Source Dedicated Server (srcds) using Docker Compose

This example defines a basic set up for a Half-Life 2: Deathmatch server using the srcds image and Docker Compose.

A valid Steam account with Half-Life 2 purchased is required.

Project structure

.
├── docker-compose.yml
├── srcds.env
├── secret.txt
└── README.md

Compose file

services:
  hl2mp:
    image: k4rian/srcds:latest
    container_name: hl2mp-server
    hostname: hl2mp-server
    command: -game hl2mp -console -secure -ip 0.0.0.0 +port 27015 +maxplayers 8 +map dm_overwatch
    volumes:
      - /etc/localtime:/etc/localtime:ro
      - data:/home/steam/gameserver
    env_file:
      - srcds.env
    secrets:
      - srcds
    ports:
      - 27015:27015/tcp
      - 27015:27015/udp
    restart: unless-stopped

volumes:
  data:

secrets:
  srcds:
    file: ./secret.txt

The environment file srcds.env holds the server environment variables.

The Steam account password is defined in the secret.txt file.
— It will be mounted on /run/secrets/srcds within the container.
— The secret name has to be srcds.

To use an anonymous account, the secrets definitions in the compose file have to be omitted/commented out.

Deployment

docker compose -p hl2mp up -d

The project is using a volume in order to store the server files that can be recovered if the container is removed and restarted.

Expected result

Check that the container is running properly:

docker ps | grep "hl2mp"

To see the server log output:

docker compose -p hl2mp logs

Stop the container

Stop and remove the container:

docker compose -p hl2mp down

Both the container and its volume can be removed by providing the -v argument:

docker compose -p hl2mp down -v