How to Host a CS:GO Server – A Beginner’s Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! If you’re new to hosting a CS:GO server, you might be feeling overwhelmed with all the technical jargon and steps involved. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of hosting your own CS:GO server, starting from scratch. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to set up your own server and play with your friends.

1. Choose the Right Server Provider

The first step in hosting a CS:GO server is to choose the right server provider. There are many options available in the market, each with its own pros and cons. Some popular server providers include:

Server Provider	Pros	Cons
GameServers	Easy setup, good customer support	Expensive compared to other providers
Nitrado	Flexible pricing, good performance	Not as user-friendly as other providers
Vultr	Highly customizable, affordable pricing	Requires more technical knowledge to set up

Take your time to research and compare different server providers to find the one that suits your needs and budget.

2. Rent or Host Your Own Server

Once you’ve chosen your server provider, you’ll need to decide whether to rent a server or host your own. Renting a server is the easier and more convenient option, as the provider will take care of all the technical aspects of hosting. However, hosting your own server gives you more control over the server settings and can be more cost-effective in the long run. Here are some things to consider when making this decision:

Pros of Renting a Server

• Easy setup: The provider will take care of all the technical aspects.
• Good customer support: If you run into any issues, you can contact the provider for assistance.
• Flexible pricing: You can choose a plan that fits your budget and needs.

Cons of Renting a Server

• Expensive compared to hosting your own server.
• Less control over server settings: You’ll have to abide by the provider’s restrictions and rules.

Pros of Hosting Your Own Server

• More control over server settings: You can customize the server to your liking.
• Cost-effective in the long run: You only pay for the initial setup costs and maintenance.
• No restrictions: You can set your own rules and restrictions.

Cons of Hosting Your Own Server

• Requires more technical knowledge: You’ll need to know how to set up and maintain a server.
• More time-consuming: You’ll need to invest time into setting up and maintaining the server.

Consider your technical expertise, budget, and time constraints when deciding whether to rent or host your own server.

3. Configure Your Server Settings

Once you’ve chosen your server provider and decided whether to rent or host your own server, it’s time to configure your server settings. Here are some settings you’ll need to configure:

Game Mode

CS:GO offers various game modes, including Competitive, Casual, and Deathmatch. Choose the game mode that you want to host on your server.

Map Rotation

Select the maps that you want to include in your server’s map rotation. You can choose from the default maps or download custom maps from the Steam Workshop.

Server Name and Password

Set a name for your server and create a password if you want to restrict access to it. This will prevent random players from joining your server.

Player Slots

Choose how many player slots your server will have. This will determine how many players can join your server at once.

Server Region

Select the region where your server will be hosted. This will affect the ping and latency of players who join your server.

Take your time to configure your server settings to your liking. Once you’re done, you’re ready to launch your server!

4. Launch Your Server

If you’re renting a server, the provider will take care of launching it for you. If you’re hosting your own server, you’ll need to launch it manually. Here’s how to do it:

Windows

If you’re hosting your own server on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the CS:GO Dedicated Server tool from the Steam Library.
2. Create a new text file called “start_server.bat” in the CS:GO Dedicated Server folder.
3. Edit the “start_server.bat” file and add the following code:

srcds.exe -game csgo -console -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 0 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2 +maxplayers 12 +sv_setsteamaccount [your steam account token here] -ip [your server’s IP address here] -port [your server’s port number here] +sv_password [your server’s password here] -tickrate 128

4. Save the “start_server.bat” file.
5. Double-click on the “start_server.bat” file to launch your server.

Linux

If you’re hosting your own server on Linux, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your server via SSH.
2. Download and install the CS:GO Dedicated Server tool from the SteamCMD utility.
3. Navigate to the “csgo” folder in the CS:GO Dedicated Server tool.
4. Edit the “start.sh” file and add the following code:

./srcds_run -game csgo -console -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 0 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2 +maxplayers 12 +sv_setsteamaccount [your steam account token here] -ip [your server’s IP address here] -port [your server’s port number here] +sv_password [your server’s password here] -tickrate 128

5. Save the “start.sh” file.
6. Run the “start.sh” file to launch your server.

Once your server is launched, players can join it via the CS:GO client using your server’s IP address and port number.

5. Troubleshooting and FAQ

How can I add custom maps to my server?

You can download custom maps from the Steam Workshop and add them to your server’s “maps” folder. Make sure to configure your server settings to include the custom map in the map rotation.

How can I change my server’s tickrate?

You can change your server’s tickrate by editing the “start_server.bat” or “start.sh” file and adding the “+tickrate x” command, where “x” is your desired tickrate. For example, “+tickrate 128” would set your server’s tickrate to 128.

How can I update my server’s game version?

If you’re renting a server, the provider will take care of updating your server’s game version. If you’re hosting your own server, you’ll need to update it manually. To do this, run the SteamCMD utility and use the “app_update 740 validate” command to update the game files to the latest version.

My server is experiencing lag. How can I fix it?

There are several factors that can contribute to server lag, including high player count, high tickrate, and slow internet connection. Try reducing your server’s player slots or tickrate to improve performance. You can also try upgrading your internet connection or switching to a different server provider.

Can I host a CS:GO server on a Raspberry Pi?

It is possible to host a CS:GO server on a Raspberry Pi, but it requires a lot of technical knowledge and may not be as performant as hosting on a dedicated server. If you’re interested in hosting on a Raspberry Pi, you can follow online tutorials or join online communities for support.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You’ve successfully learned how to host your own CS:GO server. We hope this guide has been helpful in demystifying the process and empowering you to play with your friends. Remember to take your time to research and configure your server settings to your liking, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you run into any issues.