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Change Tick Rate on Killing Floor 2 Server

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Change Tick Rate on Killing Floor 2 Server

Changing the tick rate on your Killing Floor 2 server adjusts how often the server updates the game world, affecting hit registration, movement smoothness, and overall responsiveness. This guide shows you how to modify the tick rate for both listen servers (where you play and host) and dedicated servers, using the game’s configuration files.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to your server’s configuration files (usually PCServer-KFGame.ini or KFWeb.ini).
  • For dedicated servers: FTP or file manager access to the server directory.
  • For listen servers: access to your local Killing Floor 2 installation folder.
  • A text editor (Notepad++ or VS Code recommended).

Step-by-Step

  1. Locate the configuration file.

    For a dedicated server, navigate to your server’s KFGame/Config/ folder. For a listen server, go to your local installation: Steam/steamapps/common/killingfloor2/KFGame/Config/. The file you need is PCServer-KFGame.ini (for dedicated) or KFGame.ini (for listen).

  2. Back up the file.

    Copy the original .ini file to a safe location. This allows you to revert if something goes wrong.

  3. Open the file in a text editor.

    Use a plain text editor—avoid Word or other rich-text editors that may insert formatting.

  4. Find the [Engine.GameEngine] section.

    Scroll down until you see a line starting with [Engine.GameEngine]. If it doesn’t exist, you can add it at the end of the file.

  5. Add or modify the NetServerMaxTickRate line.

    Inside that section, look for a line like NetServerMaxTickRate=30. If it’s missing, add it. The default is 30. Change the number to your desired tick rate. Common values are 60 (smooth) or 120 (very responsive, but more CPU-intensive). For example: NetServerMaxTickRate=60.

  6. Also set NetConnectionMaxTickRate (optional).

    In the same section, you can add NetConnectionMaxTickRate=60 to match the server tick rate. This ensures client connections use the same rate. If you omit it, clients may default to 30, causing a mismatch.

  7. Save the file.

    Save your changes and close the editor.

  8. Restart the server.

    For a dedicated server, restart the process. For a listen server, exit the game and relaunch it. The new tick rate takes effect only after a restart.

  9. Verify the change.

    Join the server and open the console (press ~). Type stat net and look for the “Server Tick Rate� or “Net Tick Rate� value. It should match what you set. Alternatively, use a server admin tool or check server logs.

Common Mistakes

  • Editing the wrong file. Some guides mention KFWeb.ini—that’s for web admin, not tick rate. Always use PCServer-KFGame.ini for dedicated servers.
  • Setting too high a tick rate. Values above 120 can overload the server CPU, causing rubber-banding or lag. Stick to 60 unless you have a powerful machine.
  • Forgetting to restart. Changes don’t apply until the server restarts.
  • Using a non-text editor. Word or Notepad with formatting can corrupt the .ini file.
  • Not backing up. A typo can break the server; always keep a backup.

Tips

  • Match client and server. If you set server tick rate to 60, also set NetConnectionMaxTickRate=60 to avoid desync.
  • Monitor performance. Use server performance tools to check CPU usage. If it’s above 80%, reduce the tick rate.
  • Use 64 for a balance. Many players find 64 a good middle ground between smoothness and performance.
  • Test with bots. Before opening to the public, test with bots to see if the server holds up.
  • Keep other settings default. Don’t change MinDesiredFrameRate or other network settings unless you know what they do.

Troubleshooting

  • Server won’t start after editing. Check for typos in the .ini file. Revert to the backup and try again, making sure the line is exactly NetServerMaxTickRate=60 (no extra spaces).
  • Tick rate still shows 30. The file may be read-only, or the server is using a different config. Ensure you edited the correct file and that the server isn’t overriding it with command-line parameters. Also check if the server has a KFGame.ini override.
  • Players report lag despite the change. The tick rate might be too high for your hardware. Lower it to 60 or 45. Also check your server’s upload bandwidth—tick rate increases data sent per second.
  • Changes revert after server update. Game updates may reset config files. Keep your modified .ini file and reapply after updates.
  • Can’t find the [Engine.GameEngine] section. It may not exist in your file. Add it at the end, then add the tick rate line under it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tick rate?

Tick rate is how many times per second the server updates the game state. Higher tick rates mean more frequent updates, making movements and hits feel smoother.

What’s the default tick rate in Killing Floor 2?

The default is 30 ticks per second. Many players feel this is too low for a fast-paced shooter, which is why they change it.

Will a higher tick rate improve my aim?

It can help with hit registration, but it won’t make you a better player. It reduces the delay between your shot and the server registering it.

Can I set a tick rate above 120?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The game engine may not handle it well, and it will consume significant CPU and bandwidth.

Does tick rate affect all players equally?

Yes, the server tick rate applies to everyone. However, players with high ping may still experience lag regardless of tick rate.

Is changing tick rate considered cheating?

No, it’s a server configuration setting. It doesn’t give you an unfair advantage over other players on the same server, as everyone experiences the same tick rate.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.