Counter-Strike 2 Server Hosting

Counter-Strike 2 on Game Lords

Counter-Strike 2 is the latest iteration of the iconic tactical FPS. Our CS2 servers provide competitive-grade performance with full SourceMod and MetaMod support for custom gameplay experiences.

Server Setup

Initial Configuration

1. Select “Counter-Strike 2” from game list
2. Configure basic settings:
   • Server Name: Displayed in server browser
   • Password: Optional for private matches
   • Game Mode: Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, etc.
   • Map Group: Active duty, Reserve, Workshop maps
   • Max Players: Typically 10-32 depending on mode

Recommended Specifications

Game Mode	Players	RAM	CPU	Storage
Competitive 5v5	10	2GB	4 cores	15GB
Casual	20	4GB	4 cores	20GB
Deathmatch	32	6GB	6 cores	25GB
Custom/Modded	32+	8GB+	8 cores	40GB+

Server Configuration

server.cfg

Primary configuration file for CS2 servers:

// Server Information
hostname "My CS2 Server"
sv_password ""
sv_contact "admin@example.com"

// Network Settings
sv_lan 0
ip "0.0.0.0"
net_public_adr "YOUR_SERVER_IP"

// Game Settings
mp_teamcasual_timeout 180
mp_teamcasual_timeout_after_timeout_duration 30
mp_tactical_timeout_max 4
mp_technical_timeout_max 1

// Round Settings
mp_maxrounds 30
mp_overtime_enable 1
mp_overtime_maxrounds 6
mp_overtime_startmoney 16000

// Economy Settings
mp_startmoney 800
mp_maxmoney 16000
mp_afterroundmoney 0
mp_playercashawards 1
mp_teamcashawards 1

// Weapon Settings
mp_weapons_allow_zeus 1
mp_weapons_allow_heavyassaultsuit 1
mp_buy_anywhere 0
mp_buy_during_immunity 0
mp_buytime 90

// Movement and Physics
sv_accelerate 5.5
sv_airaccelerate 12
sv_friction 5.2
sv_stopspeed 80

Game Modes Configuration

Competitive Mode

game_type 0
game_mode 1
mp_maxrounds 30
mp_roundtime 1.92
mp_freezetime 15
mp_startmoney 800
mp_buytime 90

Casual Mode

game_type 0
game_mode 0
mp_maxrounds 15
mp_roundtime 3
mp_freezetime 8
mp_startmoney 1000
mp_buytime 60

Deathmatch

game_type 1
game_mode 2
mp_roundtime 10
mp_respawn_on_death_ct 1
mp_respawn_on_death_t 1
mp_maxmoney 0

Map Management

Official Maps

CS2 includes several map pools:

Active Duty Group

• de_mirage: Most popular competitive map
• de_dust2: Classic bomb defusal map
• de_inferno: Close-quarters combat
• de_nuke: Vertical gameplay with multiple levels
• de_overpass: Modern industrial setting
• de_vertigo: Skyscraper setting with height advantage
• de_ancient: Temple-themed map

Reserve Group

• de_cache: Fan-favorite from previous games
• de_train: Industrial train yard setting
• de_cbble: Medieval cobblestone streets

Workshop Maps

Install community maps:

1. Find map on Steam Workshop
2. Subscribe to map or note Workshop ID
3. Add to server using console:

   host_workshop_map WORKSHOP_ID

4. Or add to map rotation in server configuration

Map Rotation

Configure automatic map changes:

// Map list for rotation
mp_map_vote_current 1
mp_endmatch_votenextmap 1

// Add maps to mapgroup
mapgroup mg_active de_mirage de_dust2 de_inferno de_nuke

SourceMod and MetaMod

Installation

SourceMod and MetaMod come pre-installed on Game Lords CS2 servers:

1. MetaMod:Source: Core plugin framework
2. SourceMod: Advanced admin and plugin system
3. Automatic updates: Kept current with CS2 updates

Essential Plugins

Administration

• Admin File Reader: Manage admin permissions
• Basic Commands: Core admin functionality
• Basic Chat: Chat management tools
• Anti-Flood: Prevent chat spam

Gameplay Enhancement

• QuakeSounds: Audio rewards for kills
• RankMe: Player statistics and ranking
• VIP Core: VIP player privileges
• Weapon Restrict: Limit certain weapons

Server Management

• MapChooser: Voting system for map changes
• Rock The Vote: Player-initiated map votes
• Admin Menu: GUI for admin commands
• Reserved Slots: Guarantee slots for regulars

Plugin Installation

1. Upload plugin files to “addons/sourcemod/plugins/”
2. Place configuration files in “addons/sourcemod/configs/”
3. Restart server or use sm plugins reload
4. Configure settings in plugin config files

Admin Commands

Basic SourceMod Commands

Grant admin access first by editing “addons/sourcemod/configs/admins_simple.ini”:

"STEAM_1:0:12345678"    "99:z"    // Full admin access

Player Management

sm_kick <player> [reason]          # Kick player
sm_ban <player> <minutes> [reason] # Ban player
sm_unban <steamid>                 # Remove ban
sm_gag <player> [minutes]          # Prevent text chat
sm_mute <player> [minutes]         # Prevent voice chat

Server Control

sm_map <mapname>                   # Change map immediately
sm_cvar <cvar> [value]            # Change server variable
sm_rcon <command>                  # Execute server command
sm_reloadadmins                    # Reload admin permissions

Game Management

sm_slay <player>                   # Kill player
sm_respawn <player>                # Respawn player (if possible)
sm_noclip <player>                 # Toggle noclip mode
sm_god <player>                    # Toggle godmode

Console Commands (RCON)

changelevel <map>                  # Change to specific map
mp_restartgame 1                   # Restart current round
users                             # Show connected players
status                            # Display server status
quit                              # Shutdown server

Competitive Configuration

Match Setup

For competitive matches:

// Competition settings
mp_match_can_clinch 1
mp_match_restart_delay 15
mp_halftime 1
mp_halftime_duration 15

// Spectator settings
mp_forcecamera 1
mp_spectatorsmax 5
tv_enable 1
tv_delay 105

// Anti-cheat settings (if VAC secured)
sv_pure 1
sv_consistency 1

GOTV (Game Television)

Enable match broadcasting:

tv_enable 1
tv_name "My Server GOTV"
tv_delay 105
tv_maxclients 10
tv_relaypassword "password"
tv_autorecord 1

Warmup Configuration

mp_warmup_pausetimer 0
mp_warmuptime 90
mp_warmuptime_all_players_connected 30
mp_do_warmup_period 1
mp_warmup_start_health 100
mp_warmup_start_armor 100

Performance Optimization

Server Performance

// FPS and tick rate
fps_max 300
sv_mincmdrate 128
sv_maxcmdrate 128
sv_minupdaterate 128
sv_maxupdaterate 128

// Network optimization
rate 786432
sv_maxrate 0
sv_minrate 196608

// CPU optimization
host_thread_mode 0
r_threaded_renderdata 1

Network Settings

// Rates for 128-tick servers
sv_clockcorrection_msecs 15
sv_lagcompensation_teleport_dist 64
sv_maxunlag 1000
sv_maxusrcmdprocessticks 16

Hardware Recommendations

• CPU: High single-core performance crucial
• RAM: 8GB+ recommended for stable performance
• Network: Low latency, high bandwidth connection
• Storage: SSD for faster map loading

Community Features

Ranking Systems

Popular ranking plugins:

• RankMe: Comprehensive stat tracking
• HLstatsX: Web-based statistics
• K4-System: Modern ranking with web interface
• LevelsRanks: Simple level-based progression

VIP Systems

Implement VIP features:

• Reserved slots: Guaranteed server access
• Special weapons: Access to additional equipment
• Chat privileges: Colored names and messages
• Gameplay bonuses: Extra health, armor, or money

Custom Game Modes

Popular modifications:

• Retakes: Retake scenarios practice
• Executes: Practice site executions
• 1v1 Arena: Dueling system
• Surf: Physics-based movement maps
• Bhop: Bunny hopping servers
• Zombie Escape: Cooperative escape scenarios

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Server Won’t Start

• Port conflicts: Ensure 27015 (default) is available
• Configuration errors: Check server.cfg syntax
• Missing maps: Verify all maps in rotation exist
• Plugin conflicts: Disable problematic plugins

High Latency/Lag

• Tick rate: Verify server is running at 128 tick
• Network issues: Check server location and connection
• Resource usage: Monitor CPU and RAM utilization
• Plugin overhead: Profile plugin performance impact

Player Connection Issues

• VAC status: Ensure VAC is properly configured
• Version mismatch: Verify server is updated
• Firewall: Check port accessibility
• Steam authentication: Verify Steam connectivity

Performance Monitoring

Key metrics to watch:

• Server FPS: Should maintain 300+ FPS
• Var (variance): Should stay below 2ms
• Choke/Loss: Network packet statistics
• Player ping: Individual connection quality

Leagues and Tournaments

ESEA/FACEIT Integration

For league play:

• Contact league organizers for server requirements
• Install required plugins (anti-cheat, match systems)
• Configure specific settings per league rules
• Provide RCON access to authorized match administrators

Match Configuration

// League standard settings
mp_autokick 0
mp_autoteambalance 0
mp_limitteams 0
mp_friendlyfire 1
mp_tkpunish 0

Demo Recording

tv_enable 1
tv_autorecord 1
tv_name "Match Demo"
tv_title "Team1 vs Team2"

Security

Anti-Cheat Measures

• VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat): Enabled by default
• Server-side plugins: Additional protection layers
• Admin monitoring: Active administration
• Community reporting: Player-based anti-cheat

Server Protection

// Basic protection
sv_pure 1
sv_consistency 1
sv_lan 0

// Rate limiting
sv_max_queries_sec 3
sv_max_queries_window 30
sv_max_queries_global 60

Getting Help

CS2 Resources

• Steam Community: Guides and discussions
• AlliedModders: SourceMod documentation and support
• Reddit: r/GlobalOffensive and r/CounterStrike
• HLTV: Professional scene news and information

Game Lords Support

Specialized CS2 support includes:

• SourceMod configuration assistance
• Competitive setup guidance
• Performance optimization
• Plugin troubleshooting

When requesting support, include:

• Server configuration files
• Plugin list and versions
• Console logs showing errors
• Description of expected vs. actual behavior

Good luck running your Counter-Strike 2 server!