Setup and Activate a Dedicated Server - The Easy Way

A procedure to setup the Dedicated Server included in the installation of rFactor2. Also, instructions to activate the server WITHOUT first starting Steam

Introduction

When most people use Steam and the rFactor2 launcher to setup a server, they use the MAS utility to create the mas file and the HOST utility to start the server. Unfortunately that means Steam must be active to activate the server. If you have a problem with Steam and need to restart Steam, you also lose your server.

Here’s a procedure to start a Dedicated Server that works without starting Steam. The good news is that this Dedicated Server uses the same port forwarding and files that the rFactor2 launcher HOST utility would use to launch the server. Any time Studio-397 updates rFactor 2 or your Workshop selections and package files are updated, all the rFactor 2 files and all your Workshop selections and package files used by the Dedicated Server are up-to-date. With this procedure whenever you have a problem with Steam, you can restart Steam AND your server stays active. Also, you can easily join other rFactor 2 servers while your server stays active.

How to

A. Go to your......\rFactor 2\Bin64\ directory and make a shortcut for the rFactor2 Dedicated.exe file then cut/paste the shortcut to you desktop.

B. Right mouse click on the shortcut and select properties. In the Target window add the +path shown below to point to the directory where your rFactor 2 is installed. With a default rF2 install, Target looks like this: (NOTE: THE QUOTATION MARKS ARE REQUIRED!)
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\Bin64\rFactor2 Dedicated.exe" +path="C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\"

In the Start In window, tell the shortcut where you bin64 directory is located. With a default rF2 install, Start In looks like this:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\Bin64"

C. Go to your....\rFactor 2\Support\Tools directory and make a shortcut for the MAS2.exe file then cut/paste the shortcut to your desktop.

D. Right mouse click on the shortcut and select properties. In the Target window, make sure it points to your MAS2.exe file location. With a default rF2 install, Target looks like this:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\Support\Tools\MAS2.exe"

In the Start In window, tell the shortcut where your rFactor 2\Support\Tools directory is located. With a default rF2 install, Start In looks like this:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\rFactor 2\Support\Tools"

Now you have MAS2 and rFactor 2 Dedicated server icons on your desktop. Using Task View on your windows desktop task bar, enable two desktop screens when using the Dedicated Server. One desktop screen for the Server, the other for racing in Steam

VERY IMPORTANT - In Steam's Steam/Settings/Interface, uncheck “Run Steam when my computer starts”. If Steam is running in the background when you launch your dedicated server, you will not be able to join/drive your server although other multiplayers can.

To create a new mod, use the MAS2 icon.
With Task View, switch to the desktop screen you will use for the Server and launch MAS2.

To activate, join and drive with your dedicated server, follow these steps:
1. Exit Steam. Verify that Steam is not running in the background by using the ^ key in the lower right corner of your windows desktop task bar. You will know you did not follow this instruction when you cannot join/drive your own server although other multiplayers can.

2. With Task View, switch to your Server desktop and launch your server using the Dedicated Server Icon.

3. With Task View, switch to your Steam desktop and start Steam. To enter your server, use either the rFactor 2 game launcher or Steam’s View/Servers. While in Steam, you can use the Windows button on your keyboard to bring up Task View to switch desktop screens

4. If you want to make changes to the server, you must exit Steam (see #1 above), change the server, restart the server, then restart Steam/rFactor 2. If you do not follow this sequence, Steam/rFactor 2 will not let you join/drive your own server.

5.Maintenance Procedure – Whenever rFactor 2 is updated or your Workshop selections changed, launch rFactor 2 in Steam so the changes are made in your rFactor 2 directory files. Then, exit Steam(see #1 above). You MUST modify your existing MAS file for it recognize the changes made. First uninstall the existing MAS file then assign a new version ID for the revised MAS file. Revise the MAS file to include the updates then package and install the revised MAS file. If you do not modify your MAS file with a new version ID, your dedicated server will attempt to launch with the obsolete files and neither you nor the other multiplayers will be able to join the server.

Have fun hosting your favorite cars and tracks.

[Falcon0580]

This doesnt work. When I got to Steam and open the game is crashes.

[Aldo Martinello]

Hi, after build 1122 using this solution, game CTD. Before was running correctly.
Any idea ??
Ciao

[(SRC) Talisman]

I did have this working. However now I cannot see my server in the list. I have noticed that when I launch the dedicated server on my DT, this also starts the game in Steam. I don't believe this happened before. So I have to start the game in steam to get the UI ready to use, then launch my DS from my DT, and nothing shows up. Does anyone know how to solve this issue?

[Aldo Martinello]

Tried, i can see server only in LAN MODE, but in WAN (internet) server isn't show at all
Can you suggest any tips??

[Brandon]

I have tried so many times, even after following this method I can't even get the server to show up in the server list.

[Randy]

I use this method often. Simply stated this process is simple to set up and use. The best part it does not break when it is necessary to leave the game. Like the old timex commercials. Takes a liken and keeps on ticking... If you are too young to know what that is all about, ask your grandpa or someone that was born before 1969. :)

[JoKeR_BR]

Thanks for the info! Useful.

[Corvette_Driver]

Works great; Thanx