First Boot

1. Open your Counter-Strike 2 server in the panel.
2. Click Start.
3. First boot downloads CS2 server files (about 35 GB). 20 to 30 minutes.
4. When you see VAC secure mode is activated and Listening on , you're ready.

To connect: in CS2, open the developer console (must be enabled in settings) with ~ and:

connect 203.0.113.10:27015

Map Cycle

Edit game/csgo/cfg/mapgroup_<groupname>.cfg, or simply use the Startup tab's Mapgroup and Map fields.

Common map groups:

• mg_active: Current active duty maps (Mirage, Inferno, Nuke, Anubis, Overpass, Ancient, Vertigo, Dust2)
• mg_reserves: Reserve pool maps
• mg_custom_*: Custom map sets

To force a specific map on boot, set the Map field to de_mirage (or your preferred map).

Practice / 1v1 / Retake Servers

CS2 has popular community modes that you can replicate:

Retake Server

1. Install CS2Fixes and the Retake plugin.
2. Configure retake spawns and scenarios in the plugin's config.
3. Use a retake config file in cfg/server.cfg with mp_warmuptime 999, mp_buy_anywhere 1, scripted bombsites.

1v1 Arena

1. Install a 1v1 arena plugin (community-built for CS2).
2. Maps are aim-arena and shuffle players into 1v1 brackets.

KZ / Surf

1. Install the CS2 KZ plugin (work in progress; KZ scene is rebuilding on Source 2).
2. Use KZ or surf maps from the workshop.

Game Server Login Token (GSLT)

To run a public CS2 server visible in community browsers:

1. Visit steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers.
2. Generate a token for CS2 (app ID 730).
3. Set the token in the Startup tab's GSLT field.
4. Restart.

Without GSLT, the server can be joined by IP but won't appear in the community browser.

Performance Tips

• Use tickrate 64 unless you specifically need 128 (twice the CPU cost for marginal feel)
• Lower sv_maxupdaterate if your players experience network spikes
• Schedule daily restarts; CS2 has memory creep similar to CS:GO

Backups

CS2 server configs and custom maps are the only critical data. The panel Backups tab handles them. Daily snapshots are fine.

Common Issues

• Server not appearing in browser: GSLT missing or revoked. Tokens revoke after 30 days of inactivity.
• Map fails to change to workshop map: Map not downloaded yet; restart so the workshop downloader can fetch it.
• High ping or warps after Source 2 update: Network frame settings changed; reset to defaults and tune from there.
• Plugins not loading: Source 2 plugin loaders (MetaMod for Source 2) are still maturing. Pin to confirmed-working versions and watch the community plugin forum for updates.

What to Read Next

• Counter-Strike 2 Configuration
• Counter-Strike 2 Admin Setup
• Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Maps