins](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/sourcemod-plugins/)) is commonly used to tweak trade maps (add teleporters, remove kill triggers).

## Jump Servers

Jump servers host Soldier and Demoman rocket/sticky jump maps for practicing movement.

1. Use jump maps (`jump_` prefix, from GameBanana or the jump community).

2. Install jump-related SourceMod plugins for features like instant respawn, regen, save/restore position, and noclip practice.

3. Disable fall damage and enable infinite ammo via plugins.

The TF2 jump community maintains curated map packs and recommended plugin sets.

## MGE (My Gaming Edition)

MGE is a 1v1 dueling mode on mid-arena maps, widely used for competitive aim and movement practice.

1. Install the **MGE Mod** plugin pack (a SourceMod plugin set).
2. Use MGE maps (`mge_` prefix), the standard being `mge_training_v8_beta4b`.
3. The plugin handles the 1v1 matchmaking, spawns, and scoring automatically.

MGE is a must-have on competitive community servers.

## Versus Saxton Hale (VSH) and Freak Fortress

In VSH, one player becomes a giant boss (Saxton Hale) with massive health while everyone else tries to take them down.

1. Install the **Versus Saxton Hale** plugin (modern forks are actively maintained on AlliedMods).
2. **Freak Fortress 2** is the expanded version with many custom bosses; it has its own plugin pack and boss config files.
3. Both depend on **TF2Items** and **TF2Attributes** (see [SourceMod Plugins](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/sourcemod-plugins/)).
4. Use the mode's recommended `vsh_` or `ff2_` maps.

These modes have active communities and regularly updated plugin packs.

> [!IMPORTANT] Install steps drift between plugin releases
> Follow the specific mode's AlliedMods thread for current install steps, since boss configs and dependencies change.

## DeathRun

DeathRun is an asymmetric mode: one Activator triggers traps to kill a team of Runners navigating an obstacle course.

1. Install a DeathRun SourceMod plugin pack.
2. Use `dr_` prefix maps.
3. The plugin assigns the Activator role and manages trap permissions.

## Dodgeball

Airblast-only Pyro mode where players reflect homing rockets at each other.

1. Install a TF2 Dodgeball plugin (`tf2_dodgeball` variants).
2. Use `tfdb_` prefix maps.
3. The plugin spawns and manages the homing rockets.

## General Approach to Any Custom Mode

The pattern is consistent across modes:

1. Get the mode's SourceMod plugin pack from AlliedMods.

2. Download the matching maps (each mode has a map name prefix).

3. Install any required extensions (TF2Items, TF2Attributes, SteamWorks).

4. Add the maps to `mapcycle.txt` and set up fast downloads.

5. Read the mode's config files (in `tf/cfg/sourcemod/` or the plugin's own folder) to tune it.

## Common Issues

- **Mode plugin loads but does nothing**: Missing a required extension (TF2Items, TF2Attributes, SteamWorks). Check the plugin's thread for dependencies and the error log.
- **Maps for the mode will not download**: Fast download not set up. See [Maps and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/maps-and-fastdl/).
- **Boss/custom loadout modes crash**: Usually a TF2Items or TF2Attributes version mismatch with the current TF2 build. Update the extension.
- **Mode worked before a TF2 update, now broken**: Community plugins lag behind TF2 updates. Watch the mode's AlliedMods thread for a compatibility patch.

## What to Read Next

- [SourceMod Plugins](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/sourcemod-plugins/) for the extensions these modes depend on
- [Maps and Fast Downloads](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/maps-and-fastdl/) for delivering mode maps to players quickly
- [Getting started with your Team Fortress 2 server](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/getting-started-with-your-team-fortress-2-server/) for core server config and GSLT
- [Team Fortress 2 Admin Commands](/knowledge-base/team-fortress-2/admin-commands/) for the `mp_` convars behind each game mode

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