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To set up a Counter-Strike 1.6 server on FREAKHOSTING, start it in the Game Panel, open Game settings under GAME SETTINGS, set the Server name, an RCON password and an optional Server password, click Review and save and restart. Players join with the address on the Console page, for example connect 203.0.113.10:27015. Then add yourself as an AMX Mod X admin and make a backup.

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Before you start

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How to set up your CS 1.6 server

1

Start the server

Click Start. The server boots in a few seconds. In the console you see Connection to Steam servers successful. when it is ready.
2

Open Game settings

Click Game settings under GAME SETTINGS. This page edits cstrike/server.cfg for you.
3

Name the server

In Server, change Server name. This is the name shown in the server browser. The default is Hosted by FREAKHOSTING.COM.
4

Set the passwords

Click Set next to RCON password and enter a long password; anyone with it controls the server. Set Server password only if you want a private server; leave it empty for a public one.
5

Change the rules you want

Adjust Rounds and rules and Money and buying, or click Presets and pick Competitive or Fun server. See Game settings for every field.
6

Review, save and restart

Click Review and save, check the changes, click Save changes, then restart the server. A running server applies the changes after the restart.
Counter-Strike 1.6 Game settings page with Checks, Start-up and Server sections

The Game settings page for Counter-Strike 1.6

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How players join your CS 1.6 server

Copy the address from the Copy address card on the Console page, for example 203.0.113.10:27015. If you set a Server password, type password "yourpassword" in the console before connect, or enter it when the game asks. Reunion is installed, so players on non-Steam clients (protocol 47 and 48) can join too.

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How to become admin

Admins are set in AMX Mod X’s users.ini. Add your SteamID with full rights:
Save the file in Files at cstrike/addons/amxmodx/configs/users.ini, then type amx_reloadadmins in the console. See add admins for the flags and other ways to log in.

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Make your first backup

Open Backups and click Create backup before you add plugins or maps. Then set up automatic backups.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does the console say “VAC secure mode disabled”?

Your server starts in insecure mode by default, so Valve Anti-Cheat is off. To turn VAC on, set SECURE / INSECURE to secure on the Startup page and restart. See VAC and Startup settings.

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How many players can join?

Up to Max Players ( Slots ), which comes from your plan and is shown on the Startup page.

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Do settings apply without a restart?

No. When the server is running, the Review your changes dialog tells you the changes apply after a restart.

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What map does the server start on?

de_dust2, unless you change Start map. See change the map.

CS 1.6 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 1.6 page in one place.

Game settings

Every server.cfg setting in the panel.

Add admins

users.ini and access flags.

Server and RCON password

Private server and remote console.

Can't connect

Fix joining problems.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 30 October 2026 (Counter-Strike 1.6 on ReHLDS 3.14 with AMX Mod X 1.10). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026