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Configuration Guide - Counter Strike 2 Wiki

Counter Strike 2 Guide • Updated Jan 8, 2026

Counter Strike 2: Server Configuration Guide

Proper server configuration is critical for competitive Counter Strike 2 gameplay. This guide covers all essential configuration files, RCON setup, tick rates, and performance tuning to ensure your server runs at professional standards.

Essential Configuration Files

server.cfg

Core server configuration file containing hostname, password, RCON, and gameplay settings.

autoexec.cfg

Auto-executed configuration that loads on server startup for custom settings.

banned_user.cfg

Database of permanently banned Steam IDs from the server.

Creating server.cfg

The server.cfg file is located in your server's cs2/cfg/ directory. Create or edit this file with following settings:

Basic Server Information

// Server Identity
hostname "My CS2 Competitive Server"
rcon_password "your_secure_rcon_password"
sv_password ""  // Leave empty for public server

// Server Performance
sv_maxrate 0  // Unlimited bandwidth
sv_minrate 80000
sv_cmdrate 128
sv_updaterate 128
fps_max 300  // Maximum server FPS

Gameplay Settings

// Gameplay Configuration
sv_pausable 0  // Disable pause during matches
sv_allowupload 1
sv_allowdownload 1
sv_downloadurl "http://your-fast-cdn.com/fastdl/"  // FastDL URL

// Match Settings
mp_roundtime_defuse 1.92  // 1:55 round time in competitive
mp_roundtime_hostage 2
mp_freezetime 15  // 15-second buy time
mp_round_restart_delay 5
mp_maxrounds 30  // Standard competitive rounds

// Economy
mp_startmoney 800
mp_round_restart_delay 7
mp_teamcashawards 1

Important: Always use strong RCON passwords. RCON provides full server control, so protect it carefully.

RCON Configuration

RCON (Remote Console) allows you to manage your server remotely without being in-game:

Enabling RCON in server.cfg

rcon_password "your_secure_password"
sv_rcon_banpenalty 10  // Minutes to ban on failed RCON attempts
sv_rcon_maxfailures 10  // Maximum failed attempts before ban

Using RCON

  • In-game: Open console, type rcon_password YOUR_PASSWORD
  • External tools: Use RCON clients like Bruteforce RCON or SourceRCON
  • Command line: Use rcon command with password parameter

Tick Rate Configuration

Tick rate determines how often server updates player positions. Higher tick rates mean more accurate gameplay:

Tick Rate Network Updates/Second Use Case CPU Requirements
64 Tick 64 updates/second Public servers, casual play Low (Standard)
128 Tick (Pro) 128 updates/second Competitive, practice, scrims High (2x CPU)

Setting Tick Rate

// 128 Tick Configuration
sv_cmdrate 128
sv_updaterate 128
rate 786432

Advanced Configuration Options

Map Configuration

// Map Rotation
mapgroup mg_bomb
map de_dust2  // Starting map

// Workshop Maps
host_workshop_collection ""  // Workshop collection ID
host_workshop_map ""  // Specific workshop map ID

Player Management

// Player Limits
sv_maxplayers 10  // 5v5 competitive (max 64)
sv_visiblemaxplayers -1  // -1 shows actual player count to clients

// Team Balancing
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_autokick 1  // Kick idle players
mp_limitteams 2

Anti-Cheat and Security

// VAC Configuration
sv_secure 1  // Enable VAC
sv_pure 1  // Enforce pure server settings

// Logging
log on
sv_logbans 1
sv_logecho 1
sv_logfile 1

Performance Optimization

Network Settings

// Network Optimization
sv_maxupdaterate 128
sv_minupdaterate 20
sv_maxcmdrate 128
sv_mincmdrate 20
sv_client_cmdrate_difference 20

Server Tick Rate and FPS

// Ensure server runs at optimal FPS
fps_max 300
fps_max_menu 0
mat_queue_mode 2

Essential RCON Commands

changelevel de_dust2 - Change map immediately
mp_restartgame 1 - Restart match in 1 second
kick player_name - Kick player
banid 60 "STEAM_0:0:12345" - Ban player for 60 minutes
status - Show server status and player list

Plugin and Mod Support

CS2 supports community-created plugins and modifications:

  • Metamod:Source - Plugin framework
  • SourceMod - Administration and gameplay plugins
  • Custom Maps - Workshop and custom map support

Common Configuration Issues

Issue Solution
Server shows 64 tick despite 128 config Ensure sv_cmdrate and sv_updaterate are both set to 128
Players can't connect Check firewall rules on port 27015 (TCP/UDP) and verify sv_lan 0
RCON not responding Verify RCON password matches exactly, check firewall for port 27015
High CPU usage Reduce tick rate to 64 or optimize player count for your hardware

Best Practices

  • Backup Regularly: Keep backups of your config files
  • Test Changes: Apply config changes on test server before production
  • Document Settings: Keep notes on custom configurations for team reference
  • Monitor Performance: Use rcon stats to check server FPS and tick rate

Get your competitive server running at peak performance. Host your CS2 server with Supercraft for guaranteed 128-tick gameplay with enterprise-grade infrastructure.

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