How to Sign Up and Start Hosting a Server on TSPG: Painkiller

Updated

TSPG: Painkiller is a free Zandronum hosting service based in St. Louis, MO, USA, aimed at the North American community. To get started, register or log in through the User Area, then use the site's server tools and WAD listings to set up and manage your own Zandronum servers. The site also offers a Discord community for hosting support.

What the Site Offers

The homepage describes TSPG: Painkiller as a free Zandronum hosting solution providing "high quality and lag-free multiplayer servers for the North American community." The main navigation includes:

  • Home – landing page and overview
  • Rules and Policies – community and hosting guidelines
  • FAQ – answers to common hosting questions
  • Discord – community and support channel
  • Patreon – optional donation page with patron benefits
  • Zandronum Server List – browse hosted servers
  • Server Stats – view server activity data
  • WADs – browse available WAD files
  • Zandronum Cluster Source – cluster-related resources
  • User Area – account login and registration

Step-by-Step: Sign Up and Start Hosting

  1. Create an account. Go to the User Area section and choose Register. Fill in the registration form to create your account. If you already have one, use Login instead.
  2. Review the rules and FAQ. Before hosting, read the Rules and Policies pages and check the FAQ for hosting requirements and expectations.
  3. Browse available WADs. Visit the WADs page to see which game files are available for use on your servers.
  4. Set up your server. Once logged in, use the hosting tools in the User Area to configure and launch your Zandronum server. The homepage states you can "sign up to start hosting your very own Zandronum servers."
  5. Check the server list and stats. After launching, confirm your server appears on the Zandronum Server List and monitor activity via Server Stats.
  6. Join Discord for support. The official Discord (linked at allfearthesentinel.com/discord) is the place for hosting support, updates, and community interaction. Read the Discord rules before posting.

Verification and Common Pitfalls

  • Verify your server is live by finding it on the Zandronum Server List after setup.
  • JavaScript required: The site notes that content can be "squished by side bars" unless JavaScript is enabled to autohide them, so enable JavaScript for a usable layout.
  • Region matters: The service is hosted in St. Louis, MO and targets North America, so players elsewhere may see higher latency.
  • Support channel: If hosting steps are unclear, the Discord is the designated support route rather than a direct contact form.

Optional: Supporting the Project

Donations are optional and go toward TSPG cluster costs. Patreon supporters receive Discord and hosting benefits. The site also links to Ko-fi and PayPal pages for the maintainers. No pricing for hosting itself is stated on the page; the service describes itself as free.