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Discover how to configure Counter-Strike servers with gamemodes, mapgroups, and GSL tokens for optimal gameplay → Learn more now
10 November 20268 min read1 Views0 helpful
Introduction
Counter-Strike servers can be configured in many ways. Basic settings can be made via the server.cfg file and the Configuration tab in the web interface. Advanced configuration is done through gamemode configuration files such as gamemode_competitive.cfg, gamemode_custom.cfg, gamemode_casual.cfg, gamemode_cooperative.cfg, and so on.
In the Configuration tab, you can select the gamemode you want to use. The commands from this config will then be loaded accordingly. These can be managed either in the game server management or manually via FTP under gXXXXXX/cs2/game/csgo/cfg/.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Via the server.cfg file and the Configuration tab in the web interface. Advanced settings are done through gamemode config files like gamemode_competitive.cfg or gamemode_casual.cfg.
Classic Casual, Classic Competitive, Deathmatch, and Wingman.
Add it in the gamemodes_server.txt file with a name and a list of included maps – by default, the groups mg_active and mg_allclassic already exist.
Use the command rcon_password YourPassword in the server.cfg, then you can execute commands with rcon command, e.g., rcon changelevel de_dust2.
Protected commands like god, sv_infinite_ammo, noclip, r_drawothermodels 2, mat_wireframe 2, enable_skeleton_draw 1, or mat_fullbright 3.
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Counter-Strike 2
Configuration
Configuration via the Interface
In the Configuration tab, you can adjust basic settings for the GSL token, gametype/gamemode, mapgroup, and more.
GSL Token
Game Server Login Tokens (GSLTs) are a system introduced by Steam as a protection measure. To run game servers for certain Steam games (mainly Source games), it is necessary to generate a token. More details can be found here:
There are various gamemodes. Here is a list of all available options:
Classic Casual
Classic Competitive
Deathmatch
Wingman
Mapgroup
Mapgroups are groups of maps that usually correspond to a specific category. By default, there are the groups mg_active, mg_allclassic. Optionally, you can create your own. These must be added in the gamemodes_server.txt file. The structure of such a mapgroup is simple and looks like this:
The start map determines which map is loaded at startup. It is important that the map name is written fully and correctly. The file extension is not necessary.
Pingboost
Pingboost is a method to alter the gameplay experience through various techniques to achieve the lowest possible ping.
Configuration via server.cfg
In the server.cfg file, you can change settings such as server name, Rcon password, and server password.
hostname
The hostname defines the server's name. The name is displayed in the server list and on the scoreboard.
rcon_password
The rcon_password is required to execute server commands in-game or via Rcon tools like HLSW. This works with the following commands:
Code
rcon_password YourPassword
rcon command // For example: rcon changelevel de_dust2
sv_password
If you want to use your server privately or only allow certain people access, you can set a server password. When connecting to the server, you will then be asked for the password.
sv_cheats
Certain commands are protected and can only be used if cheats are enabled. The command can be toggled with the value 0 (disabled) or 1 (enabled). Protected commands include:
god, sv_infinite_ammo, noclip, r_drawothermodels 2, mat_wireframe 2, enable_skeleton_draw 1, mat_fullbright 3, and more.
Gamemode-specific Configuration
As described at the beginning, you can define the gamemode/gametype you want to use in the interface under the Configuration tab. Then you need to adjust your settings and modify the corresponding config file. In the gamemode configs, you can make detailed changes to gameplay, bot behavior, etc.
Bot Commands
bot_chatter
This command defines what bots are allowed to say in the game. It can be set to off, radio, minimal, or normal.
bot_difficulty
This command defines how difficult the bots are. The following values are possible:
0 - easy
1 - normal
2 - hard
3 - expert
bot_quota
This command defines the maximum number of bots allowed on your server. The default value is 10.
bot_quota_mode
This command defines the mode controlling the number of bots. Options are: normal, fill, and match. Normal is the default behavior. Fill fills the server with as many bots as set under "bot_quota." Match fills player slots. For example, if 3 players are connected and 10 bots are set, only 7 bots will be used.
Money Commands
cash_player_bomb_defused
This command defines how much money a player receives for defusing a bomb. You cannot assign more than the maximum amount allowed on the server.
cash_player_bomb_planted
This command defines how much money a player receives for planting the bomb.
cash_player_damage_hostage
This command defines how much money is deducted or earned when a hostage is injured. By default, the player loses $30 if the hostage is hurt.
cash_player_interact_with_hostage
This command defines how much money is earned or lost for interacting with a hostage.
cash_player_killed_enemy_default
This command defines how much money is earned or lost for killing an enemy player with a standard weapon.
cash_player_killed_enemy_factor
This command defines how much money is earned for killing an enemy player with one of the main weapons (standard pistols, primary rifles like AK/M4, etc.).
cash_player_killed_hostage
This command defines how much money is earned or lost for killing a hostage.
cash_player_killed_teammate
This command defines how much money is earned or lost for killing a teammate.
cash_player_rescued_hostage
This command defines how much money is earned or lost for safely rescuing a hostage in hostage mode.
cash_team_elimination_bomb_map
This command defines how much money each team member receives when all 5 enemies are killed on a bomb defusal map like Mirage or Dust II.
cash_team_elimination_hostage_map_t
This command defines how much money each terrorist receives for winning a round on a hostage map by elimination.
cash_team_elimination_hostage_map_ct
This command defines how much money each CT team member receives when all 5 terrorists are eliminated on a hostage map.
cash_team_hostage_alive
This command defines how much money is earned or lost when a hostage survives the round.
cash_team_hostage_interaction
This command defines how much money a player earns or loses for interacting with a hostage.
cash_team_loser_bonus
This command defines the starting money a team receives for losing a round. This increases in fixed steps controlled by a separate command.
cash_team_loser_bonus_consecutive_rounds
This command defines how much the loss bonus increases for consecutive losses. If this value is $500 (default), it means each additional lost round gives the losing team $500 more than the previous one, up to 5 consecutive losses.
cash_team_planted_bomb_but_defused
This command defines how much money the terrorist team receives for planting a bomb that is ultimately defused. This stacks with the round loss bonus. The default value is $800.
cash_team_rescued_hostage
This command defines how much money the entire team receives when a player rescues a hostage.
cash_team_terrorist_win_bomb
This command defines how much money each terrorist player wins when they win a round by bomb explosion.
cash_team_win_by_defusing_bomb
This command defines how much money the CT team receives for winning a round by defusing the bomb.
cash_team_win_by_hostage_rescue
This cheat command defines how much money team members earn when they win a round by rescuing a hostage.
cash_team_win_by_time_running_out_hostage
This command defines how much money the team guarding the hostages earns when they win the round by preventing hostages from being rescued within the time limit.
cash_team_win_by_time_running_out_bomb
This command defines how much money the Counter-Terrorist players receive when they win a round because time ran out. This means terrorists did not plant the bomb or did not eliminate all CTs within the time.
Gameplay Commands
mp_afterroundmoney
This command defines how much money each player receives at the end of a round, regardless of win or loss. The default value is 0 (win/loss bonus is set with another command).
mp_buytime
This command defines the time (in seconds) players have after round start to buy equipment.
mp_buy_anywhere
This command defines whether players can use the buy menu outside the buy zone. Note that the buy time still applies.
mp_death_drop_defuser
This command defines whether defuse kits are dropped on death.
mp_death_drop_grenade
This command defines which grenade (if any) is dropped when a player dies:
Value: 0 - No grenades dropped on death
Value: 1 - The most valuable grenade is dropped on death
mp_death_drop_gun
This command defines which weapon is dropped when a player dies. The default is 1 (the best weapon). Choose one of the following options:
Value: 0 - No weapons dropped on death
Value: 1 - The best weapon is dropped on death
Value: 2 - If the player has a weapon in hand on death, it is dropped; otherwise, the most valuable weapon is dropped
mp_defuser_allocation
This command defines whether players receive a free defuser at round start and if so, who:
Value: 1 - No free defusers
Value: 2 - Random players receive a defuser
Value: 3 - All players receive a defuser
mp_force_pick_time
This command defines the time in seconds a player has to pick a team. After time expires, a team is assigned automatically. The default duration is 15 seconds.
mp_forcecamera
This command sets who spectators can see (i.e., who players can watch when dead). See argument info for options:
Value: 0 - Dead players can watch any player
Value: 1 - Dead players can only watch their teammates
Value: 2 - Screen goes black until the next round
mp_free_armor
This command defines whether a player receives free armor and helmet at round start:
Value: 0 - Disabled
Value: 1 - Enabled
mp_freezetime
This command defines how long players are frozen at the start of each round. This freeze time allows buying equipment and discussing tactics. Default is 15 seconds.
mp_friendlyfire
This command defines whether friendly fire is enabled or disabled. When enabled, players can damage their own teammates. The default depends on the gamemode. In Competitive, friendly fire is enabled; in Casual, it is not.
mp_win_panel_display_time
This command defines the time (in seconds) the scoreboard is shown between rounds. Default is 3 seconds.
mp_respawn_immunitytime
This command defines how many seconds players are immune after respawning. This command is used in Deathmatch gamemode.
mp_halftime
This command defines whether teams switch sides at halftime. The default value is 1.
mp_maxmoney
This command defines the maximum amount of money a player can have.
mp_maxrounds
This command defines the maximum number of rounds the server plays.
mp_roundtime
This command defines how many minutes a round lasts at most before it is won or lost. If the round ends after this time, the Counter-Terrorist team wins. Seconds are given as a decimal, e.g., 1.92 = 1m55s.
mp_solid_teammates
This command defines whether you can collide with your teammates or not:
Value: 0 - Collision disabled
Value: 1 - Collision enabled
mp_startmoney
This command defines how much money a player starts with at the beginning of a half. The default is $800.
mp_timelimit
This command defines the maximum game duration in minutes. By default, this is disabled (set to 0).
mp_warmuptime
This command defines how long the warmup phase before the actual game lasts. Time is given in seconds.
sv_allow_votes
This command defines whether votes (e.g., timeout voting) are allowed or not:
Value: 0 - Disabled
Value: 1 - Enabled
sv_infinite_ammo
This command defines whether players have infinite ammo or not:
Value: 1 - Infinite ammo that can be fired without reloading.
Value: 2 - Infinite magazines, but magazines must be reloaded when empty.
ammo_grenade_limit_flashbang
This command defines how many flashbang grenades a player can carry.
ammo_grenade_limit_total
This command defines how many grenades a player can carry in total.
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