This 2025 update explains how to host Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory: create a profile, decide between a Listen Server and a dedicated server, choose a modern server build (ETLegacy recommended), and prepare key config files (server.cfg, maprotation.cfg, public.cfg). It emphasizes checking bandwidth, opening game ports, and verifying anti-cheat requirements (historically PunkBuster). Several specific items (exact binary names, default port, and current PunkBuster support) are flagged for verification.

Overview

Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory (ET) remains playable through community servers and modernized engines. You can join public servers, run a local "Listen Server" while playing, or host a dedicated server so others can connect. This guide updates basic steps for 2025 and preserves the original workflow: create a profile, decide listen vs. dedicated, prepare config files, and verify bandwidth and network settings.

Quick start: play locally or host a listen server

  1. Create your player profile (name, settings, resolution) and use the Main Menu to choose Multiplayer.
  1. To host while you play, choose the Listen Server or "Host Game" option. A listen server runs the game client and accepts connections from other players on your network.
  1. Check your upload bandwidth and local firewall. If you expect several remote players, prefer a dedicated server on a machine with a stable connection.

Dedicated server: overview and recommended modern tools

If you want a persistent server, run a dedicated ET server. Community projects such as ETLegacy (a modern engine fork that improves compatibility and tools) are widely used by server admins and make setup easier. ETLegacy includes dedicated-server binaries and updated admin features.

Important tasks before starting:

  • Choose your server build (vanilla ET vs. ETLegacy or a server mod).
  • Reserve a server machine with stable bandwidth or rent a game server from a host.
  • Forward the game port on your router and allow the server binary through the firewall. 1

Key config files and what they do

Most setups use plain text config files in the game/server folder. Typical files to create or edit:

  • server.cfg - the main startup config (hostname, rconPassword, maxclients, timelimit, gametype).
  • maprotation.cfg (or MapRotate.cfg) - a list of maps and rotation rules.
  • public.cfg - settings or messages you want visible to players in the server list.
Some guides mention helper batch files (for Windows) like WolfMP.bat to launch the server binary with command-line arguments; on Linux you typically run the dedicated server binary directly or via a shell script. Confirm the correct binary and filenames for your chosen build. 2

Anti-cheat and administration

Historically ET servers used PunkBuster. Today, community servers may use ETLegacy's built-in admin/anti-cheat tools or separate solutions depending on the server build you pick. Verify whether PunkBuster is required for any server mod or league you join. 3

Final checklist

  • Decide Listen vs Dedicated.
  • Choose a modern server build (ETLegacy recommended) and download the correct binary. 4
  • Create server.cfg, maprotation.cfg, and public.cfg.
  • Open the required UDP port on your router and firewall. 5
  • Start the server and test by connecting from another machine.
With those steps complete, your Enemy Territory server should appear in public server lists (set Source to Internet in-game) or be reachable by IP. Happy gaming.
  1. Confirm the recommended modern server builds for ET in 2025 (ETLegacy, ETPro, others) and their current status.
  2. Verify the default UDP port number used by Enemy Territory servers (commonly 27960) and document it if correct.
  3. Confirm the exact names and locations of server binaries and common helper scripts (e.g., WolfMP.bat or equivalent) for Windows and Linux in current ET builds.
  4. Check whether PunkBuster is still supported/required by popular ET server builds or if ETLegacy uses different anti-cheat measures.
  5. Verify the correct capitalization and filenames for map rotation and public config files (maprotation.cfg vs MapRotate.cfg) in modern server builds.

FAQs about Enemy Territory Dedicated Server

Can I play and host at the same time?
Yes - use a Listen Server from the in-game Host Game menu. The machine runs the game client and accepts connections, but for many remote players a dedicated server is more stable.
Which config files do I need to create for a dedicated server?
Create a server.cfg for startup settings, a maprotation.cfg (or MapRotate.cfg) for map lists, and a public.cfg for server-visible information. Place them in your server/game directory and ensure the server binary loads server.cfg on startup.
Do I need PunkBuster to run a server?
PunkBuster was commonly used historically, but modern community builds may use different anti-cheat systems. Check the requirements for the server build or mod you choose.
Which server build should I use?
Community-maintained builds like ETLegacy are recommended for compatibility and tooling. Verify the specific features and binaries before deploying.

News about Enemy Territory Dedicated Server

Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory now has new official dedicated servers - Rock Paper Shotgun [Visit Site | Read More]

Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory Got Official Dedicated Servers - 80 Level [Visit Site | Read More]

Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory – Official Dedicated Server Update - Slayers Club [Visit Site | Read More]

Bethesda launches official servers for 2003's Wolfenstein Enemy Territory - Eurogamer [Visit Site | Read More]

Bethesda revives servers for 20-year-old FPS in rare instance of a corporation being cool - PC Gamer [Visit Site | Read More]

Classic Wolfenstein Game Getting Multiplayer Revival Via New Official Servers - IGN [Visit Site | Read More]

Nearly 20 years after release, Wolfenstein ET gets official dedicated servers - TechSpot [Visit Site | Read More]