How to Host a CS:GO Dedicated Server

Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is Valve’s tool to install and update CS:GO servers.

• Windows:
• 1. Download SteamCMD
  2. Extract to C:\SteamCMD
  3. Run steamcmd.exe
• Linux (Ubuntu/Debian): Update your system’s package list
  
  sudo apt update
  
  sudo → run the command as admin
  apt → Linux package manager
  update → refresh the list of available software

Download the CS:GO Server

Use SteamCMD to get the server files:

force_install_dir C:\csgo-server\  # Or ~/csgo-server/ on Linux
login anonymous
app_update 740 validate
quit

• force_install_dir – where server files will be installed
• app_update 740 validate – downloads/updates the CS:GO server

Register a Game Server Login Token (GSLT)

1. Go to the Steam Game Server Management page
2. Log in with your Steam account that owns CS:GO
3. Click “Create a new Game Server Account”
4. Select Game: CS:GO and add a Memo (server name for reference)
5. Click Create and copy the token

Each token is tied to one server. Keep it private.

Configure Your Server

Go to csgo/cfg and create/edit server.cfg:

hostname "My CS:GO Server"       // Server name
rcon_password "supersecret"      // Remote admin password
sv_password ""                   // Leave blank for public server
sv_lan 0                         // 0 = internet, 1 = LAN only
mp_maxplayers 16                 // Number of players
sv_cheats 0                      // Keep cheats off
mp_autoteambalance 1             // Auto-balance teams

• Optional: Use autoexec.cfg for extra settings (tickrate, etc.)
• Maps: Edit mapcycle.txt to customize map rotation

Port Forwarding

Allow players to connect by forwarding ports on your router:

• UDP 27015 – game traffic
• TCP 27015 – optional, for RCON remote admin
• Make sure your firewall allows these ports

If you have a dynamic IP, use a dynamic DNS service so players can connect via a hostname.

Launch the Server

Linux: ./srcds_run -game csgo -net_port_try 1 -tickrate 128 \
+game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2 \
+sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT_TOKEN

Windows: srcds.exe -game csgo -console -usercon -port 27015 -tickrate 128 \
+game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2 \
+sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT_TOKEN

Replace YOUR_GSLT_TOKEN with your Game Server Login Token from Steam.

-tickrate 128 ensures competitive tickrate.

+map de_dust2 starts the server on Dust2.

Connect to Your Server

1. Open CS:GO
2. Press ~ to open console
3. Type: connect YOUR_PUBLIC_IP:27015
4. You’re in!

If you set sv_password, enter it to join. Ensure sv_lan 0 is set for Internet play.

Frequently Asked Questions