In this guide, you will learn how to edit the different Left 4 Dead config files such as server.cfg and mapcycle.txt, and exactly what each one is for.
Main Configs in Left 4 Dead
By default, the configuration files listed below will control 99% of the things you need to do on your server. Here is an overview of each file and what commands/convars should go where. You can edit these files by going to Files.
server.cfg
Default location: /left4dead/cfg/server.cfg
The server.cfg file is mostly only used for changing server-related settings like game mechanics, physics, and other aspects that affect all players in the server (sv_ convars). For example sv_cheats, which allows or disallows the use of cheat commands.
Multiplayer-specific settings such as round timers and difficulty (mp_ convars) can also be set here, for example mp_gamemode to select Campaign, Versus, or Survival.
Plugin Config Files
Default location: /left4dead/addons/sourcemod/configs
If you're using Left 4 Dead plugins such as SourceMod, each plugin you install should generate a config file inside the SourceMod /addons/sourcemod/configs/ folder. Some plugins and extensions may instead put their config file in /left4dead/cfg/sourcemod/, since it depends on the plugin. If you're in doubt, refer to the plugin author's documentation.
Finding Convars & Commands
If you ever need to find a convar or command, you can simply go to your server's console and type find followed by what you're looking to change. For example, if you wanted to find a command about chat, you can simply type find chat, and it will output all the current convars and commands along with a description of what they all do.