Half-Life Console Commands and Variables

Category: server

Use these console commands and variables to customize Half-Life, TFC, Opposing Force, or most HL Mods, troubleshoot problems with video or sound hardware, optimize performance, or make your own scripts. If you don't know how to use these console commands and variables, please see the Console Tutorial. Many of these variables are boolean, which means that they can be either 1 (on) or 0 (off) and no other values are allowed. In the descriptions for boolean variables, I use "enables" or "disables" to indicate what happens when that variable is set on (1). The opposite is always true (if 1 enables the feature, 0 disables it, and vice-versa). Variables that can accept any number as a value have descriptions that begin with "sets the . . . " 

Be sure to check out the other categories, especially the tweaks!. The flags listed at the end of the descriptions of some variables have the following meanings: 

  • a - attribute variable, changes to these variables will be automatically saved to Half-Life/valve/config.cfg (or Half-Life/tfc/config.cfg for TFC). Variables without this flag will return to the default value listed unless set by Half-Life/valve/autoexec.cfg (or Half-Life/tfc/autoexec.cfg for TFC).
  • i - info variable, the values of these variables are displayed in response to the info command. 
  • sv - server info variable, the values of these variables are displayed in response to the serverinfo command. 
  • tfc - team fortress classic variables, these variables apply to TFC mode only (hl.exe -game tfc). 
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Command
or
Variable
Name
Arguments
or
Default
Description
+ip <xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx> ?
+showscores   show pings and scores for all players on the server
addip <min> <ipaddr> adds an ip the server filterban list (0 minutes = permanent)
allowupload   toggle allowing upload of local copies of decals or models to server
banid <min> <uid> [kick] ban player with id for minutes (0=permanent ban). Add 'kick' after user number to also kick the player off the server. See users, kick, writeid, removeid
bgetmod   request batch mod status
bgetsv   request batch server list
changelevel <map> load the map specified without disconnecting clients from the server
changelevel2 <map> load the map specified and continue the current game without disconnecting clients from the server
clearlist   clear the server list
clientport 27005 set defail client port (TCP/IP) for connecting to a server (may specify other port with "connect ip:port")
cl_allowdownload 1 enable download of maps, models, and decals on joining a server
cl_allowupload 1 enable upload of maps, models, and decals on joining a server
cl_allow_download   toggle allowing download of maps, models, and decals on joining a server
cl_allow_upload   toggle upload of maps, models, and decals on joining a server
cl_backspeed 400 set the player backup speed on a server, up to server max [Flags: a]
cl_downloadinterval 1 set the minimum time between downloads from the server in a multiplayer game
cl_download_max 0 set the maximum number of files to download from a server
cl_forwardspeed 400 set the player maximum forward speed. may not exceed server max [Flags: a]
cl_messages   displays server messages
cl_sidespeed 400 set the manimum player strafing speed (may not exceed server manimum)
cl_spectator_password 0 set the password for spectator access to a server
cl_upload_max 0 set the max number of files a client can upload to a server
cl_upspeed 320 set the player climbing up speed (up to server max)
cl_yawspeed 210 set turning speed (with keyoard, up to server max)
cmd <cmd> [arguments] formal way for a client to issue a command to the server -- when using the console, the 'cmd' part may be omitted.
connect <ip> : [port] connect to a miltiplayer server with ip address and optional 
cr_demoman 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_engineer 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_hwguy 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_medic 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_pyro 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_random 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_scout 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_sniper 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_soldier 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
cr_spy 0 set a TFC class restriction to limit the number of players of the class in the name. 0=unlimited, -1=none of that class allowed [Flags: sv tfc]
deathmatch 0 enable deathmatch mode [Flags: sv]
decalfrequency 30 set how frequently clients can spray paint their logo [Flags: sv]
default_fov 90 set the default Field-Of-View, smaller numbers zoom in, larger numbers zoom out (fish-eye style).
disconnect   disconnect from a server or local game
download   start downloading files from server (if cl_download_ingame is 1)
dropclient   drop client from server (disconnect)
edgefriction 2 set friction between players and walls or objects [Flags: sv]
exit   quit game or server to windows without confirmation
filterban 1 enable ip banning
fullinfo <complete info string> enable verbose user information display
fullserverinfo   enable verbose server information display
getsv   for each server in the serverlist, list ip address and the total number of players connected
heartbeat   send a heartbeat signal to the master server (set setmaster)
hostname <name> set server hostname (the name that will appear in server browser lists, if setmaster is set)
hostport 0 set host connection port
host_framerate 0 set the speed that host and server interact with the game. 
host_killtime 0 set time delay before killing the host -- time-delayed shutdown
info <userid> list info on user (users lists userids)
ip 0 echo server ip
ipx_hostport 0 set host port for IPX LAN game
ip_hostport 0 set host port for TCP/IP LAN game
kick <name or userid or uniqueid> kick player from a server (server console or rcon only), Use the 'users' command to get a list of userid's and uniqueid's. See kick, banid, writeid, removeid.
killserver   shut down the server (server op only)
listid   list id numbers
listip   list ip addresses in the filter ban list
localinfo   show local info settings
log   enable/disable logging (put 'log on' in autoexex.cfg, NOT server.cfg)
logaddress <ip> <port> set address for logfile (to log to a remote machine)
lservercfgfile 0 set listen server config file (default is listenserver.cfg)
map <mapname>  change to map half-life\tfc\mapname.bsp (.bsp not required) -- will disconnect any clients on the server, see changelevel and changelevel2 to change maps without disconnecting clients
mapcyclefile 0 specifies the name of the list of maps to cycle through on a server, default is mapcycle.txt
maps <substring> list maps containing substring, * lists all
maxplayers   set maximum number of clients allowed to connect to the server
messagemode   prompt for a chat message to send to all clients connected to the server
motd   display the message of the day (motd.txt) for the current server
motd_display_time 15 set the time (in seconds) that the message of the day (in motd.txt) stays on clients' screens when they join the server.
mp_allowmonsters 0 enable monsters in multiplayer mode (bots) [Flags: sv]
mp_autocrosshair 0 enable aiming assistance for clients [Flags: sv]
mp_decals 2000 set max number of decals to display in multiplayer (set lower for perfomance boost, but blast marks and logos will disappear sooner) [Flags: a]
mp_falldamage 0 enable realistic falling damage [Flags: sv]
mp_flashlight 1 enable flashlights for clients [Flags: sv]
mp_footsteps 1 enable footstep sounds [Flags: sv]
mp_forcerespawn 0 enable automatic forced respawns for players [Flags: sv]
mp_fraglimit 0 set the number of frags (by any single player) between map changes, see timelimit [Flags: sv]
mp_friendlyfire 0 enable friendly fire in teamplay mode (mp_teamplay) [Flags: sv]
mp_logecho 1 enable logging of echo commands [Flags: sv]
mp_logfile 1 enable logging during multiplayer [Flags: sv]
mp_teamlist 0 ? [Flags: sv]
mp_teamplay 0 set teamplay mode flags -- use the sum of the numbers by the options you want enabled: 1=teamplay on (always set this for teamplay mode), 2=half-damage friendly-fire, 4=no damage friendly-fire, 8=half-damage friendly explosive, 16=no friendly explosive damage, 128=half-damage armor friendly-fire, 256=no damage to armor from friendly-fire, 512=half-damage armor friendly explosive, 1024=no damage to armor from friendly explosive [Flags: sv]
mp_timelimit 0 set the time (in minutes) between map changes, see fraglimit [Flags: sv]
mp_weaponstay 0 enable permanent weapons [Flags: sv]
password 0 set private server password (0 = public server, anyone can join) [Flags: i]
path   display current search path for game files
pausable 1 enable whether or not clients can pause server game [Flags: sv]
ping   display name and ping of all clients connected to the server
pingsv <ip> : [port] ping server at IP:PORT address
rcon <password> "commands" remote console operation of a server. "commands" can be any console commands or variable settings. is required if the server password variable is set to anything except 0, unless client password variable is set to the same value
rcon_address 0 set remote console ip address
rcon_password 0 set password for remote console operation
rcon_port 0 set remote console port
reconnect   reconnect to the current server
reload   reload current map
removeid <userid or uniqueid> Un-ban a user (remove the id from the ban list). See users, kick, banid, writeid, removeid
removeip   remove ip from filterban list
restart   restarts the current multiplayer map (remove decals, blood, bulletholes, scores, etc.)
retry   try reconnecting to the last server four more times (after four failed attempts)
scr_centertime 2 set how long server messages remain on screen
servercfgfile 0 set server .cfg file (default is server.cfg)
serverinfo   display server information (variables flagged sv)
serverprofile 0 server profile string
setinfo   display model name, color settings, name, rate, and model crc
setmaster <ip or hostname> set the master server (server list manager) for the server, see heartbeat
status   for each client list: user#, frags, name, frame rate, frame latency, ping, drop %
stuffcmds   used to initialize client console commands from server
svaddchannel   GONE: add or list server chat rooms
svclearchannels   GONE: clear server chat rooms
svremovechannel <#chan> GONE: remove server chat room #
sv_accelerate 10 set player acceleration [Flags: sv]
sv_aim 0 enable aiming assistance for clients [Flags: a sv]
sv_airaccelerate 10 set in-air acceleration for a server (higher makes it easier to move while flying through the air or jumping, Mario Brothers - style) [Flags: sv]
sv_airmove 1 enable clients ability to move in air [Flags: sv]
sv_allowdownload 1 enable allowing clients to download maps and decals [Flags: sv]
sv_allowupload 1 enable allowing clients to upload maps and decals [Flags: sv]
sv_allow_download   toggle allowing clients to download maps and decals
sv_allow_upload   toggle allowing clients to upload maps and decals
sv_bounce 1 enable bounce pads [Flags: sv]
sv_challengetime 15 set time to allow clients to complete connection
sv_cheats 1 enable cheats [Flags: sv]
sv_clienttrace 1 set client bounding box size (for collisions, not clipping) [Flags: sv]
sv_clipmode 0 set client clipping mode [Flags: sv]
sv_friction 4 set friction [Flags: sv]
sv_gravity 800 set gravity (lower is less gravity, higher jumps) [Flags: sv]
sv_idealpitchscale 0.800 set pitch reference
sv_lan 0 enable LAN server mode
sv_language 0 set language
sv_logrelay 0 ?
sv_maxrate 0 set the max rate value for clients (0 = no limit) -- you can set this to any value (3000 for normal 33.6 modem-using clients) to keep any one client from taking too much bandwidth and lagging the server [Flags: sv]
sv_maxspectators 8 set max number of spectators [Flags: sv]
sv_maxspeed 270 set max player speed (for ALL clients) [Flags: sv]
sv_maxvelocity 2000 set max object velocity
sv_minrate 0 set the minimum rate value for clients (0 = no limit) [Flags: sv]
sv_netsize 0 set max network packet size ( 0 = auto )
sv_newunit 0 ?
sv_password 0 set server password [Flags: sv]
sv_print_custom   ?
sv_sendvelocity 1 new - ?
sv_showcmd 0 ?
sv_skyname 0 set sky texture
sv_smartdelta 1 enable intelligent delta compression scheme
sv_spectalk 1 enable allowing spectator clients to chat [Flags: sv]
sv_spectatormaxspeed 500 set spectator max movement speed [Flags: sv]
sv_spectator_password 0 set spectator password
sv_stepsize 18 set monster and player automatic step-up size (larger values allow auto-climbing of steeper slopes) [Flags: sv]
sv_stopspeed 100 set the speed at which the server considers a player as beginning to stop (used for prediction) [Flags: sv]
sv_timeout 65 set timeout inactivity limit [Flags: sv]
sv_type   enable server CPU and OS type to be given out on server queries
sv_upload_maxsize 0 set upload file max size [Flags: sv]
sv_wateraccelerate 10 set in-water acceleration [Flags: sv]
sv_wateramp 0 enable amplified (higher) waves in water; clients can set with gl_wateramp
sv_waterfriction 1 set friction underwater [Flags: sv]
sv_zmax 4096 set max zbuffer size
team 0 enable team mode, see teamX_color and teamX_model [Flags: a i]
team1_color 0 set team1 color, see team
team1_model 0 set team1 model, see team
team1_name 0 set team1 name, see team
team1_skin 0 set team1 skin, see team
team2_color 0 set team2 color, see team
team2_model 0 set team2 model, see team
team2_name 0 set team2 name, see team
team2_skin 0 set team2 skin, see team
tfc_adminpwd 0 set TFC administrator password ** not functional ** [Flags: sv tfc]
tfc_autokick_time 180 set timeout inactivity limit [Flags: tfc]
tfc_autoteam 0 enable forced auto-team selection [Flags: sv tfc]
tfc_balance_scores 1 enable automatic team balancing by score [Flags: sv tfc]
tfc_balance_teams 1 enable automatic team balancing by number of players [Flags: sv tfc]
tfc_birthday 0 enable 'birthday' mode (explosives appear as presents) [Flags: tfc]
tfc_clanbattle 0 enable TFC clan battle (tournament) mode [Flags: sv tfc]
tfc_clanbattle_ceasefire 0 enable ceasefire mode if tfc_clanbattle = 1 [Flags: tfc]
tfc_clanbattle_locked 0 enable locked (play) mode if tfc_clanbattle = 1 [Flags: sv tfc]
tfc_clanbattle_prematch 0 enable prematch (practice) mode if tfc_clanbattle = 1 [Flags: tfc]
tfc_fragscoring 0 enable inclusion of frags (and not just captures or area control) in team scores [Flags: tfc]
tfc_respawndelay 0 set respawn delay for TFC games [Flags: sv tfc]
tfc_spam_limit 20 set number of messsages per time (minute?) that will cause spam penalty [Flags: tfc]
tfc_spam_penalty1 8 set spam penalty level 1 [Flags: tfc]
tfc_spam_penalty2 2 set spam penalty level 2 [Flags: tfc]
upload   upload files to server
uprate 9999 set transfer rate from client to server (how many bytes per second your computer will try to send to the server). Lower may improve lag (to a point -- too low can be worse than too high)
user <name|id#> list for specified user: model colors, name, rate, model crc
users   lists user names, userid's, and uniqueid's for all clients connected to the server. Use to find number for kicking/banning problem players. Userid's are assigned serially as users join the server, but uniqueid's are unique numbers assigned to a single user -- use the uniqueid to permanently ban players. See kick, banid, writeid, removeid
writeid   write a list of permanently banned id #'s to .\banned.cfg. See users, kick, banid, writeid, removeid
writeip   write ip addresses to halflife\valve\listip.cfg
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