With your own Counter-Strike 2 server you control the game mode, maps and rules. Whether you want to run competitive 5v5, casual or a workshop map, a dedicated server gives you full control.
Requesting a GSLT token
Valve requires a Game Server Login Token (GSLT) for your server to appear in the server browser. You can request one for free:
- Go to
steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameserversand log in. - Enter App ID
730(this applies to CS2 as well) and provide a description. - Copy the token.
Installation
- Install SteamCMD on your KVM VPS (at least 2 vCPU cores and 4 GB RAM).
- Download the server:
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/cs2/server +login anonymous +app_update 730 validate +quit - Start the server with the GSLT token and your desired game mode:
./cs2 -dedicated -port 27015 +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT_TOKEN +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +map de_dust2
Game modes
CS2 uses a combination of game_type and game_mode to select the game variant:
- Competitive: game_type 0, game_mode 1
- Casual: game_type 0, game_mode 0
- Wingman: game_type 0, game_mode 2
- Deathmatch: game_type 1, game_mode 2
Configuration
Server settings are located in cfg/server.cfg. Here you configure the server name (hostname), password (sv_password), tickrate and round timers. Map rotation is managed in cfg/gamemode_competitive.cfg or the corresponding file for your game mode.
Workshop maps
Add custom maps via the Steam Workshop by passing the workshop ID at startup: +host_workshop_map WORKSHOP_ID. This requires a Steam Web API Key, which you set with -authkey.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my server not appear in the server browser?
Check that your GSLT token is entered correctly and that port 27015 (TCP and UDP) and 27020 (UDP) are open in your firewall. Without a valid token Valve will not list your server.
How much bandwidth does a CS2 server use?
Expect roughly 1 to 2 Mbit/s per connected player at 128 tick. A full 10-player competitive match therefore uses 10 to 20 Mbit/s. The HostValues VPS plans provide more than enough bandwidth for this.
Can I run multiple CS2 servers on the same VPS?
Yes, start each instance on a different port (for example 27015, 27025, 27035) and use a separate GSLT token for each. Make sure your VPS has enough RAM and CPU for the total number of players.