This guide explains how to install Metamod for a GoldSrc Half-Life Dedicated Server (HLDS). Metamod is a dynamic plugin manager that acts as a bridge between the Half-Life engine and game mods, enabling additional functionality and plugin support for Counter-Strike, Team Fortress Classic, Day of Defeat, Natural Selection, and more.

Overview of Metamod Versions

• Metamod v1.20 – The original Metamod release.
• Metamod P – Updated version with improved performance and autodetection.
• Metamod R – Optimised for use with ReHLDS servers.

Step 1: Prepare the Folder Structure

1. Navigate to your mod folder (e.g. valve, cstrike, tfc).
2. Create the folder path: addons/metamod/dlls.
3. Place the downloaded Metamod file in the dlls folder:
   • Windows: metamod.dll
   • Linux: Rename to metamod.so (case-sensitive).

Your directory should look like this:

valve/addons/metamod/dlls/metamod.dll

Step 2: Configure liblist.gam

1. In your mod folder (e.g. valve), open liblist.gam in a text editor.
2. Find the following line for your OS:
   • Windows: gamedll "dlls\hl.dll"
   • Linux: gamedll_linux "dlls/hl.so"
3. Comment them out by adding // at the start:

//gamedll "dlls\hl.dll"
//gamedll_linux "dlls/hl.so"

4. Add the Metamod line instead:
   • Windows: gamedll "addons\metamod\dlls\metamod.dll"
   • Linux: gamedll_linux "addons/metamod/dlls/metamod.so"

Step 3: Verify Installation

1. Start your server. If successful, it should load without errors.
2. Open the in-game console and type:

meta version

If installed correctly, you’ll see information about the running Metamod version:

Troubleshooting

• File not found: Double-check folder names. Linux is case-sensitive.
• Server won’t start: Review your liblist.gam edits.
• Unknown mod: Try Metamod P for better mod detection.

Conclusion

With Metamod installed, your server is now ready to load additional plugins such as AMX Mod X. If you encounter issues, join our Discord community for help.