# Adding a new Game Server

Adding a new game server is one of the most common things developers do. This guide will help you add a new game server to LinuxGSM.

{% hint style="info" %}
replace gameserver with the name of the new server e.g rustserver
{% endhint %}

### Create new \_default.cfg config file

Firstly create a new `_default.cfg` file in `lgsm/config-default/config-lgsm/gameserver` . An existing \_default.cfg file can be used as a template.

Update all the variables in the new `_default.cfg` file to fit the new server.

Some common variables that will need updating:

* Add `## SteamCMD Login` section only if required.
* `startparameters` are any parameters the executable requires to run the game server.
* `appid`  used to download a game server from Steam. Remove if not using steam.
* `steammaster` used if the game servers are listed on the Steam master servers.
* `stopmode` defines how a server can safely exit.
* `querymode` defines the type of query monitor that can be used to check the server is responding.
* console type highlights to users if the console outputs and is interactive.
* Game Server Details `gamename` , `engine`, `glibc`.
* Various directory and config variables.

## Add the new server to serverlist.csv

Add the new server details to `serverlist.csv` as well as add any dependency requirements to all the distro csv files found in `lgsm/data` directory.

## Add any fixes to a fix file

Some game servers require alterations before they can start common examples include:

* copying library files to serverfiles
* symlinking files
* creating directories
* adding a directory to `LD_LIBRARY_PATH`

If this is required a fix module will need to be created.

1. Create a new module called `fix_[shortname].sh` (use an existing example as guidance)
2. Add the required fixes to the module
3. Add the module to `fix.sh`
4. Add the fix to `core_modules.sh` list

## Server Querying

Game servers can often be queried to check the server is running and return useful info. LinuxGSM uses gsquery.py to complete simple pings and [gamedig](https://github.com/gamedig/node-gamedig) to get detailed info returned in json format. 

Most game servers use the valve protocol for allowing queries, however, others are available. Look for any developer documentation to try and find out if querying is supported. 

Use the `query-raw` command to assist in testing the querying of the new game server. 

## Stop Mode

Game servers will be able to gracefully exit using various methods. Figure out the method the new game server uses. See [stop mode](https://docs.linuxgsm.com/features/stop-mode).

## Glibc Version

Most game servers require a minimum glibc version. Use the `detect-glibc` command to find out the minimum glibc version required.

## Details

Various game server info will need to be parsed from game server configs or variables. Use the info\_\*.sh modules to add this info. 

## Custom Updater

Not all game servers use SteamCMD. If this is the case a custom update module will need to be created. There are a number of examples in the code that can be used as a baseline.

## Custom Commands

Some game servers may require bespoke commands to complete tasks. Examples of this include Teamspeak 3 and Unreal Tournament 2004. Take a look at the `core_getopts.sh` module for examples of how to add commands.


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