> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Can't Connect to Your CS 1.6 Server? Fixes > Can't connect to your CS 1.6 server? Check it's running, use the right address and password, look for VAC bans, non-Steam clients and stuck map downloads. If you can't connect to your Counter-Strike 1.6 server, first check in the Game Panel that it is running and that the console shows `Connection to Steam servers successful.` Then connect with the exact address from the **Copy address** card, for example `connect 203.0.113.10:27015`, and the right password. If only some players fail, look at VAC (secure mode), Reunion for non-Steam players, bans and custom file downloads. ## Quick checks | Symptom | Likely cause | Fix | | - | - | - | | Nobody can join | Server stopped, crashed or still starting | Start it and watch the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) | | Nobody can join after a change | A plugin or config error stops the map loading | Undo the last change, or restore a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) | | Connection times out | Wrong address or port | Copy the address from the **Console** page, including `:27015` or your port | | Asked for a password or rejected | **Server password** is set | Type `password "yourpassword"` before `connect` | | Players outside your network can't join | **LAN only** is on | Turn it off in **Game settings** and restart | | One player can't join a secure server | Their account is VAC-banned | Nothing to fix on the server; VAC-banned accounts can't join VAC-secured servers | | One player is kicked straight away | They are banned | Check `listip.cfg` / `banned.cfg` or use `amx_unban` | | Server is full | All **Max Players** slots are used | Wait, or kick inactive players | | Stuck downloading files | Custom map files missing or a broken download address | See the downloads section below | ## How to fix "can't connect" step by step **1. Check the server is online** Open the Game Panel. The server should show **ONLINE**. If not, click **Start** and wait for `Connection to Steam servers successful.` in the console. **2. Read the console for errors** If the server keeps restarting or stops after a map change, the console usually shows the plugin or file that failed. Undo your last change: put `;` in front of a new plugin in `plugins.ini`, or restore `server.cfg.bak`. **3. Use the exact address** Copy it from **Copy address** on the **Console** page and type `connect 203.0.113.10:27015` in the game console. **4. Check the password** If **Server password** is set in **Game settings**, players must use it exactly. See [server password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-cs-16-server.md). **5. Check LAN only** In **Game settings** > **Security and downloads**, **LAN only** must be off. **6. Restart** [Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) and try again. ## Non-Steam players can't join Reunion is installed and lets protocol 47 and 48 non-Steam clients join. If they can't: * Run `meta list` in the console. **Reunion** must show `RUN`. If it shows `fail`, check `reunion.cfg`; see [Reunion and ReHLDS](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/installing-reunion-and-rehlds.md). * Very old clients that can't make a unique ID are rejected by Reunion's defaults (`cid_NoSteam47` and `cid_NoSteam48` are `5`). * Reunion allows one player per SteamID at a time by default (`IDClientsLimit 1`). ## Stuck downloading or "missing map" when joining When a player doesn't have a custom map, the game downloads it on connect. If it hangs: * Check the map and its files (`.bsp`, `.wad`, sounds, models) are on the server in `cstrike`. * If you set `sv_downloadurl`, every file must be on that web space with the same paths. Open a file's address in a browser to test it. See [FastDL](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/setting-up-fast-download-http.md). * To test without FastDL, set `sv_downloadurl ""` in `server.cfg` and restart; players then download from the game server. * `sv_allowdownload` must be `1`. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why can I join but my friend can't? Look at what is different for them: a VAC ban on a secure server, a ban on your server, a non-Steam client, or a missing custom file. Ask for the exact message the game shows. ### Why does my server kick everyone after I added a plugin? The plugin may be broken or need something missing. Put `;` before its line in `cstrike/addons/amxmodx/configs/plugins.ini`, restart, and check `amxx plugins` for `bad load`. See [AMX Mod X plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/using-amx-mod-x-plugins.md). ### Do I need to open ports? No. Your server's port is already open. Use the address and port shown on the **Console** page. ## Related guides > **[CS 1.6 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/counter-strike-16-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Counter-Strike 1.6 page in one place. > **[Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/cs-16-server-not-showing-in-list.md)** > > Find your server or join by address. > **[VAC and Startup settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/cs-16-vac-secure-mode-and-startup-settings.md)** > > Secure and insecure mode. > **[Reunion and ReHLDS](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/installing-reunion-and-rehlds.md)** > > Non-Steam players. > **[Fast download (FastDL)](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/setting-up-fast-download-http.md)** > > Fix slow or stuck downloads. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Counter-Strike 1.6 on ReHLDS 3.14 with Reunion 0.2.0.25). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** October 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.