Getting Started with Your Counter-Strike 2 Server

Getting Started with Your Counter-Strike 2 Server

Your own CS2 server gives you full control over rules, maps, and plugins. Here's how to get started.

1. Create a Steam Game Server Login Token (GSLT)

For your server to appear publicly in the server browser, create a free GSLT at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers (app ID 730). Enter the token under Startup → STEAM_GSLT.

2. Choose a starting map

Under Startup, set SRCDS_MAP to the map the server should start on, e.g. de_dust2 or de_mirage.

3. Start the server

Click Start in the console. The server is usually ready within 1-2 minutes.

4. Connect to the server

Open CS2's developer console (enable it under Settings → Game if it isn't already on) and type:

connect your-ip:port

5. Install SourceMod and MetaMod

If you want admin plugins or custom gamemodes, install SourceMod and MetaMod via the file manager. Upload the files to game/csgo/addons and restart the server.

Tips

• Set MAX_PLAYERS under Startup to control server size.
• Use automatic backups before experimenting with new plugins or config changes.
• Create a mapcycle.txt in the file manager to automatically rotate between multiple maps.