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To exec a config on a CS2 server, create a .cfg file in game/csgo/cfg/ with the Game Panel file manager, put one command per line, and type exec <name> in the Console, for example exec live for live.cfg. The server runs every line in order. Use separate configs to switch between practice, warmup and live settings with one command.

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Where are CS2 config files?

Open Server settings and click Open server.cfg to jump straight to server.cfg in the file manager.

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How to create and run a config

1

Open the cfg folder

Click Files in the sidebar and go to game/csgo/cfg/. See how to use the file manager.
2

Create the file

Click New file, write your commands, click Create File and enter a name ending in .cfg, such as live.cfg.
3

Run it

Start the server, open Console and type:
You can leave out .cfg. For a config in a subfolder, add the folder: exec MatchZy/config.

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Example: live config

live.cfg for a 5v5 match:

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Example: practice config

practice.cfg for learning grenades:
The full practice setup is in how to set up a CS2 practice server.

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Example: warmup config

warmup.cfg to give players time before a match:

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Tips for config files

  • One command per line. Lines that start with // are comments and are ignored.
  • End with mp_restartgame 1 when the config changes round rules, so they apply to a fresh game.
  • Name files without spaces, for example scrim_live.cfg.
  • Changes in a config last until the server restarts. After a restart, only server.cfg runs again.
  • The file manager keeps a history of each file. If a change breaks something, open the file’s history and restore an earlier version.

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Can I run a config from the Game Panel automatically?

Yes. A schedule can send exec practice to the console at a set time. Add a Send a console command task. See how to configure schedules and tasks.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does exec say the file doesn’t exist?

The file isn’t in game/csgo/cfg/, or the name is different. Check the spelling and that it ends in .cfg, not .cfg.txt.

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Can players run exec on my server?

No. exec in a player’s own console runs configs on their computer. Run server configs from the panel Console, RCON, or a plugin command such as CounterStrikeSharp admins with @css/config.

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Should I put my settings in server.cfg or a custom config?

Settings you always want go in server.cfg, or use Server settings, which writes them for you. Settings you switch between, like practice and live, go in their own configs.

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Why are my settings reset after a map change?

Some game modes and plugins apply their own settings on each map. Run your config again after the map loads, or put the setting in server.cfg.

CS2 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 2 guide in one place.

CS2 practice server

A complete practice config.

Enable sv_cheats

Turn cheat commands on and off.

CS2 server commands

Commands to use in your configs.

Use the server console

Send commands to your server.
Reviewed by the FREAKHOSTING team on 29 October 2026. Game Panel steps were checked on our panel (Counter-Strike 2 with CounterStrikeSharp 1.0.378); game and plugin details follow their official documentation. Steps may differ slightly if the game or its plugins change.

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Last Updated: October 2026