How To Set Up a CS2 Dedicated Server

You might be wondering if it’s worth setting up your own dedicated CS2 server, so to help you decide we’ve made a list of the main advantages that come with hosting your very own server.

Here are those benefits: 

• Full control of the server settings and modes
• Improved performance compared to paying for a shared hosting server
• Create your own space for yourself and your friends
• Establish a community of your own

Now that we’ve been over the advantages, let’s get started with the setup process. It’s worth noting that this guide is for the Windows operating system, and utilizes a free open-source program titled Easy SteamCMD to make the process easier.

Check Requirements

To ensure a stable gameplay experience, it’s important to make sure your PC can run the server. System requirements vary depending on a few factors such as server load and specifications. 

Here are the minimum PC requirements recommended for a CS2 server:

• CPU – Minimum 3.0 GHz (quad-core)
• RAM – Minimum 6 GB
• Storage – Minimum 50 GB

Set Up The Server Using Easy SteamCMD

It’s time to get started with the actual setup process. In this guide, we’re using a tool called Easy SteamCMD, which is a free program that downloads everything required for your new CS2 server and keeps it updated every time the server starts. 

Here are the steps you should follow to get the server set up:

• Download the Easy SteamCMD zip file 
• Extract the zip file to a new folder called cs2server
• Download this CS2 version’s config file, and replace the contents of the easysteamcmd-config.txt file using a text editor of your choice
• Edit the STARTUP_COMMAND with the settings you want to change such as the Server name, password, etc
• Run easysteamcmd.bat, and let the installation complete

Your CS2 server should now be running with the IP and port YourPublicIP:27015. Whenever you want to start the game server again, simply run the easysteamcmd.bat file.

Add A Game Server Login Token (GSLT)

If you want other players to be able to connect to your server, you’ll need to add a Game Server Login Token (GSLT).

Here’s how:

• Navigate to the Manage Game Servers section of Steam, and make sure you are logged in with your Steam account
• Under App ID enter 730 for CS2, and optionally add a memo to keep track of your new server
• Open your easysteamcmd-config.txt file and replace YOURGSLT with your GSLT
• Restart your CS2 server

Connecting To Your Server

Before you can connect to your CS2 server, you’ll need to find your IP address used to connect.

Here’s how you can find your Local IP Address (Windows):

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
• Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt
• In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter
• Look for the line that says IPv4 Address. This is your local IP address. It usually looks something like 192.168.0.x.

Here’s how to find your Public IP Address for an online connection:

• Open your web browser
• Go to the  WhatIsMyIP website
• Your public IP address is then displayed at the top of the page

Note: You will want to use the Local IP Address if you and your friends are on the same network, and the Public IP Address if your friends are connecting from different locations via the internet.

Port Forwarding

If your friends are connecting over the internet, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router:

• Log in to your router’s admin page
  • This is usually done by typing your router’s IP address into your web browser
• Find the port forwarding section in your router’s settings, use Google if you need guidance
• Add a new port forwarding rule
  • Service Name: CS2
  • Port Range: 27015 Internal / 27015 External
  • Local IP: Enter your computer’s local IP address
  • Protocol: Select UDP

• Save the settings

Now that you have port forwarded, your friends can join your CS2 server using the IP address in the format: YourPublicIP:27015.

Now that your server is set up, let’s go over some of the ways you can configure your server to make it your own.

Change Game Mode

To change the game mode, you simply need to edit the STARTUP_COMMAND by adding +game_mode 0 +game_type 0 to the end. You can find these types and ID’s here.

Change Game Rules

You’ll likely want to change your game settings, such as round time limit, starting weapons, etc. You can find these settings under /game/csgo/cfg/ folder, and then select the game mode config file that matches your game mode settings (gamemode_casual.cfg for example). Once you find the file, make a copy of it but add “_server” to the end of it, otherwise, your settings are overwritten once the server updates. Finally, edit the new file with the .txt file editor of your choice. You can find a full list of CS2 commands for your server here.

While the setup process may seem daunting at first, it’s not that complicated once you get started, and upon completion leaves you with your very own CS2 server to mess around on with your friends, making it a worthwhile effort in our books. For more tips, tricks, and guides like this make sure to keep it locked right here.