A CS2 server only becomes interesting once it runs a mode: 5v5 matches, retakes, surf or a practice session for the team. The way there is the same for all of them - first GSLT and connection, then the plugin foundation of Metamod and CounterStrikeSharp, and the actual mode on top. The guides are sorted in this order.
The first decision is therefore not a technical one but one of content: what is the server for? A 5v5 match server for league and scrim evenings needs MatchZy with knife round, ready control and demo recording. A training server for utility and aim gets by with a practice config and bots. Retake, executes, Wingman, 1v1 and surf are each server characters of their own with their own audience. Everything else follows from this choice - above all the question of whether you need a plugin foundation at all. Deathmatch, Wingman and a pure Workshop map server run without one; anything beyond that requires Metamod:Source and CounterStrikeSharp on top of it.
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View plans & pricesGetting started: get the server running
Without a GSLT, your server does not appear publicly - that is why this step comes first.
Create a Game Server Login Token with app ID 730 and set it via sv_setsteamaccount.
Enable the developer console and connect via connect with IP and port.
Activate RCON and use the most important commands from status to changelevel.
Plugin foundation
Almost every mode builds on the same base. Once set up, it applies to everything else. The order is mandatory: Metamod:Source hooks into the engine, CounterStrikeSharp provides the interface on top of it that the plugins are built against. Anyone coming from CS:GO often looks for SourceMod here - for Counter-Strike 2, it is not the common choice.
Count on this layer having to catch up after larger game updates. That explains most servers that still start after an update but suddenly run without plugins.
Enter Metamod:Source in the gameinfo.gi and install CounterStrikeSharp.
Basic configuration
What belongs on every CS2 server, no matter which mode runs on it.
Understand the load order, set the core convars and load your own configs via exec.
bot_add, bot_quota and difficulty - including silent targets for aim training.
Start GOTV recording, fetch it via SFTP and review it with demoui.
Setting up game modes
Eight common server types - some without a plugin, some with. Start with one and set it up cleanly instead of putting several modes on the same server in parallel: each brings its own convars and its own map selection, and they contradict each other faster than you think.
A complete match server with knife round, .ready control and demo recording.
Install the RetakesPlugin, choose maps and configure the mode cleanly.
The opposite of retake: practice attacks with coordinated utility.
Without a plugin: FFA, free armor and aim training for warming up.
The 2v2 mode on the small maps - ideal for duos.
Valve's new 3v3 mode without mods on your own server.
Duel server with promotion and relegation, via arena map or with a leaderboard.
Surf maps from the Workshop, sv_airaccelerate and a timer as a convenience feature.
Nade trajectories, infinite ammo, full money and rethrow bindings.
Tournaments & decision aids
When it gets serious - and the question of what you need to install at all.
Checklist for a tournament day: preparation, schedule and the three usual mishaps.
Metamod, CounterStrikeSharp, what became of SourceMod - and what runs without plugins.
Maps & technology
Load maps from the Workshop and understand how CS2 processes ticks.
Load individual maps via host_workshop_map and whole collections as a rotation.
Why there is no sv_tickrate any more and which server values count instead.
Troubleshooting
Not reachable and not visible are two different problems.
GSLT, server address, Metamod after updates, sv_lan and password - cleanly separated.
How the server address is made up and where a block gets in the way.
Before you order
Cross-game buying advice - also applies to CS2.
How much does a CS2 server cost?
The four packages with prices, assigned by mode - from match server to community server.
How much does a game server cost?
Price factors and entry prices of all fourteen games at a glance.
Guide values for all fourteen games in direct comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Rent your own CS2 server
Match server, retake, surf or practice - with Metamod, CounterStrikeSharp, Workshop maps and RCON in the browser. Prepaid without a notice period, located in Frankfurt am Main.
View plans & pricesCounter-Strike 2 server hosting
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