Welcome, Dev, to our comprehensive guide on how to host a CS:GO server. Whether you are a casual player hosting a server for friends or an aspiring professional looking to set up a practice server, this guide has got you covered. Hosting a CS:GO server may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can create a server that is unique to your preferences and gameplay style. So, let’s get started.
1. Understanding the Basics of CS:GO Server Hosting
Before we dive into the technical details, let’s cover the basics of CS:GO server hosting. A CS:GO server is essentially a virtual environment where players can join and play matches with each other. As a server host, you have the power to customize the server settings, game modes, map rotations, etc. to your liking. The server host acts as the mediator between players and the game server, ensuring a smooth and fair gameplay experience for everyone.
There are two types of CS:GO servers – dedicated and listen. Dedicated servers are separate from the game client and run 24/7, while listen servers are hosted by players and run only when the player is in-game. In this guide, we will focus on setting up a dedicated server.
2. Choosing the Right Server Provider
The first step to hosting a CS:GO server is choosing the right server provider. There are numerous hosting companies out there, each with its own features and pricing plans. Some popular server providers include GameServers, NFOservers, and HostHavoc. When choosing a server provider, consider the following factors:
Factor |
Consideration |
|---|---|
Price |
Compare pricing plans of various providers to find the best deal. |
Server Location |
Choose a server location closest to your players for low latency. |
Server Hardware |
Look for providers with high-quality hardware for optimal performance. |
Support |
Make sure the provider offers 24/7 technical support in case of issues. |
Once you have chosen a server provider, it’s time to set up your CS:GO server.
3. Setting Up the CS:GO Server
Setting up a CS:GO server involves several steps, which we will cover in detail below.
4. Downloading and Installing the SteamCMD Tool
The first step is to download and install the SteamCMD tool, which allows you to download and update CS:GO server files. You can download the latest version of SteamCMD from the official Valve Developer Community website.
Once downloaded, extract the SteamCMD files to a folder on your computer.
5. Creating a Steam Account and Login Token
Before you can download and install CS:GO server files, you need to create a Steam account and obtain a login token. Follow these steps to create a Steam account and login token:
- Create a Steam account at https://store.steampowered.com/join/.
- Login to your Steam account at https://steamcommunity.com/login/home/.
- Visit the following link to generate a login token: https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers.
- Click on “Create” to generate a new login token.
- Copy the login token to a safe location, as you will need it later.
6. Installing CS:GO Server Files
Now that you have SteamCMD and a login token, it’s time to install the CS:GO server files. Follow these steps:
- Open the command prompt on your computer.
- Navigate to the SteamCMD folder.
- Enter the following command to log in to your Steam account and obtain the CS:GO server files:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir "C:\CSServer" +app_update 740 validate +quit - This command will download and install the CS:GO server files to the “C:\CSServer” directory on your computer.
7. Configuring the Server Settings
Now that you have the CS:GO server files, it’s time to configure the server settings to your preference. The server configuration files are located in the “C:\CSServer\csgo\cfg” directory. The two main configuration files are “server.cfg” and “gamemode_competitive.cfg”.
Here are some of the settings you can modify in the server.cfg file:
Setting |
Description |
|---|---|
hostname |
Set the server name. |
rcon_password |
Set the remote console password for server administration. |
fps_max |
Set the maximum FPS limit for the server. |
sourcetv_port |
Set the SourceTV port for spectators. |
The gamemode_competitive.cfg file contains settings specific to competitive gameplay, such as round time and bomb timer. You can modify these settings to suit your gameplay preferences.
8. Starting the CS:GO Server
Now that you have configured the server settings, it’s time to start the CS:GO server. Follow these steps:
- Open the command prompt on your computer.
- Navigate to the “C:\CSServer” folder.
- Enter the following command to start the server:
srcds.exe -game csgo -console -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2 - This command will start the server with the map “de_dust2” and the game mode set to “competitive”.
Congratulations, you have successfully set up and started a CS:GO server. Now it’s time to invite your friends and start playing.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
10. How much does it cost to host a CS:GO server?
The cost of hosting a CS:GO server varies depending on the server provider and the number of players. On average, a dedicated server for 12-16 players costs around $30-$50 per month.
11. Can I host a CS:GO server on my own computer?
Yes, you can host a CS:GO server on your own computer. However, this is not recommended for several reasons, such as the risk of DDoS attacks and the strain on your computer’s resources.
12. How do I set up a custom map on my CS:GO server?
To set up a custom map on your CS:GO server, simply download the map files and place them in the “C:\CSServer\csgo\maps” directory. Then, add the map name to the “mapcycle.txt” file in the “C:\CSServer\csgo” directory.
13. Can I run plugins on my CS:GO server?
Yes, you can run plugins on your CS:GO server using the SourceMod plugin framework. SourceMod is a community-developed plugin that allows you to add custom features and functionality to your server.
14. How do I update my CS:GO server?
To update your CS:GO server, simply run the SteamCMD tool and enter the following command:app_update 740 validate
This will update the server files to the latest version.
15. How do I ban players from my CS:GO server?
To ban players from your CS:GO server, use the following command in the server console:banid <steamid> <minutes> <reason>
Replace <steamid> with the player’s Steam ID, <minutes> with the ban duration in minutes, and <reason> with the reason for the ban.
16. Conclusion
Hosting a CS:GO server may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a rewarding experience. Whether you are looking to host a private server for friends or establish a competitive practice server, this guide has provided you with the necessary steps and information to get started.
Remember, choosing the right server provider, configuring the server settings, and staying up-to-date with the latest updates and plugins are key factors to hosting a successful CS:GO server. Good luck and have fun!