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Find out how to troubleshoot and fix common Deadlock server issues for a smooth gaming experience → Learn more now
10 November 20266 min read0 Views0 helpful
Introduction
Setting up and running your own Deadlock game server can be really exciting and a lot of fun. It's a great way to build a custom gaming environment and community, but it also means taking responsibility when something goes wrong. Crashes, lag, and configuration issues are common challenges every server owner encounters at some point.
To spend less time troubleshooting and more time gaming, this section covers the most common issues server owners face and provides solutions to help you fix them quickly and effectively.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Your Deadlock server doesn't appear in an in-game server list. Connect directly through the console using connect [IP:Port] and the exact port shown in your server's Overview.
It's usually because of a Valve patch: a server running an outdated version shuts itself down, even if no one is playing. ZapX automatically restarts it with the new version as soon as it's available. You can check whether this was the cause in the Console and under Activity.
Check the Console and the log files in the Files tab. Common causes include incorrect entries in server.cfg, Additional Startup Parameters, or an invalid map (the default is dl_midtown). Try removing your custom entries and adding them back one at a time.
Common causes include limited server resources (CPU, RAM, or bandwidth), too many players, routing issues, or a server location far from your player base. First, check that your server meets or exceeds the recommended specs. You can view resource usage under Statistics.
ZAP-Hosting provides built-in protection and defense systems. You can view incoming traffic and past attacks in the DDoS Manager. If you suspect an attack, contact our support team for help and next steps.
We automatically back up your game server every day. With ZapX Pass, you can also create and restore your own backups at any time. ZapX Pass Pro also lets you schedule automatic backups.
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Deadlock
Issues and solutions
Server issues can have many causes, and they are often not immediately obvious. Learn how to analyze common issues step by step and keep everything running smoothly.
General
General issues can include all kinds of unexpected problems that don't fit into a specific category. They are often related to basic settings, missing files, or simple configuration errors. These can usually be fixed quickly with a few checks and adjustments.
Server not visible or unable to connect
Your Deadlock server doesn't appear in an in-game server list. Connect directly through the in-game console using connect [IP:Port], as described in our guide Connecting to the server. Be sure to use the exact port shown in your server's Overview.
If you can't connect, check the Overview to see if your server is running. If it doesn't start properly, you can find more information in the Console and in the log files under the Files tab. Common causes include an incorrect entry in server.cfg or under Additional Startup Parameters.
Crashes
Nothing ruins a good session faster than an unexpected crash. Crashes can be caused by system overload or configuration errors. With Deadlock, a server that shuts itself down after a game update may also look like a crash at first glance.
Server shuts down after a game update
A Deadlock server only runs the current game version. When Valve releases a patch, a server running an outdated version shuts itself down, even if nobody is playing. This isn't a crash.
ZapX takes care of this automatically: every start and restart installs the latest version, and a server that has shut down because of an outdated version is automatically restarted with the new version as soon as it's available. This may take a while after a patch. You can check whether this was the cause in the Console and under Activity.
Make sure Deadlock is also up to date for you and your players, otherwise you won't be able to connect.
Invalid entries in server.cfg or Additional Startup Parameters
Crashes and startup issues are often caused by custom changes, such as an invalid command or value in server.cfg, or an incorrect entry in the Additional Startup Parameters field under Configuration > Startup Parameters. An invalid Map can also prevent the server from starting. The default is dl_midtown.
To narrow down the cause, temporarily remove your custom entries and restart the server. If it runs stably afterward, add the entries back one at a time and test after each change. This helps you identify the entry causing the problem.
Performance
Smooth server performance is essential for a great gaming experience. Issues such as lag, delays, or sudden crashes often occur when the server configuration isn't optimal or the hardware doesn't meet the game's requirements.
Common causes include poor configuration or insufficient resources. Checking and adjusting these areas can resolve most performance issues and keep your game stable and responsive.
Poor server configuration
Incorrect or poorly adjusted server settings can lead to higher resource usage and cause performance issues such as lag or stuttering. Make sure your configuration values match the recommended settings for your game and server size. Review and adjust them as needed to help your server run as efficiently as possible.
You can easily adjust your configuration in the Configuration tab. An AI automatically displays the relevant settings as form fields. Alternatively, you can edit the file as plain text using Edit directly.
Game requirements not met
To keep your game server running smoothly and reliably, it's important to choose a configuration that fits your planned project. The requirements mainly depend on the expected number of players.
When you place your order, ZapX shows you a recommended minimum configuration. This is based on typical use cases and is intended to help you avoid common performance issues such as lag, crashes, or long loading times.
Be sure to follow these recommendations or scale up if needed to ensure optimal stability and the best experience for you and your players. This is a minimum recommendation.
Depending on the size of your project, you may need more resources from the start, or your requirements may increase over time. In these cases, upgrading your game server package is the easiest way to ensure performance and stability. You can check your server's resource usage at any time under Statistics.
Network
Network issues can cause lag, delays, or disconnections. They can have many different causes, but can usually be resolved with the right settings and security measures.
Ping spikes, lag, and network delays
Ping spikes, lag, and network delays are usually caused by limited server resources, such as insufficient CPU power, RAM, or bandwidth.
They can also occur when the server is overloaded by a large number of players. Network-related issues such as poor routing, external congestion, or a server location far from your player base can further increase latency.
Background processes, unstable internet connections, packet loss, and outdated or incorrectly configured server software can also cause noticeable performance issues during gameplay.
If you notice lag or high ping on your server, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve performance. First, make sure your server meets or exceeds the recommended specs for your game and project. Choosing a server location close to your player base can also help reduce latency.
If you suspect that routing issues or external network problems are the cause, don't hesitate to contact our support team. We'll help you analyze the situation and find the best solution.
DDoS and other network threats
Game servers can occasionally be targeted by malicious network traffic, particularly Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks flood the server with excessive traffic, causing lag, connection loss, or even complete downtime. In other cases, attackers may try to exploit network vulnerabilities or disrupt server stability through repeated connection attempts or unusual data patterns.
Most of these threats are beyond the control of a typical user, but ZAP-Hosting provides built-in protection and defense mechanisms to protect your server against common and advanced attacks. You can view incoming traffic and past attacks in your server's DDoS Manager. If you suspect your server is being targeted and it's causing issues, contact our support team for help and further instructions.
Preventive measures
Regular backups can save you a lot of stress and worry. Create backups regularly so you can restore an older, working version of your server data if something goes wrong. We already back up your game server automatically every day. With the ZapX Pass, you can also create your own backups at any time and restore them with one click. With ZapX Pass Pro, you can even schedule automatic backups. Find out more in our guide to Backups.
Conclusion
These steps should help you resolve your issue. If your issue is listed here, the corresponding solution will usually point you in the right direction and get your server running again quickly.
If not, simply start a Support Chat in your ZapX customer account—we're here for you every day and will be happy to help! 🙂
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