What is a CFG file?

CFG file in the context of Valve’s Source Engine, as seen in games like Half-Life 2, serves as configuration file. These files are used to alter various in-game settings through list of plain text commands. These commands are typically arranged with one per line and are responsible for customizing aspects of game.

Players and server administrators have couple of options for applying changes specified in .cfg file:

  1. Manual Execution: Users can manually execute commands within CFG file. This means that they enter each command one by one in game’s Developer Console. This method allows for precise control over which settings are changed and when.

  2. Automatic Execution: Alternatively, players can opt for automatic execution. This involves placing .cfg file in appropriate game directory. Certain .cfg files, like autoexec.cfg, are executed automatically when game starts. This ensures that specified settings are applied without requiring manual input every time game launches.

The Valve Source Engine

The Valve Source Engine, often simply referred to as Source Engine, is highly versatile and widely used game engine developed by Valve Corporation. It has been foundation for many popular video games and has powered numerous successful titles. Here are some key points about Valve Source Engine:

  1. History: The Source Engine was first introduced with release of Valve’s game “Counter-Strike 1.6” in 2004. Since then it has undergone several updates and revisions, with most recent version known as Source 2.0.

  2. Notable Games: The Source Engine has been utilized in variety of critically acclaimed games, including but not limited to:

    • “Half-Life 2” and its episodes
    • “Portal” and “Portal 2”
    • “Team Fortress 2”
    • “Left 4 Dead” and “Left 4 Dead 2”
    • “Counter-Strike: Source” and “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive”
    • “Dota 2”

  3. Features:

    • Flexibility: Source Engine is known for its flexibility allowing developers to create wide range of game genres, from first-person shooters to puzzle games and more.
    • Physics: It includes robust physics engine that enables realistic object interactions and environmental effects.
    • Modding Support: The engine has strong modding support which has led to creation of numerous user-generated content and game mods.
    • Multiplayer Capabilities: Source Engine has been used to develop both single-player and multiplayer games and it offers extensive networking capabilities for online gameplay.

  4. Graphics: Over years Source Engine has received graphical updates to keep up with evolving hardware capabilities. It supports advanced rendering techniques like HDR (High Dynamic Range) lighting and dynamic shadows.

How to open CFG file?

You have option to open and modify .cfg file using text editors like Microsoft Visual Studio Code or any other text editor of your choice. These text editors provide user-friendly interface for viewing and editing plain text commands within .cfg file allowing you to customize settings as needed.

Programs that open or reference CFG files include

  • Microsoft Visual Studio Code
  • Notepad
  • TextEdit
  • Any text editor

What is Valve Source 2?

Valve Source 2 is a game engine developed by Valve Corporation, designed as the successor to their original Source engine. It is widely used for creating video games and virtual environments, offering advanced graphics, physics, and tools for developers. Released in 2015, Source 2 powers Valve’s games like Dota 2 (Reborn), Artifact, Half-Life: Alyx, and the updated version of Counter-Strike 2.

What are Half-Life engine games?

Half-Life engine games are built on Valve’s Source and GoldSrc engines, which power the Half-Life series and its spin-offs. These include critically acclaimed titles like Half-Life, Half-Life 2, and their episodic sequels. The games are known for their innovative storytelling, immersive environments, and groundbreaking physics. Mods like Counter-Strike and Team Fortress Classic also originated from these engines, becoming standalone successes.

What are Source games?

Source games are video games built using Valve’s Source engine, a game engine known for its realistic physics, advanced graphics, and versatile modding capabilities. Popular Source games include Half-Life 2, Portal, Team Fortress 2, and Left 4 Dead. These games are praised for their immersive gameplay, innovative mechanics, and the ability for players to create custom content using tools like the Hammer Editor.

Other CFG files

Here are other file types that use .cfg file extension.

Settings

Game

System & Misc

References

See Also