> ## 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.

# CS 1.6 server.cfg Explained: Default Settings and Cvars

> Counter-Strike 1.6 server.cfg explained: where the file is on FREAKHOSTING, every default cvar and value, what Game settings edits and how to edit it safely.

The Counter-Strike 1.6 `server.cfg` is the file of server settings (cvars) the server runs at every map start. On FREAKHOSTING it's at `cstrike/server.cfg`. The **Game settings** page edits the usual lines for you; open the file in **Files** for anything else, such as the rate cvars or `sv_downloadurl`. Each save from **Game settings** keeps the previous file as `server.cfg.bak`.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| File | `cstrike/server.cfg` |
| Edited by | **Game settings** (most rules), or **Files** for everything |
| Backup copy | `cstrike/server.cfg.bak` after each **Game settings** save |
| Applies | After a restart |

## How to edit server.cfg

**1. Use Game settings when you can**

**Game settings** checks values and shows a diff before saving. See [Game settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-use-cs-16-game-settings.md).

**2. Open the raw file for other lines**

Click **server.cfg: open the raw file** on **Game settings**, or open `cstrike/server.cfg` in the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md).

**3. Change one line per setting**

Write each cvar once, as `name "value"`. If a cvar appears twice, the last one is used, and **Checks** shows "server.cfg: a setting appears twice".

**4. Save and restart**

Save the file and [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

## Default server.cfg values on FREAKHOSTING

### Server and security

| Cvar | Default | What it does | In Game settings |
| - | - | - | - |
| `hostname` | `Hosted by FREAKHOSTING.COM` | Server name in the browser | **Server name** |
| `rcon_password` | `""` (not set) | Password for `rcon`; empty means RCON is off | **RCON password** |
| `sv_lan` | `0` | `1` = LAN only: no internet listing, no Steam authentication | **LAN only** |
| `sv_cheats` | `0` | `1` lets every player use cheat commands | **Cheats** |
| `sv_alltalk` | `0` | `1` lets both teams hear each other | **Everybody hears everybody** |
| `log` | `off` | Server log on or off | **Server log** |

### Rounds, rules and money

| Cvar | Default | What it does | In Game settings |
| - | - | - | - |
| `mp_roundtime` | `2` | Minutes per round | **Round time** |
| `mp_freezetime` | `3` | Seconds frozen at round start | **Freeze time** |
| `mp_timelimit` | `30` | Minutes per map (0 = no limit) | **Time limit per map** |
| `mp_friendlyfire` | `0` | `1` lets players hurt team mates | **Friendly fire** |
| `mp_autoteambalance` | `1` | Moves players to keep teams even | **Automatic team balance** |
| `mp_limitteams` | `0` | Most extra players one team may have (0 = off) | **Team size difference** |
| `mp_c4timer` | `35` | Seconds until a planted bomb explodes | **Bomb timer** |
| `sv_maxspeed` | `320` | Fastest a player can move | **Top movement speed** |
| `mp_startmoney` | `800` | Money at the start | **Starting money** |
| `mp_buytime` | `0.35` | Minutes to buy after the round starts (21 seconds) | **Buy time** |

### Network and downloads

| Cvar | Default | What it does | In Game settings |
| - | - | - | - |
| `sys_ticrate` | `1200` | Server frame rate limit; also fixed by the start command | No |
| `sv_maxrate` | `100000` | Most bytes per second sent to one player | No |
| `sv_minrate` | `25000` | Least bytes per second sent to one player | No |
| `sv_maxupdaterate` | `102` | Most updates per second per player | No |
| `sv_allowdownload` | `1` | Players can download missing custom files | No |
| `sv_allowupload` | `0` | Players can't upload custom files such as sprays | No |
| `sv_downloadurl` | Set by us | Web address for fast downloads; replace it with your own | No |

See [sys\_ticrate and rates](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/configuring-servercfg-rates-1000-fps.md) and [FastDL](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/setting-up-fast-download-http.md).

### Files it runs

The default file also runs three more config files:

| Line | What the file holds |
| - | - |
| `exec listip.cfg` | Saved IP bans |
| `exec banned.cfg` | Saved SteamID bans |
| `exec rehlds.cfg` | A separate file for ReHLDS cvars |

Keep these lines, or saved bans stop loading after a restart.

## Adding other cvars

You can add any GoldSrc, ReHLDS or ReGameDLL cvar on its own line. For example, ReGameDLL adds `mp_maxmoney` (default 16000) and `mp_buy_anywhere` (0 to 3). See the [ReGameDLL cvar list](https://github.com/rehlds/ReGameDLL_CS) and the [ReHLDS cvar list](https://github.com/rehlds/ReHLDS). AMX Mod X plugin cvars go in `addons/amxmodx/configs/amxx.cfg`.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does Checks say a setting appears twice?

The same cvar is in `server.cfg` on two lines, for example `mp_friendlyfire`. The last line wins. Delete one so you know which value is used.

### How do I restore the previous server.cfg?

Open `cstrike/server.cfg.bak` in **Files**, copy its contents into `server.cfg`, save and restart. Or restore a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md).

### Does server.cfg run on every map change?

Yes. The server runs `server.cfg` each time a map starts, so changes in the file take effect at the next map change or restart.

### Where are the map rotation and admins set?

Not in `server.cfg`. The rotation is in the map cycle file and admins are in AMX Mod X's `users.ini`. See [change the map](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-change-your-cs-16-server-map.md) and [add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-add-admins-to-your-cs-16-server.md).

## 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.

> **[Game settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-use-cs-16-game-settings.md)**
>
> Change server.cfg in the panel.

> **[sys\_ticrate and rates](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/configuring-servercfg-rates-1000-fps.md)**
>
> Tick rate and rate cvars.

> **[Admin and console commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/cs-16-admin-and-console-commands.md)**
>
> Change cvars live.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Counter-Strike 1.6 on ReHLDS 3.14 with ReGameDLL 5.28). Extra cvars checked against the official [ReGameDLL](https://github.com/rehlds/ReGameDLL_CS) and [ReHLDS](https://github.com/rehlds/ReHLDS) READMEs on 30 October 2026.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
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> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
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***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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