How to Make a Killing Floor 2 Server
A complete walkthrough for running your own Killing Floor 2 dedicated server — install it with SteamCMD, open the ports, use the built-in WebAdmin panel and survive the waves 24/7. Plus the one-click hosted route if you'd rather skip the setup.
Killing Floor 2 ships a free dedicated server (Steam app 232130) on Unreal Engine, native on Linux via anonymous SteamCMD. It has a built-in WebAdmin panel (port 8080) and uses several ports (7777 game, 27015 master, 20560 Steam). You can self-host it or use a managed host with a panel.
This guide covers the self-hosted SteamCMD route step by step.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine to run the server, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to download the free server (app 232130).
- Open ports: UDP 7777, 27015, 20560 + TCP 8080.
- The WebAdmin enabled for browser management.
- A modern CPU and 4-6 GB of RAM.
Set up a Killing Floor 2 dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The server is free, but self-hosting needs a machine on 24/7 and several ports forwarded. A managed host gives you an always-online server in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install with SteamCMD
The KF2 dedicated server is Steam app 232130 — a free, anonymous download.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./kf2 +app_update 232130 validate +quit
Run once to generate configs
Start the server once so it creates the config files under KFGame/Config, then stop it to edit. KF2 uses PCServer-KFGame.ini and KFWeb.ini among others.
./Binaries/Win64/KFGameSteamServer.bin.x86_64 KF-BioticsLab
Enable & use the WebAdmin
Enable the WebAdmin in the config, then open it in a browser on port 8080 to manage maps, difficulty, length, players and bans — no in-game access needed.
# KFWeb.ini → bEnabled=true, then browse http://server-ip:8080
Open the ports
Forward UDP 7777 (game), UDP 27015 (master), UDP 20560 (Steam) and TCP 8080 (WebAdmin). On a managed host these are opened for you.
7777/udp game 27015/udp master 20560/udp Steam 8080/tcp WebAdmin
Launch with a map & settings
Start the server with a map, game mode (Survival, Weekly, Endless, Versus) and difficulty. Set max players (up to 6 co-op / 12 versus) in the config.
Run a solid waves server
The WebAdmin is your friend
KF2's built-in WebAdmin (port 8080) lets you manage maps, difficulty, length and players from a browser — the easiest way to run the server.
Unreal wants a decent core
A modern high-clock CPU keeps a full 6-player wave smooth. Give it 4-6 GB of RAM and a fast core.
Don't miss the extra ports
KF2 needs several ports (7777, 27015, 20560, 8080). Miss one — especially the master/Steam ports — and the server won't list.
Protect a public server
Public KF2 servers get attacked. A managed host filters DDoS on a separate IP so a wave night isn't ruined.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
The server isn't listed
The master (27015) or Steam (20560) port isn't open. Forward all four KF2 ports, not just 7777.
I can't reach the WebAdmin
TCP 8080 isn't open, or WebAdmin isn't enabled. Set bEnabled=true in KFWeb.ini and forward 8080.
The server lags on a full wave
Unreal wants a decent core. Move to a faster high-clock CPU and give it a bit more RAM.
Config changes don't stick
Edit the config while the server is stopped — KF2 overwrites some files on shutdown if edited live.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want a protected KF2 server online 24/7 with WebAdmin ready? Our game server hosting runs on high-clock CPUs behind a Layer-4 protected Frankfurt network — online in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own Killing Floor 2 to host a server?
No. The dedicated server (Steam app 232130) is a free, anonymous download, separate from the game. You only need the game on the machines that play.
What ports does a Killing Floor 2 server use?
UDP 7777 (game), UDP 27015 (master server), UDP 20560 (Steam) and TCP 8080 (WebAdmin). Forward all four so the server lists and the WebAdmin is reachable.
How do I manage a KF2 server?
Use the built-in WebAdmin — enable it in KFWeb.ini and open http://server-ip:8080 in a browser. From there you manage maps, difficulty, game length, players and bans without joining the game.
How much hardware does a KF2 server need?
It's an Unreal Engine game — give it a modern high-clock CPU and 4-6 GB of RAM for a smooth full server. Not heavy, but it wants a decent core.
How many players can a KF2 server hold?
Up to 6 in co-op survival and up to 12 in versus, set in the config. Size the server for your intended mode.
Why won't my KF2 server show in the browser?
Usually the master (27015) or Steam (20560) port isn't open. Forward all of KF2's ports (7777, 27015, 20560, 8080), not just the game port.
Keep reading
Killing Floor 2 is a trademark of Tripwire Interactive. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Tripwire. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
