Skip to content

Team Fortress 2 Gamemodes

Updated July 03, 2026
Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2: Game Mode Servers | GameServerKings KB

Team Fortress 2: Game Mode Servers

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 first, along with Getting Started and Maps and Fast Downloads.

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.

Code
ctf_2fort

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).
  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) 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).
  4. Use the mode's recommended vsh_ or ff2_ maps.

These modes have active communities and regularly updated plugin packs. 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.
  • 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.
Made with 💜 by GameServerKings