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How to Connect to a Left 4 Dead 2 Server Using an IP Address

Note:

While Left 4 Dead 2 has a built-in lobby system, it can sometimes be frustratingly slow or accidentally place you in random public games. If you are renting a private dedicated server for you and your friends, connecting directly via the server’s IP address is the absolute best way to play! By enabling the developer console, you can bypass the standard matchmaking entirely and jump straight into your own custom server instantly

1. Launch Left 4 Dead 2

2. On the Game’s Menu Select ‘Options’

Selecting the Options menu from the Left 4 Dead 2 main title screen

3. Inside the Options Select ‘Keyboard/Mouse’

Clicking the Keyboard/Mouse settings in the Left 4 Dead 2 options menu

4. Enable the Developer Console

Changing the Allow Developer Console setting to Enabled in Left 4 Dead 2

5. Return to the Main Menu

6. Open the Developer Console

Press the ~ (tilde) key on your keyboard. This is usually located in the top left corner, right under the Escape key. A grey command box will drop down on your screen.

8. Enter the Connect Command

Type the word connect, press the spacebar, and then paste your server’s full IP address and Port.

(It should look exactly like this: connect 192.XXX.X.XX:27XXX)

Typing the connect command with the server IP address into the developer console

7. Enter Your Server Password (Optional)

If your server is public, you can skip this step!

The Left 4 Dead 2 Server Requires Password pop-up screen in-game

9. Press Ok/Enter to Join

Left 4 Dead 2 Server Hosting

Starts at $3.99

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