CS2 dedicated server setup guide

Counter-Strike 2 is one of the most played competitive games in the world. A dedicated server gives you control over game modes, map rotations, competitive settings and Workshop maps for custom games.

Requirements

• RAM: 2 to 4 GB. CS2 servers are relatively lightweight.
• CPU: a fast single core. Tick rate 128 needs more CPU than 64.
• Storage: 30 to 40 GB for the full server installation.
• Ports: 27015 TCP/UDP (game), 27020 UDP (SourceTV).
• GSLT Token: required for public servers. Generate at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers with App ID 730.

Installation

1. Select Counter-Strike 2 in the game panel, or install via SteamCMD (app ID 730) on a VPS.
2. Set the GSLT token in the startup parameters with +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_TOKEN.
3. Choose a game mode:
   • Competitive: +game_type 0 +game_mode 1
   • Casual: +game_type 0 +game_mode 0
   • Deathmatch: +game_type 1 +game_mode 2
   • Wingman: +game_type 0 +game_mode 2
4. Set the starting map: +map de_dust2.
5. Start the server.

Map rotation

Edit gamemodes_server.txt to define which maps rotate in each game mode. Add Workshop maps by their ID using host_workshop_map or host_workshop_collection.

Competitive settings

For a tournament-style server, create a server.cfg with:

mp_maxrounds 24
mp_overtime_enable 1
mp_freezetime 15
sv_cheats 0
mp_match_can_clinch 1

Workshop maps

CS2 supports Steam Workshop maps for custom game modes (surf, KZ, aim training, retake):

1. Find the map on the Steam Workshop and note its ID.
2. Add to startup: +host_workshop_map MAP_ID.
3. For a collection: +host_workshop_collection COLLECTION_ID.

Do I need a GSLT token?

Yes, for a public server that appears in the server browser. Without it, only direct IP connections work and the server is delisted after a few minutes.

What about anti-cheat?

VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) runs automatically on all CS2 servers. You cannot disable it on GSLT-registered servers. For additional protection, consider third-party plugins via MetaMod/SourceMod.

Can I run 128-tick?

CS2 uses a sub-tick system by default. The effective experience is equivalent to 128-tick without the traditional tickrate setting. The server runs at the engine's native rate.

CS2 servers run on KVM VPS plans or game plans at HostValues.