How to Host a Killing Floor 2 Server (2026 Guide)

To host a Killing Floor 2 server, download the free dedicated server (SteamCMD app 232130), start it once so it writes its config files, then set your name, passwords and map cycle in PCServer-KFGame.ini (or LinuxServer-KFGame.ini). Open UDP 7777, 27015 and 20560, plus TCP 8080 if you want WebAdmin. Workshop maps go in PCServer-KFEngine.ini. Survival holds 6 players, Versus 12.

What do you need to run a KF2 dedicated server?

Killing Floor 2 runs on Unreal Engine 3, and its server is modest by modern standards. The server does not need a copy of the game, and it runs on Windows or Linux.

Add roughly 20 GB of disk for the server files and the Workshop cache. Upload speed matters more than CPU for a home host: every player needs a steady connection to the server.

How do I install the Killing Floor 2 server with SteamCMD?

1. Download SteamCMD and unzip it to a folder such as C:\steamcmd.
2. Run it and install the server anonymously:

login anonymous
force_install_dir C:\kf2server
app_update 232130 validate
quit

3. Start the server once so it creates its config files, then close it:

C:\kf2server\Binaries\Win64\KFServer.exe kf-bioticslab

On Linux the binary is Binaries/Win64/KFGameSteamServer.bin.x86_64 in the same install. After the first run you will find the config files in KFGame/Config/. On Windows they are prefixed PCServer-, on Linux LinuxServer-. Run the same app_update 232130 line after every game patch, because players on a newer build cannot join an older server.

Which config files does a KF2 server use?

Three files do almost all the work:

Always edit them with the server stopped. The server rewrites the files on shutdown, so changes made while it runs can be lost.

How do I set the server name, passwords and difficulty?

Open PCServer-KFGame.ini and find these sections. Set passwords in the file rather than on the launch line, so they are not visible in your process list.

[Engine.GameReplicationInfo]
ServerName=Friday Night Zeds

[Engine.AccessControl]
AdminPassword=change-me-admin
GamePassword=crew-only

[KFGame.KFGameInfo]
GameLength=1
Difficulty=2
GameMapCycles=(Maps=("KF-BioticsLab","KF-Outpost","KF-BurningParis","KF-Prison"))

The values that trip people up:

Map names on the launch line should be lowercase (kf-bioticslab). In GameMapCycles they keep their normal capitals.

Leave bUsedForTakeover=TRUE in PCServer-KFEngine.ini if you want matchmaking to be able to borrow your server when it is empty. Set it to FALSE for a private crew server so strangers are never dropped onto it.

How do I turn on WebAdmin?

WebAdmin is KF2's built in browser panel for changing maps, managing players and editing settings. Open KFGame/Config/KFWeb.ini:

[IpDrv.WebServer]
bEnabled=true
ListenPort=8080

Restart the server, open http://your-server-ip:8080 in a browser, and log in as admin with your AdminPassword. Open TCP 8080 on your firewall only if you need to reach it from outside your network, and use a strong admin password if you do.

One limit to know: since the November 2020 update, WebAdmin can list and remove kicks and bans but no longer add permanent ones. Permanent bans go in BannedIDs under [Engine.AccessControl], followed by a restart.

How do I add Workshop maps to a Killing Floor 2 server?

The server downloads Workshop items itself at boot. Players get the maps automatically when they join.

1. Find the item ID in the Workshop page URL, the number after ?id=.
2. Open PCServer-KFEngine.ini and add a new section with one line per item:

[OnlineSubsystemSteamworks.KFWorkshopSteamworks]
ServerSubscribedWorkshopItems=644068210
ServerSubscribedWorkshopItems=1234567890

3. In the same file, under [IpDrv.TcpNetDriver], add:

DownloadManagers=OnlineSubsystemSteamworks.SteamWorkshopDownload

4. Add each map's name (for example KF-SomeCustomMap) to GameMapCycles in PCServer-KFGame.ini.
5. Start the server and watch the log for the downloads.

A Workshop map that is subscribed but not in the map cycle never shows up in votes, which is the most common reason people think Workshop support is broken. Mutators such as Controlled Difficulty are added the same way, then loaded with ?Mutator= on the launch line. Check each mod's Workshop page first: some custom modes switch off perk XP. The Steam guide Dedicated Server + Workshop walks through the same steps with screenshots.

What ports does a Killing Floor 2 server use?

Forward these to the machine running the server and allow them through its firewall. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side. Running two servers on one machine means changing the ports for the second with -Port=, -QueryPort= and -WebAdminPort= on its launch line.

How do players join a KF2 dedicated server?

• Server browser: in KF2, open Server Browser, filter by name, and join. Password protected servers prompt for the game password.
• By IP: enable the console in the game options, press ~ and type open 203.0.113.10:7777. Add ?password=crew-only to the end if the server has one.
• Steam favorites: in Steam, open View > Game Servers > Favorites and add the address.

Steam and Epic Games Store copies can play together on unmodded servers. There is no console crossplay.

FAQ

How many players can join a Killing Floor 2 server?

Six in Survival, which is the game's limit, and twelve in Versus. More players than that needs mods that every player runs.

Is the Killing Floor 2 dedicated server free?

Yes. The server is a free download through SteamCMD with app ID 232130, and it does not need a copy of the game. Every player still needs their own copy.

Why don't my Workshop maps appear on the server?

They need to be in both ServerSubscribedWorkshopItems and your GameMapCycles, with the DownloadManagers line set. Restart the server after editing.

Do players earn perk XP on a modded KF2 server?

It depends on the mod. Many maps and mutators keep XP, but some custom game modes turn it off, so check each Workshop page before adding it.

Can I still host Killing Floor 2 now that Killing Floor 3 is out?

Yes. KF2 servers still work, the Workshop is still active, and plenty of groups prefer KF2's perks and maps.

The easy option: host it with us

Running KF2 at home means keeping a PC on, forwarding four ports and updating the server after every patch. If you would rather skip that, our Killing Floor 2 hosting starts at 7.99 USD a month for 3 GB, with 4 GB and 6 GB plans for Workshop rotations and heavy mutators. The panel sets difficulty, server name, admin password and WebAdmin, and you get full file access and SFTP for the config files. New customers get 50% off the first month, your squad can split the bill so each player pays their own share, and there is no contract. Not sure which size fits? See choosing a plan.