Hosting a Local Listen Server

Custom maps and mods that modify VData cannot be played on Valve’s servers by creating a Custom Match. This method allows you to play such mods with other people.

Note

If your players experience frequent crashes when using this method, try Hosting a Local Dedicated Server instead.

Hosting

1. Make sure that you have the “Enable Console” option checked in the game’s settings.
2. Open the console by pressing F7 (this can be changed in the Keybinds settings).
3. Enter map dl_midtown to launch into the current 3-lane map. If you’re playing a custom map, replace dl_midtown with its name.
   • You probably want to pause the game as soon as the map loads to wait for other players to connect.
4. Open the console again and enter status. This will show information about the server.
5. Copy the steamid value including the square brackets ([A:1:##########:#####]).
6. Send it to other players so they can connect.

Connecting

1. Make sure that you have the “Enable Console” option checked in the game’s settings.
2. Open the console by pressing F7 (this can be changed in the Keybinds settings).
3. Enter connect followed by the server’s SteamID3 that you received from the host (connect [A:1:##########:#####]).
4. Pick your team and hero. If you want to change your team/hero you can use the changeteam 0 console command.