How to create and set up a CS 2 (CS2) server

Creating a CS 2 (CS2) server allows you to play with friends or launch a public server. We will consider two options: a local server (for network play without hosting) and a server on hosting (for continuous operation).

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1. How to create a local CS 2 server

A local server is suitable if you want to play with friends over a network or test configurations before launching a full server.

1.1. Launching a local server via console

1. Start CS 2.
2. Open the console (~). If it does not open, enable it in the game settings.
3. Enter the command to start a map (for example, de_dust2):

   map de_dust2

4. For friends to connect, find your IP address (for example, on 2ip.ru) and ask them to enter it in the console:

   connect YOUR_IP:27015

5. If the server does not appear, make sure port 27015 is open on your router.

1.2. Creating a local server via SRCDS

A more stable option is to use special server software.

Installing SRCDS

1. Download SteamCMD and extract it to C:\CS2Server.
2. Run steamcmd.exe and enter the commands:

   login anonymous force_install_dir C:\CS2Server app_update 730 validate exit

3. In C:\CS2Server create a file start.bat with the content:

   srcds.exe -game cs2 -console -port 27015 +map de_dust2 +maxplayers 10 -tickrate 128

4. Run start.bat and connect via console with the command:

   connect 127.0.0.1:27015

5. For friends to connect, open port 27015 on the router and give them your IP address.

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2. How to create a CS 2 server on hosting

If you want to launch a public server, it’s better to use hosting.

2.1. Choosing hosting

For creating a server, we recommend the game hosting MyArena.Ru

Choose a plan with high tickrate (128), good bandwidth, and low ping.

2.2. Installation and setup

1. Register on the hosting website.
2. Select a plan and pay for the server.
3. In the control panel, configure:
   • Server name
   • Maximum number of players
   • Default map
   • Game mode (Classic, Wingman, Retake, etc.)
4. Save the settings and restart the server.

2.3. Installing plugins

To add plugins (for example, admin panel, skins, anti-cheat), install Metamod and Sourcemod.

1. Download Metamod and Sourcemod files from the official websites.
2. Place them in the folder cs2/addons/.
3. Restart the server.
4. Add yourself as an admin by writing in admins_simple.ini:

   "STEAM_1:0:123456789" "99:z"

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3. How to join the server

• If the server is local – use connect 127.0.0.1:27015.
• If the server is on hosting – the IP can be found in the control panel.

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Conclusion

If you need a temporary server to play with friends, it’s enough to run it locally via console or SRCDS. For continuous operation, it’s better to rent a server on hosting, where plugins and a stable connection are available.