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Learn how to speed up game content downloads and reduce server load with FastDL using ZAP-Hosting Webspace → Find out more now
FastDL (Fast Download) is a method to deliver custom content such as maps, sounds, or models via an external web server instead of directly from the game server. This results in faster downloads for players and reduces the load on your server.
To use FastDL, you need access to a public HTTP web server. A great option is a ZAP-Hosting Webspace package, which is perfectly suited for delivering game content. This guide shows you how to set up FastDL with ZAP Webspace.
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You need an active Half-Life 2 game server at ZAP-Hosting and an additional webspace package. FTP access or file manager access must be available for both the game server and the webspace.
On the game server side, the files you want to distribute (e.g., .bsp maps, sound files, or models) must already be correctly organized. The same folder structure must then be created on the webspace to ensure FastDL works smoothly.
To manage and upload your FastDL files, we recommend using the File Manager available in the ZAP Webspace interface. You can find it directly in the web panel under Webspace > File Manager.
Create a folder named fastdl in the root directory of your webspace. Inside this folder, create subfolders like maps, sound, or models depending on the content you want to deliver. The folder structure must exactly match the one used on your Half-Life 2 server.
Before uploading the files, make sure they are compressed in .bz2 format (bzip2). Most Source-based engines require files to be delivered in this format. For example, a map file named custom_map.bsp should be uploaded as custom_map.bsp.bz2.
Compressing with 7-Zip
To prepare your files for FastDL, you can use tools like 7-Zip to pack them into .bz2 format. Simply right-click the file, select 7-Zip > Add to archive..., choose bzip2 as the archive format, and confirm.
After uploading the compressed files into the appropriate folders, ensure that all directories and files have the correct read permissions so they are publicly accessible. You can adjust permissions in the file manager.
Once everything is uploaded and permissions are set, your FastDL content will be accessible via the following public URL:
https://[your-domain-name].zap.cloud/fastdl/
It's best to test the URL in a browser to make sure the files are reachable.
Open the server.cfg file in the ZAP interface under the game server management on the Configuration page and add the following lines:
sv_downloadurl "https://[your-domain-name].zap.cloud/fastdl/"
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_allowupload 0
Make sure the FastDL URL exactly matches the structure on your webspace. After saving, restart your game server for the settings to take effect.
FastDL can be quickly and reliably set up with your own ZAP Webspace. This allows you to deliver custom content quickly and efficiently, significantly improving the player experience on your Half-Life 2 server.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is available daily to help! 🙂
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