When playing Counter-Strike 2, users usually connect to official servers and sometimes community servers in search of different game experiences.
However, not that many people know that you can set up your own CS2 server and diversify your gameplay. A server you set up and run yourself can provide a unique and customized gaming experience.
The first step in setting up a CS2 server would be purchasing hosting services from a hosting provider, which we’ll discuss further. Take into account that some vendors allow paying for hosting with cryptocurrency for the convenience of customers.
Without further ado, let’s jump into our guide for setting up a CS 2 server.
Why use a CS2 server?
To start playing Counter-Strike 2, you need to connect the game client installed on your computer to the server.
In Counter-Strike 2, two commonly used types of servers can be classified as official and community servers. Valve itself maintains official servers. Community servers may have custom modifications, VAC turned off, Workshop maps, and unique modes.
Counter-Strike 2 offers an exciting online multiplayer experience, but sometimes, you want to relax with your friends and play by your own rules. That’s where personal CS2 servers come in.
CS2 server is basically a host for the copy of Counter-Strike 2.
Unlike public servers, setting up your own CS2 server gives you complete gameplay control and vast customization options. You can control who can participate in the game with the ability to create private game sessions.
Among other things, having your own CS2 server allows you to:
- Customize every aspect related to gameplay.
- Install mods.
- Run custom maps.
- Adjust game parameters according to the capacity of your server and connection speed.
In other words, a personal CS2 server can be a foundation for a comfortable, high-quality and new gaming experience.
Requirements For CS2 server
CS2 servers can work with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, there are specific requirements your hardware and software have to meet to deploy the CS2 server successfully. You need to make sure that you have:
- Minimum 8 GB of RAM
- 4-core CPU
- 2 GB GeForce GTX 950 or Radeon R7 265 or newer as your GPU
- 50 GB of storage
The mentioned parameters may fluctuate based on additional game features installed. Even though the suggested hardware requirements are optimal for proper CS2 server functionality, any modern PC or server that complies with the Counter-Strike 2 game requirements is likely to support a CS2 server.
You also need a purchased Counter-Strike 2, an active Steam account, and CS2 server files.
Overall, the CS2 server setup is straightforward since you only need basic computer knowledge and the game client. Considering the easy setup, it would be a shame to pass by the opportunity to have your own CS2 server, especially if you are a regular Counter-Strike 2 player.
How to Set up a CS2 server?
There are several ways to set up a CS2 server, including utilizing a pre-configured CS2 server from a game server provider or setting up a CS2 server manually through a server for hosting.
Step 1: Purchase hosting services for your CS2 server
Home Internet connection may bring about instabilities, disrupt the gaming experience, and cause irregularities in CS2 server functioning. Thus, renting a server from a reliable hosting provider is a better option.
You can choose from Virtual Private Servers (VPS), cloud, and dedicated servers. Statistically, VPS and dedicated servers are most commonly used for running CS2 servers.
There are certain advantages to using VPS or a dedicated server for such a purpose such as:
- Complete control over server configuration
- Sufficient resources, including a powerful CPU and enough RAM and storage
- Control panel, which makes the CS2 server management easier
- The possibility of automated backups
- Increased security
Make sure you use the services of a reliable hosting provider that provides guarantees for server functioning.
Step 2: Install the needed dependencies
To ensure good performance of your CS2 server, ensure that you install essential dependencies.
First, you need to install an SSH client (for example, PuTTY) and log into your server (VPS or dedicated server) account.
Then, you can update the list of packages via the sudo apt update command.
Next, you can install the necessary dependencies by running the following command:
sudo apt-get install lib32gcc1
Step 3: Download CS2 server files
To download CS2 server files, you need to download the command-line tool for Steam called SteamCMD first:
- Log into your Steam account: su – steam
- Create a directory for SteamCMD: mkdir ~/Steam && cd ~/Steam
- Download SteamCMD: url -sqL “https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz” | tar zxvf –
- Run SteamCMD: ./steamcmd.sh
Once you see the Steam> prompt, you can proceed with downloading CS2 server files.
For this:
- Point out the directory for CS2 server installation: force_install_dir /full/path/to/cs2-ds/
- Access your Steam account.
- Install CS2 server files and validate them: app_update 730 validate
Step 4: CS2 server configuration
After you’ve installed the CS2 server files, you need to set up the server’s settings. For this, complete the following:
- Open the server.cfg file with the nano text editor: nano server.cfg
- Take your time to go through the settings, like gameplay rules, and customize them.
- Upon completion, save the file and exit the text editor.
Step 5: Run your CS2 server
Now, you are ready to use your CS2 server.
You can start the server with the following command: ./cs2 -dedicated +map de_dust2
Additionally, you can enter a specific game mode straight away.
Step 6: Connect your game client to your CS2 server
The last step is connecting a client on your device to your server. To do this, you need to know your server’s IP address and port.
Start the Counter-Strike 2 game and access the game control. In the console section, you must replace the default “Server IP” and “port” with the references to your CS2 server.
After that, press Enter to finalize the connection.
