> ## 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. # CS2 Game Modes List: game_type and game_mode Values > Full list of CS2 game modes with their game_type and game_mode values: Competitive 0 1, Casual 0 0, Wingman 0 2, Deathmatch 1 2, Arms Race 1 0 and more. Every Counter-Strike 2 game mode is set by two numbers: `game_type` and `game_mode`. Competitive is `game_type 0` and `game_mode 1`, Casual is `0` `0`, Wingman is `0` `2`, Deathmatch is `1` `2`, Arms Race is `1` `0`, and Custom is `3` `0`. On a FREAKHOSTING server you can pick a mode with a tile in **Server settings**, or set the numbers yourself in **Startup** or the console. ## CS2 game modes and their values | Mode | `game_type` | `game_mode` | `game_alias` | What it is | | - | - | - | - | - | | **Casual** | 0 | 0 | `casual` | Relaxed play with larger teams. This is also what `map ` uses when no mode is set. | | **Competitive** | 0 | 1 | `competitive` | 5 against 5, full economy, friendly fire on. The default mode of a CS2 dedicated server. | | **Wingman** | 0 | 2 | `wingman` | 2 against 2 on small maps. | | **Retakes** | 0 | 5 | – | The bomb is already planted; the counter-terrorists retake the site. | | **Arms Race** | 1 | 0 | – | Each kill gives you the next weapon in a fixed list. | | **Deathmatch** | 1 | 2 | `deathmatch` | Instant respawns; points for kills. | | **Custom** | 3 | 0 | `custom` | Your own rules, for example for community modes and plugins. | `game_alias` is a shortcut that sets both numbers at once. Valve documents it for the five modes shown. > [!NOTE] > > Some older lists also give values for CS:GO modes, such as Danger Zone (`6` `0`), Guardian (`4` `0`) and Co-op Strike (`4` `1`). Valve's game mode documentation marks those as CS:GO modes, so they don't work in CS2. Demolition (`1` `1`) is also marked as a CS:GO mode there. ## How to change the game mode on your server **Server settings (easiest)** **1. Open Server settings** Click **Server settings** under **COUNTER-STRIKE 2** in the sidebar. **2. Pick a tile** Under **Game mode and map**, click a tile. The panel shows a short summary of the mode. ![CS2 game mode tiles in Server settings: Casual 20 players, Competitive 10, Wingman 4, Retakes 7, Arms Race 16, Demolition 16, Deathmatch 16 and Custom 64, with the Start map and Workshop map fields below](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-settings-mode-map.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=01b663754c8e82ae0f32258e659ee240) Game mode tiles in Server settings **3. Save** Click **Review and save**, then **Save changes**. The new mode takes effect when the next map loads. For a combination without a tile, click **Other values (game\_type and game\_mode)**. **Startup variables** Click **Startup** and set **Game Type** and **Game Mode** to the numbers from the table. Each field saves when you click outside it. Restart the server. See [how to configure startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md). **Console** Type this in the **Console**, then change the map so the mode applies: ```text theme={null} game_type 0 game_mode 1 changelevel de_mirage ``` Or use the alias: `game_alias competitive`, then `changelevel de_mirage`. This lasts until the server restarts. > [!TIP] > > Choose one place for the mode. If **Server settings** and the **Game Type** / **Game Mode** startup variables say different things, set both to the same values so the server always starts in the mode you expect. ## How many players does each mode need? The tiles in **Server settings** show the player count each mode is designed for: | Tile | Players | | - | - | | Casual | 20 | | Competitive | 10 | | Wingman | 4 | | Retakes | 7 | | Arms Race | 16 | | Demolition | 16 | | Deathmatch | 16 | | Custom | 64 | Your real limit is **Max Players** in **Startup** (1 to 64). ## Which mode should I use for a PUG or scrim server? Use **Competitive** (`0` `1`). For ready-up, knife rounds and pauses, add the [MatchZy plugin](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/setting-up-competitive-scrims-with-matchzy.md). For a 2v2 server, use **Wingman** (`0` `2`). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the command to change the game mode in CS2? Type `game_type ` and `game_mode ` in the server console, then `changelevel `. For example `game_type 1`, `game_mode 2` and `changelevel de_dust2` starts Deathmatch. ### Why didn't the game mode change? The mode only applies when a map loads. Change the map, or restart the server after saving. ### Is free-for-all deathmatch a separate mode? No. Use Deathmatch (`1` `2`) and add `mp_teammates_are_enemies 1` to `server.cfg`. ### What is game mode Custom used for? Custom (`3` `0`) gives you a blank set of rules. Community game modes and plugins often use it. ## Related guides > **[CS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Counter-Strike 2 guide in one place. > **[Change the game mode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-change-the-gamemodegametype-on-a-counter-strike-2-server.md)** > > Step-by-step in the Game Panel. > **[Retakes server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/setting-up-a-cs2-retakes-server.md)** > > Retakes with the plugin or the built-in mode. > **[CS2 server commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-console-commands.md)** > > More console commands. > **[MatchZy](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/setting-up-competitive-scrims-with-matchzy.md)** > > Scrims and PUGs. > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [Valve Developer Community game mode documentation](https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Game_mode) and [CS2 dedicated server documentation](https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Counter-Strike_2/Dedicated_Servers)** on 29 October 2026. 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.