Guide: Running a Freelancer Server.

As a Freelancer veteran, I know a thing or two about running a Freelancer server. Recently, I tried to look up some more info on running one, but there doesn’t seem to be much documentation on this subject. So, I decided to write my own guide!
Step 1: Choosing a Server Operator

While just running FLServer.exe may have been fine back in 2003, these days you’d only use just FLServer.exe as a makeshift OpenSP or small LAN server. Now, nearly every server needs a Server Operator. In the past, many people struggled with just using IonCross Freelancer Server Operator, which is now outdated and unneeded. These days, there’s two major server operators out there: FLHook and FLAC – FreeLancer Anti Cheat (Don’t be fooled by FLAC, it’s much more than just an Anti-Cheat measure). FLAC is only given out to select people, and it’s paid software. FLHook is open source, and IMO better than FLAC. While FLHook is console-based, contrary to the GUI-based FLAC, you will easily overcome that limitation with some tools I’ll bring up later.

Now, what ARE server operators? Mostly, they’re tools to make the admin team’s job easier. They integrate into FL, so you can type command using FL’s chat functions. However, while some of these commands are admin-only, the bulk of FLAC’s and FLHook’s commands are made to assist with trivial tasks in the game – Replying to a PM, PMing your target, transferring credits, transferring ships, reading server rules, etc.

As I said, FLHook is console-based, and isn’t very n00b-friendly. That’s where Secondary Server Operators come in – They’re mostly used to do what FLHook or FLAC could do, but with a different GUI, and often come with features of their own. The two major SSOs today are DAM – Disco Account Manager, and Ioncross FLSO (FreeLancer Server Operator). While IonCross is very outdated, some people still may want to use it due to being familiar with its UI, being used to it, etc. DAM on the other hand, was made as a replacement for IFLSO, and a damn good one at that. It’s able to be extended by being integrated into FLHook, and can do many of the things FLHook can do, but with a GUI and other batch-based functions.
Step 2: Choosing a mod

These days, no-one plays Vanilla Freelancer, and 1.0 servers are very rare. Now, nearly everyone runs a mod, in one form or another – The biggest FL server, Discovery Freelancer RP 24/7, runs the Discovery mod. Other notable mods are Crossfire (FL-based), The Underverse (The Chronicles of Riddick), The NSU mod (Various Sci-Fi Series), 88 Flak (FL-based), and so on. It’s also easier to run a modded server, since the mods are often made to integrate with server operators. Note though – Not all mods are released to be run on a server.

Personally, I love running servers with the Discovery mod. It integrates perfectly with FLHook and Disco Account Manager (Well, DAM was made for Discovery, after all), and it has a large install base, meaning any of the people who already have Discovery can easily hop onto your server without needing to install your mod.  It also caters nicely to Vanilla players, since Discovery’s goal is to expand the FL universe while leaving the gameplay and graphics intact.

Other notable mods to run a server on would be 88 Flak (which comes with its own version of FLHook), and the Freeworlds mod. Of course, if you know how to mod Freelancer, you can easily edit FLServer.exe to run the mod of your choice – BUT the reason most modders don’t do it themselves is because they don’t want players running their mods on servers.
Step 3: Hardware and misc.

Of course, as with running any server, you’ll need to have the necessary hardware. You’ll need at least a relatively good connection to run an FL server, and of course you’ll need a router, and in some cases you may have to set up port forwarding. Of course, you can always just rent a server and set up the tools manually. ;)

Of course, it never hurts to ask around! The biggest and friendliest FL community out there is by far The Starport, so ask there if you run into any trouble! Of course, I’m always willing to help, so feel free to leave a question in the comments.