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How to Join - Counter Strike 2 Wiki

Counter Strike 2 Guide • Updated Jan 8, 2026

Counter Strike 2: Joining Dedicated Servers

Connecting to a **Counter Strike 2** dedicated server is essential for competitive play, practice sessions, and community matches. CS2 offers multiple methods to connect, from the built-in server browser to console commands. This guide covers all methods and helps you troubleshoot connection issues.

1. Console Connect Command

The fastest method for direct IP connection. Use the developer console to join servers instantly.

2. Server Browser

Browse public servers, filter by region and ping, and join community servers directly.

3. Steam Favorites

Save your favorite servers for quick access and track server status across sessions.

Enabling the Developer Console

Before using console commands, you need to enable the developer console:

  1. Launch CS2 and go to Settings -> Game.
  2. Find Enable Developer Console and set it to Yes.
  3. Press the ` (tilde) key to open the console (default: key below ESC).

Method 1: Connect via Console Command

This is the most direct method to join any server:

  1. Open the developer console with the ` key.
  2. Type the following command: connect IP:PORT
  3. Example: connect 192.168.1.100:27015
  4. If the server requires a password, use: connect IP:PORT; password YOUR_PASSWORD

Pro Tip: Save frequently used servers as console aliases using alias server1 "connect 192.168.1.100:27015" for quick access.

Method 2: Using the Server Browser

The in-game server browser is perfect for finding new community servers:

  1. From the main menu, click Play CS2.
  2. Select the Browse Servers tab.
  3. Use filters to find servers by region, map, or player count.
  4. Double-click a server to connect, or right-click for more options.

Method 3: Steam Favorites (Recommended for Private Servers)

For your own or private community servers, Steam Favorites is the best option:

  1. In Steam, go to View -> Servers.
  2. Click the Favorites tab.
  3. Click Add a Server and enter the IP address and port.
  4. The server will now appear in your CS2 server browser under Favorites.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Issue Solution
"Client timed out" error Check if the server is online and accessible. Try connecting via IP.
"Server is full" message Wait for a slot to open or contact the server admin to increase player slots.
"Server not responding" Verify the server IP and port are correct. Check your firewall settings.
"Bad password" error Ensure you're using the correct password. Try reconnecting with connect IP:PORT; password PASSWORD

Advanced Connection Methods

Auto-Connect on Launch

To automatically join your server when CS2 launches:

  • Right-click CS2 in Steam -> Properties
  • In Launch Options, add: +connect IP:PORT
  • Example: +connect 192.168.1.100:27015

Connecting to Passworded Servers

For password-protected servers, you have two options:

  • In-console: connect IP:PORT; password YOUR_PASSWORD
  • Pre-set: password YOUR_PASSWORD then connect IP:PORT

Useful Console Commands

disconnect - Leave current server
retry - Reconnect to last server
ping - Show network statistics
status - Show server information

Why Server Browser Shows Limited Servers

CS2's server browser may show fewer servers than expected due to:

  • Filter Settings: Check your region, latency, and tag filters.
  • Privacy Settings: Some servers don't list publicly.
  • Valve Anti-Cheat: Some custom servers may not appear in browser.

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