> ## 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.

# How to Set Up a Counter-Strike 1.6 Server (First Steps)

> How to set up a Counter-Strike 1.6 server on FREAKHOSTING: start it, name it, set passwords in Game settings, join with the address and add yourself as admin.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Counter-Strike 1.6 server | **Console**, **Game settings**, **Files**, **Backups** |

## Before you start

* [Log in to the Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md) at [games.freakhosting.com](https://games.freakhosting.com) and open your Counter-Strike 1.6 server.
* Your server already runs ReHLDS with Metamod, AMX Mod X 1.10, Reunion and Revoice+. You don't need to install any of them.

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-use-cs-16-game-settings.md) for every field.

**6. Review, save and restart**

Click **Review and save**, check the changes, click **Save changes**, then [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). A running server applies the changes after the restart.

![Counter-Strike 1.6 Game settings page with Checks, Start-up and Server sections](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut/images/games/counter-strike-16/cs16-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=PUDZTTTrBjlnr5Ut\&q=85\&s=9d1d34f87c7cda9fb15b70b800c8383b)

The Game settings page for Counter-Strike 1.6

## 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`.

| Way to join | How |
| - | - |
| Game console | Press the console key (usually `~`), type `connect 203.0.113.10:27015` and press Enter. |
| Steam favourites | In Steam, open **View** > **Game Servers** > **Favorites**, click **Add a server**, paste the address and connect. |
| Server browser | Search the **Internet** tab for your **Server name**. See [not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/cs-16-server-not-showing-in-list.md) if it doesn't appear. |

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.

## How to become admin

Admins are set in AMX Mod X's `users.ini`. Add your SteamID with full rights:

```ini theme={null}
"STEAM_0:0:123456" "" "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv" "ce"
```

Save the file in **Files** at `cstrike/addons/amxmodx/configs/users.ini`, then type `amx_reloadadmins` in the console. See [add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-add-admins-to-your-cs-16-server.md) for the flags and other ways to log in.

## Make your first backup

Open [Backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) and click **Create backup** before you add plugins or maps. Then set up [automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/cs-16-vac-secure-mode-and-startup-settings.md).

### How many players can join?

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

### 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.

### What map does the server start on?

`de_dust2`, unless you change **Start map**. See [change the map](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-change-your-cs-16-server-map.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)**
>
> Every server.cfg setting in the panel.

> **[Add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-add-admins-to-your-cs-16-server.md)**
>
> users.ini and access flags.

> **[Server and RCON password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-cs-16-server.md)**
>
> Private server and remote console.

> **[Can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-16/cs-16-cant-connect-to-server.md)**
>
> Fix joining problems.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!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


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