Battlefield 2: special forces v1.2 [english] dedicated server/public server patch (1.11mb) BATTLEFIELD 2: SPECIAL FORCES v1.21 [ENGLISH] DEDICATED SERVER/PUBLIC SERVER PATCH (1.11MB).
Battlefield 2 (BF2) is a first person military action game. The dedicated server component can be run as a Windows Service using FireDaemon Pro, which allows you to have the dedicated server start automatically at boot prior to login, start multiple instances of the dedicated server and more. This HOWTO will show you how to set it up. You can also use FireDaemon Fusion to manage FireDaemon and other Windows services via a web browser.
Battlefield 2 Dedicated Server Setup
Create an account at Battlelog.co so you can download the server files and register your server.
Download the Battlefield 2 Dedicated Server files from here. The download is large (> 300 MB).
Install the dedicated server files into the directory of your choice (typically C:Program FilesEA GamesBF2Server). Make sure you install PunkBuster if it is a public server.
Battlefield 2 Dedicated Server requires two configuration ('con') files. One configuration file contains the map list and the other the server settings. The simplest way to create a 'con' file is to start the BF2ServerLauncher.exe file in the BF2Server folder.
If you click on the Start button in the BF2ServerLauncher, the dedicated server will launch using the default settings. Two 'con' files (_mapList.con and _serverSettings.con) will be created in the directory: C:Users<user>DocumentsBattlefield 2ServerConfigs. <user> is the name of the user you logged in as. For example:
The 'con' files are text files and can be edited with your favourite text editor. Example 'con' files can be found at the end of this HOWTO.
If you wish, you can create your own server configuration 'con' files instead of using the default ones. To do this click on Plus (+) button in the BF2ServerLauncher. You will see the following dialog box. Type in a configuration name for your server and click OK - remember you can create multiple server profiles.
You will now be able to edit all the server settings and choose the maps to include your map cycle. Once you have finished click on the Save button in both sections.
A few catches
GOTCHA #1: If you use this technique to create custom configuration files, the map cycle is included with the server settings in one file. You will need to hand edit the 'con' file and place the map cycle in a separate file; otherwise BF2 DS doesn't pick up your custom map cycle.
GOTCHA #2: If you use the +maplist command line option ... the BF2 DS only reads the file named _mapList.con. Any other file name will not work!
GOTCHA #3: 'con' files can be stored anywhere on your hard disk. The default 'con' (maplist.con and ServerSettings.con) files are found under the BF2 installation directory in the modsbf2settings folder. Edit these directly if you don't wish to set command line options.
GOTCHA #2: If you use the +maplist command line option ... the BF2 DS only reads the file named _mapList.con. Any other file name will not work!
GOTCHA #3: 'con' files can be stored anywhere on your hard disk. The default 'con' (maplist.con and ServerSettings.con) files are found under the BF2 installation directory in the modsbf2settings folder. Edit these directly if you don't wish to set command line options.
Battlefield 2 Dedicated Server Setup Under FireDaemon
Download and install FireDaemon Pro into the directory of your choice, typically C:Program FilesFireDaemon.
Next start the FireDaemon GUI from the desktop shortcut. Click on the 'Create a new service definition' button in the toolbar (or type Ctrl+N) and enter the information into the fields as you see below. Adjust the paths to suit your installation. Note the required parameters.
Executable: The path to your BF2ServerLauncher.exe file. The path for the purposes of this HOWTO is C:Program Files (x86)EA GamesBF2ServerBF2ServerLauncher.exe.
Working Directory: The directory containing your BF2ServerLauncher.exe file. The path for the purposes of this HOWTO is C:Program Files (x86)EA GamesBF2Server.
The most important field on the tab is the Parameters. The Parameters defines the location of your 'con' files.
If you choose to use the default 'con' files (_mapList.con and _serverSettings.con), the complete value of the parameters field is:
If you run the FireDaemon service as a specific user this command line can be shortened to:
Note that the slashes are the wrong way around in both instances, and remember to adjust the paths and configuration files to suit your installation.
Now click on the Settings tab. If you DON'T want to see your dedicated server running, uncheck the Interact with Desktop check box. You can optionally run your Battlefield 2 server as the user you installed it as. In the Logon Account field type your username (e.g. Administrator) and then enter the user's password twice in the Password and Confirm fields. You can change the Process Priority to allocate more CPU time to the dedicated server or specify which CPU or core the dedicated server will run on (in the case of multi-processor, hyperthreaded or multi-core CPUs).
Now click on the Lifecycle tab. Uncheck Graceful Shutdown as BF2DS doesn't respond to it.
Now click OK to finish setup and start your Battlefield 2 server!
Sample Configuration Files
Below is a sample ServerSettings.con file:
Below is a sample MapList.con file:
Toof1ess Enlisted: 2011-12-20
Why don't they get released on launch like with PC...everyday damn time!!???
When are they coming and would you rent one with the game in its current condition?
What will be the next Metro 24/7?
Dead-SyncWhen are they coming and would you rent one with the game in its current condition?
What will be the next Metro 24/7?
Enlisted: 2011-10-25
2014-03-09 00:33 , edited 2014-03-09 00:34 by Dead-Sync
Battlefield 4 does use dedicated servers.
You mean rental serves? They usually require a bit more time to prep on console, as with PC, servers are provided by many various hosts which you can purchase from. For consoles, they need to be integrated into the PSN/XBL stores, and usually are servers owned by EA or DICE only. They likely need to, as you allude to, improve their performance before offering these up to rent
Next Metro 24/7 will be either Metro 24/7, or Locker 24/7
You mean rental serves? They usually require a bit more time to prep on console, as with PC, servers are provided by many various hosts which you can purchase from. For consoles, they need to be integrated into the PSN/XBL stores, and usually are servers owned by EA or DICE only. They likely need to, as you allude to, improve their performance before offering these up to rent
Next Metro 24/7 will be either Metro 24/7, or Locker 24/7
They call me the 'Professor of Battlefield' | BF4 Platinum Trophy
yZ-InfinityEnlisted: 2011-11-26
Wont be renting one, wont be staying in them long either *cough* kicked *cough* banned.
Dead-Sync Enlisted: 2011-10-25
yZ-Infinity said:
Wont be renting one, wont be staying in them long either *cough* kicked *cough* banned.
Thank god for the 'Official' server designation
They call me the 'Professor of Battlefield' | BF4 Platinum Trophy
Saviorz Enlisted: 2011-10-29
Of course I would rent one? I just wouldn't put maps that rubber band a lot on my map rotations.
Toof1ess Enlisted: 2011-12-20
Dead-Sync said:
Battlefield 4 does use dedicated servers.
You mean rental serves? They usually require a bit more time to prep on console, as with PC, 7
Sorry lol, yeh meant pvt servers..
But they are released on launch with PC? They have had them since shortly after kick off, same with bf3 etx
Enlisted: 2011-10-25
2014-03-09 00:44 , edited 2014-03-09 00:45 by Dead-Sync
Toof1ess said:Dead-Sync said:Sorry lol, yeh meant pvt servers..
Battlefield 4 does use dedicated servers.
You mean rental serves? They usually require a bit more time to prep on console, as with PC, 7
But they are released on launch with PC? They have had them since shortly after kick off, same with bf3 etx
Yes, but it is a different scenario. In fact, all BF games have always simultaneously launched with server providers.
For PC, there is no 'host company' for servers. While DICE and EA likely do offer a few, there are MANY server providers which offer servers for PCs for all various sorts of uses. Because of this, a slew of hosts are able to offer their equipment to people to rent, and therefore, use for games like BF4 and these are available day 1.
On the other hand, not just any server provider can set up shop for consoles. First of all, Microsoft and Sony fully control what is a part of their gaming networks. So, EA usually needs to either find a way to provide these servers themselves, or find a partner to work alongside to provide these services. This also would have to get approved by MS/Sony and all of that. Purchasing must be setup through PSN/XBL stores, etc. It's much more convoluted. How many console games can you think of that have let you rent DEDICATED servers? Seriously. Is BF3 the only one? I can't think of any others. There's a reason why it's not common.
They call me the 'Professor of Battlefield' | BF4 Platinum Trophy
RIPRUSH189 Enlisted: 2011-10-27
@Dead Synch, you always seem to be knowledgable about how all this works. Are servers literally banks of PCs in some random building? If so, does EA have the equip to run this game as it was sold?(assuming that 30 tick rate should be bottom line) if I took one server and hooked up 64 PS4 via LAN would the game run flawlessly?
Toof1ess Enlisted: 2011-12-20
Dead-Sync said:Toof1ess said:Yes, but it is a different scenario. In fact, all BF games have always simultaneously launched with server providers.Dead-Sync said:Sorry lol, yeh meant pvt servers..
Battlefield 4 does use dedicated servers.
You mean rental serves? They usually require a bit more time to prep on console, as with PC, 7
But they are released on launch with PC? They have had them since shortly after kick off, same with bf3 etx
For PC, there is no "host company" for servers. While DICE and EA likely do offer a few, there are MANY server providers which offer servers for PCs for all various sorts of uses. Because of this, a slew of hosts are able to offer their equipment to people to rent, and therefore, use for games like BF4 and these are available day 1.
On the other hand, not just any server provider can set up shop for consoles. First of all, Microsoft and Sony fully control what is a part of their gaming networks. So, EA usually needs to either find a way to provide these servers themselves, or find a partner to work alongside to provide these services. This also would have to get approved by MS/Sony and all of that. Purchasing must be setup through PSN/XBL stores, etc. It's much more convoluted. How many console games can you think of that have let you rent DEDICATED servers? Seriously. Is BF3 the only one? I can't think of any others. There's a reason why it's not common.
Cheers dude, makes sense. I didn't realize it was so complicated. Thought DICE/EA just had the servers somewhere in magicland and withheld them to promote PC which I think is generally considered the spiritual home of BF.
Enlisted: 2012-12-12
Hello, I want to create server in Ukraine, what I need for it?