The complete guide · 5 min read
Sven Co-op Server Hosting Explained: A Complete Guide
This guide explains running a Sven Co-op server in 2026: what the game is, how many slots make sense, the config files that matter, admins, plugins, custom maps and updates. It is written for whoever in the group keeps the server going.
By Matthew Griffin, Owner, Gaming DeluxePublished · Updated
In this guide
What Sven Co-op Is
Sven Co-op is a co-operative shooter that started life around Valve's Half-Life and has been developed by its own team since 1999. Players work together against computer-controlled enemies and solve puzzles as a team. Levels are missions: many span several maps, some are grouped into a series, and the goal is to reach the end or complete an objective rather than chase a high score.
It is tougher than single player Half-Life on purpose, because a team should be able to carry each other. Players heal and revive one another with the medkit, share weapons and ammo, and fight alongside friendly NPCs. The arsenal goes beyond the original game too, with a sniper rifle, akimbo Uzis, an M16 and a minigun among the additions. Since January 2016 the whole thing has been free on Steam.
How Many Slots a Sven Co-op Server Needs
The dedicated server accepts between 2 and 32 players. The official manual adds a useful warning: most maps become overcrowded with more than 12. Co-op maps are built around rooms, corridors and puzzles, and twenty players in a lift shaft is chaos rather than fun.
| Plan | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Slots | A friends group | Plays the campaigns the way they were built |
| 12 Slots | Most servers | The manual's own crowding threshold |
| 20 Slots | A public with a map vote | Not everyone is online at once, and bigger maps cope |
| 32 Slots | Events and large open maps | The most the game allows |
Memory is not a factor. Every plan includes the same 5GB, far more than the server uses, so the price follows the slot count alone.
The Config Files That Matter
Almost everything about a Sven Co-op server lives in plain text files you can edit in the File Manager. The manual documents each one and its default name.
| File or setting | What it holds |
|---|---|
| server.cfg | The main server settings, including the server name and passwords |
| mapcycle.txt | The order maps play in |
| mapvote.cfg | The maps players can vote for; keep it under 200 |
| admins.txt | Steam IDs of admins and owners |
| motd.txt | The welcome message players see on joining |
| banned.cfg and listip.cfg | Banned Steam IDs and banned IP addresses |
| default_plugins.txt | The AngelScript plugins the server loads |
A few settings deserve care. Keep hostname short (the manual suggests 40 characters or fewer) and put it first in the config so the server never appears with the default name. Leave deathmatch at 1, which the manual calls essential for the intended play. Set sv_password only if you want a private server, and always set a strong rcon_password.
Admins, Owners and Cheat Commands
Admin status comes from admins.txt. Each line holds one Steam ID, with optional comments to remind you who it is. Put an asterisk in front of an ID to mark that player as an owner. Admins and owners get their own icons on the scoreboard; the built-in powers are modest, but plugins can check those ranks and offer more.
- kicksteamid removes a player by Steam ID, written in quotes.
- mp_nextmap_cycle sets the next map, which players see on the scoreboard after they respawn.
- sv_cheats 2 lets admins use cheat commands on a public server; with sv_cheats 1, cheats only work on internet servers capped at 3 players.
Custom Maps, Plugins and Fast Downloads
Custom content is where Sven Co-op servers find their identity. The manual links the community Sven Co-op map database for finding maps, and anything you add lives in the server's files like the stock content.
- Back up the server in the panel.
- Upload the map and all its resources (models, sounds, sprites) with the File Manager or SFTP.
- Add the map to mapcycle.txt and, if you use voting, to mapvote.cfg.
- Restart, join, and walk the map once before you open it to the public.
Players who do not have a custom map download it when they join. Large maps arrive much faster through sv_downloadurl, which points players at an HTTP copy of your content; the manual calls it essential for servers running non-standard maps. Plugins work the same way: upload the script, add it to the plugin list and restart.
Keeping the Server Updated
Sven Co-op releases are infrequent but substantial. 5.26 arrived in December 2024, three years after 5.25, and the release notes asked dedicated server owners to update with SteamCMD. In our panel that is the Steam Update button. Players on a new release cannot be expected to join a server on an old one, so update and restart on release day.
The team previewed 5.27 features in February 2025 without a release date. When it lands, take a backup first, update, then check that your custom maps and plugins still load before the evening crowd arrives.
What to Compare Before You Rent a Sven Co-op Server
These are the details that matter after the first week.
- Full file accessYou will edit configs, upload maps and add plugins. SFTP and a file manager are essential.
- Updates you controlCheck you can update the server yourself on release day, without waiting for the host.
- Slot counts that make senseThe game caps at 32 and most maps suit about 12. Do not pay for slots your maps cannot use.
- Locations you can testRun a ping test from where your group plays before you buy.
- BackupsMake sure you can restore a backup yourself after a map pack or plugin goes wrong.
- Billing termsCompare monthly and longer cycles, and check for setup fees and minimum terms.
Sven Co-op Server Glossary
- SvenDS
- The Sven Co-op dedicated server program.
- SteamCMD
- Valve's command-line tool that installs and updates the dedicated server.
- admins.txt
- The list of admin and owner Steam IDs.
- AngelScript
- The scripting language used for Sven Co-op server plugins.
- mapvote.cfg
- The list of maps players can vote for.
- sv_downloadurl
- The HTTP address players download custom content from.
- Survival mode
- A mode built around checkpoints that bring fallen players back; since 5.26 a checkpoint can only be used when someone is dead.
- rcon
- Remote console access to the server, protected by rcon_password.
- Slots
- How many players can be on the server at once.
Sven Co-op Server Help and Next Steps
Useful pages for setting up and running your server.
- Sven Co-op manual: running a serverInstallation, ports and the basics, from the developers.
- Sven Co-op manual: configuration guideEvery server setting explained.
- Sven Co-op manual: advanced topicsAdmins, cheat rules and HTTP downloads.
- Gaming Deluxe control panelWhat the panel does and how to log in.
- Our server locations
- Contact support24/7 help with configs, maps and plugins.
How this guide was made: researched from the official Sven Co-op manual, the Steam store and the team's release notes, drafted with AI assistance, checked against our live order form for every plan, price and location, and reviewed by Matthew Griffin before publishing. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Sources, checked 22 October 2026:
- Sven Co-op on Steam (free, Windows and Linux, release 22 January 2016)
- Sven Co-op manual: Running a server (basic installation)
- Sven Co-op manual: Running a server (configuration guide)
- Sven Co-op manual: Running a server (advanced topics)
- Sven Co-op manual: Feature summary
- Sven Co-op Update Released [Build 16648734 / Release 5.26], Steam announcement
- Quick 5.27 Progress Update, Steam announcement
- Gaming Deluxe order form, Sven Coop Dedicated Server