TABG Dedicated Server

This WindowsGSH module installs, configures, starts, stops, monitors, and backs up a Totally Accurate Battlegrounds community server.

Status

NEEDS LIVE TEST. The native module targets the current documented executable and vendor configuration format and passes focused host tests. A fresh Steam installation and relay join test are still required.

Installation

The module installs Steam app 2311970 anonymously and launches TABG.exe.

1. Import the TABG.mod folder or its repository root into WindowsGSH.
2. Add a TABG server and run Install.
3. Confirm the installation contains TABG.exe, game_settings.txt, and VerifyAllowedWords.exe.
4. Validate the chosen name and description with VerifyAllowedWords.exe before starting.

If game_settings.txt is missing, run Verify Files. The module does not invent the vendor file because a generated replacement could omit required settings from a newer build.

Import an existing server

WindowsGSH can import either a normal server installation folder or a WindowsGSM server folder containing serverfiles. The preview verifies the server executable, reads supported settings when present, and lets you copy the installation into WindowsGSH or adopt it in place. Review every previewed/defaulted value before completing the import; the source installation is not modified during preview.

Configuration

WindowsGSH setting	TABG setting	Notes
Server Name	ServerName	Must use words accepted by VerifyAllowedWords.exe.
Description	Description	Landfall's allowed-word restrictions also apply.
Password	Password	Leave empty for no password.
Max Players	MaxPlayers	Configurable from 1 to 100; practical limits need live validation.
Use Relay	Relay	Enabled by default and recommended by Landfall.
Direct Game Port	Port	Shown only when relay mode is disabled.
Additional Arguments	command line	Appended without modifying game_settings.txt.

WindowsGSH updates known keys in place and preserves unknown settings, blank lines, and comments. Writes use a temporary file followed by replacement.

Networking

Relay mode is the safe default. It produces a join code and normally avoids direct router forwarding. The module deliberately declares no automatic UPnP mappings.

Relay-disabled direct mode is not advertised as supported until a current server is socket-tested. Its port and protocol must be proven before adding any public port declaration or UPnP eligibility.

Query, console, and administration

• Status is process-based.
• The module does not claim A2S queries or player counts.
• It does not claim RCON, an administration API, or an embedded interactive console.
• Stop requests ask the server window to close before WindowsGSH's bounded fallback handling.

Files and backups

Purpose	Path
Executable	TABG.exe
Managed configuration	game_settings.txt
Allowed-word verifier	VerifyAllowedWords.exe
Backup target	game_settings.txt

World/save backup behavior is not claimed because its current storage layout has not been verified.

Known limitations

• Availability and practical usability of the current dedicated server need a fresh-install test.
• Relay join-code behavior is not yet live-verified.
• Direct-mode ports, protocols, and forwarding requirements are deliberately undeclared.
• The module backs up configuration only until the current save layout is proven.
• The vendor requires passwords in game_settings.txt; protect the server directory and redact support material.

Beta verification checklist

• Fresh-install Steam app 2311970 and confirm all three expected files.
• Validate the server name and description with VerifyAllowedWords.exe.
• Save configuration and confirm unrelated settings and comments survive.
• Start in relay mode, confirm the card/PID, obtain a join code, and join remotely.
• Restart WindowsGSH and confirm process reattachment; then test clean Stop and crash detection.
• Test direct mode separately and record actual listening sockets before declaring ports or UPnP support.
• Test update, Verify Files, configuration backup, and restore; identify the current save layout.

Support

Report module issues at https://github.com/WindowsGSH/WindowsGSH.TABG. Include the WindowsGSH/module versions, a redacted support bundle, and relevant server output. Never post passwords or unredacted configuration.

Support development

If you like the work I do and would like to support continued WindowsGSH and module development, you can contribute here:

• Ko-fi
• PayPal

Trust and source

Modules execute with the same Windows permissions as WindowsGSH. Review TABG.mod/module.json, TABG.mod/TabgModule.cs, and SECURITY.md before installing a build from an unfamiliar source.