Getting started with Counter-Strike 2

This guide walks you through setting up your Counter-Strike 2 dedicated server on ServerPrism. You will learn how to order a server, perform initial configuration, and invite players.

Before you start

You need an active ServerPrism account and a server ordered. There are no other specific prerequisites for running a Counter-Strike 2 server.

Ordering on ServerPrism

1. Select a plan: Counter-Strike 2 servers typically require at least 2 GB of RAM for a basic server and up to 8 GB for larger, more active communities. Choose a plan that fits your expected player count and map rotation.
2. Choose a region: Select the data center closest to you and your players for the best performance.
3. Deploy: Once you've selected your plan and region, proceed to deploy your server. The Counter-Strike 2 runtime is installed automatically.

First boot

After deployment, your server will start for the first time. This initial boot can take a few minutes as the server downloads necessary game files and initializes. You can monitor the progress in the ServerPrism panel's Console tab. The server is ready when you see messages indicating successful startup and the server waiting for connections.

Connecting / inviting players

Players can connect to your Counter-Strike 2 server in a few ways:

• Direct Connect: Players can open the developer console (usually by pressing ~) in CS2 and type connect YOUR_SERVER_IP:PORT. Your server's IP address and port are displayed on the Console tab of your ServerPrism panel.
• Community Server Browser: If your server is configured to be public, it will appear in the in-game community server browser. Ensure sv_tags are set correctly in your server configuration for better visibility.
• ServerPrism Subdomain: You can attach a free subdomain to your server from the ServerPrism dashboard. This provides a memorable address like mycs2server.serverprism.com for players to connect to.

Configuration basics

Most server configuration is done through server.cfg and gamemode_server.cfg files, or via Startup Variables in your ServerPrism panel.

1. Access Configuration Files: You can access these files using the File Manager in your ServerPrism panel or via SFTP.
   • csgo/cfg/server.cfg: This is the primary configuration file for server-wide settings.
   • csgo/cfg/gamemode_server.cfg: This file often contains game mode-specific settings.
2. Key Settings to Change:
   • Server Name: Set this using the hostname "Your Server Name" command in server.cfg. This is how your server appears in the browser.
   • RCON Password: Set rcon_password "your_rcon_password" in server.cfg. This allows remote administration.
   • Max Players: Adjust sv_maxplayers X (where X is the number of slots) in server.cfg.
   • Server Password: If you want a private server, set sv_password "your_password" in server.cfg. Players will need this password to join.
   • Map Rotation: You can define a map cycle in server.cfg using the mapcyclefile command or by manually setting map commands in a list.
   • Game Mode: The default game mode is often set in gamemode_server.cfg or can be overridden via startup variables. Common modes include casual, competitive, deathmatch, etc.

Many of these settings, especially hostname, rcon_password, and sv_password, can also be configured directly via the Startup tab in your ServerPrism panel. Changes made there will override values in the configuration files.

Common issues

• Server Not Appearing in Browser: Ensure your hostname is set and sv_lan 0 is in your server.cfg to make your server public. Also, check that no firewall rules are blocking the server port (default 27015 UDP for game traffic, 27020 UDP for SourceTV, 27015 TCP for RCON if enabled).
• Players Cannot Connect: Double-check the IP address and port players are using. Ensure sv_password is not set if you intend for a public server, or provide the correct password to players if it is private.
• "VAC Secure Mode" Error: If you're running custom content or certain plugins, ensure they are compatible with VAC. Running a non-VAC secure server is possible but will prevent players from earning achievements or playing with other VAC-enabled servers.
• High Latency/Lag: Verify your server region is geographically close to your players. If issues persist, consider upgrading your server plan for more resources via the ServerPrism dashboard.

Next steps

Now that your server is running, you can explore further customization:

• Custom Maps and Plugins: Many community resources exist for Counter-Strike 2. You can upload custom maps (.bsp files) and install plugins (e.g., via Metamod/Sourcemod) to enhance gameplay. Consult specific plugin documentation for installation instructions.
• Admin Tools: Set up admin plugins for easier in-game management, kick/ban players, and change maps without RCON.
• Runtime Switching: While Counter-Strike 2 has a single primary runtime, ServerPrism allows for easy switching if other variants become available in the future (e.g., specific modded versions).

If you encounter any issues not covered here, feel free to open a support ticket at https://serverprism.com/tickets. Please include your server ID and any relevant console logs.