# How to Change Max Players on Your TF2 Server (/docs/team-fortress-2/player-slots)



import { Tab, Tabs } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/tabs';
import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

The default TF2 player limit is **24**. The Source engine supports up to **32** stably; values above 32 are unstable and not recommended.

<Tabs items={['Via Startup (Recommended)', 'Via Launch Parameter']}>
  <Tab value="Via Startup (Recommended)">
    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Open Startup [#open-startup]

        In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Startup** in the sidebar.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Set Max Players [#set-max-players]

        Find the **Max Players** field and enter your desired count (1–32).
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Restart [#restart]

        Restart from **Console** to apply.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Via Launch Parameter">
    Add to the startup command line:

    ```
    -maxplayers 32
    ```

    Restart the server to apply.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Recommended Counts by Game Mode [#recommended-counts-by-game-mode]

| Mode                     | Recommended | Notes                        |
| ------------------------ | ----------- | ---------------------------- |
| **Competitive 6v6**      | 12          | Plus 2 spec slots            |
| **Highlander**           | 18          | 9v9 with spec slots          |
| **Casual / Pub**         | 24          | Default — best balance       |
| **Trade / Idle**         | 32          | Maximum stable               |
| **Mann vs. Machine**     | 6           | MvM is hard-capped at 6      |
| **Surf / Trade Servers** | 32          | Common for community servers |

> **Note:** Mann vs. Machine mode requires **at least 6 player slots**. Below 6, MvM won't start.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Server Configuration](/docs/team-fortress-2/server-config)
* [Connect to Your Server](/docs/team-fortress-2/join-server)