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How to install SourceMod plugins for Team Fortress 2 (TF2)

Install MetaMod and SourceMod into tf/addons, verify your active build, grant admin access via SteamID, and install starter plugins.

Updated August 07, 2026
Team Fortress 2

SourceMod is the de facto plugin platform for TF2. It powers admin menus, map votes, custom game modes, and thousands of community plugins. It runs on top of MetaMod:Source. This guide installs both and covers the essential plugins.

Complete Getting started with your Team Fortress 2 server first.

SourceMod and MetaMod

SourceMod needs MetaMod:Source underneath it. MetaMod hooks into the Source engine; SourceMod builds the plugin system on top.

Step 1: Enable in Startup

Set the Server Type (or MOD variable) in the Startup tab to sourcemod. Restart.

your managed Team Fortress 2 server downloads the latest MetaMod and SourceMod stable releases on boot and installs them into tf/addons/.

Step 2: Verify

After boot, run from the console:

meta version
sm version
text

Both should respond with their version strings. If you get Unknown command: sm version, SourceMod did not load. Check the console for an error during boot, and confirm the Server Type variable is set to sourcemod.

Step 3: Add Admins

Edit tf/addons/sourcemod/configs/admins_simple.ini:

// "STEAM_0:0:11101"   "99:z"
"STEAM_0:0:11101" "99:z"
tf/addons/sourcemod/configs/admins_simple.ini

The format is <SteamID> "<level>:<flags>". 99:z is full admin with all flags. See the SourceMod admin documentation for finer permission tuning (separate flags for kick, ban, map change, etc.).

Reload admins without restarting:

sm_reloadadmins
text

Step 4: Common SourceMod Commands

Connect in-game and use chat triggers (! shows the menu, / runs silently):

!admin                            Open the admin menu
!kick <player> <reason>           Kick
!ban <player> <minutes> <reason>  Ban
!slap <player> <damage>           Slap a player
!slay <player>                    Kill a player
!map <mapname>                    Change map
!nominate <mapname>               Nominate for next map vote
!rtv                              Rock the vote (player-initiated)
text

Installing Plugins

  1. Download the .smx (compiled) plugin from AlliedMods (forums.alliedmods.net).

  2. Upload it to tf/addons/sourcemod/plugins/.

  3. Reload from the console with sm plugins refresh, or restart.

Plugin configs only appear after the first load

Many plugins generate config files in tf/cfg/sourcemod/ on first load. Edit those after the first boot, then reload the plugin.

Some plugins ship as source (.sp) and must be compiled first, either with the AlliedMods web compiler or a local spcomp. Most popular plugins offer a precompiled .smx download.

Find these at forums.alliedmods.net.

MapChooser Extended

Adds map voting, nominations, and Rock the Vote (RTV). The standard map-rotation plugin for community servers.

  • Config: addons/sourcemod/configs/mapchooser_extended.cfg
  • Pairs with the map cycle covered in Maps and Fast Downloads

SteamWorks

A foundational extension that many other plugins depend on. Install it early, before plugins that require it.

TF2Items

Allows admins to give and modify custom weapons and items. Required by many other plugins (custom loadouts, VSH, Freak Fortress).

TF2Attributes

Applies custom weapon attributes for unique loadouts. Often paired with TF2Items.

Stripper:Source

Modifies maps at runtime without editing the .bsp: change spawn points, add or remove entities, adjust item placement. Heavily used for trade servers and custom modes.

Advertisements / FlashAnnouncer

Periodic server messages: rules, Discord link, donation appeals, rotating tips.

Auto-Updater (Updater)

Keeps SourceMod plugins that support it updated automatically.

Skinchooser

Lets players choose their player model. Popular on roleplay and freak servers.

Other Community Favorites

  • CustomVotes: Player-initiated votes for various actions
  • High Five: Lets players high-five each other (surprisingly popular)
  • Quickplay/Heal Tracker: Various quality-of-life stat trackers

A Sensible Starter Plugin Set

For a community casual server:

  1. SteamWorks (dependency)
  2. MapChooser Extended (map votes and RTV)
  3. Advertisements (server messages)
  4. Basic admin is already covered by SourceMod core

Leave the extension-heavy plugins out until you need them

Add TF2Items, TF2Attributes, and Stripper:Source only if you plan to run custom loadouts or modes.

Common Issues

  • Plugins not loading: Look at addons/sourcemod/logs/errors_*.log for compile or runtime errors. The log names the plugin and the failure.
  • "sm version" unknown after enabling SourceMod: The Server Type variable is not set to sourcemod, or MetaMod failed to load. Confirm both meta version and sm version respond.
  • Plugin requires an extension that is missing: Install the dependency (often SteamWorks, TF2Items, or TF2Attributes) before the plugin that needs it.
  • Admin commands do nothing: Your SteamID in admins_simple.ini is wrong or formatted incorrectly. Confirm the STEAM_0:X:XXXXX format and run sm_reloadadmins.

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