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To set up a CS2 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING, wait for the first install (about 68 GiB from Steam) to finish, paste a Game Server Login Token (GSLT, App ID 730) into Server settings > Game server login token, and click Start. Then join with connect 203.0.113.10:27015 in the CS2 console, using your own address, and make a first backup.

Before you start

  • Your Game Panel login. See how to sign in.
  • A Steam account that owns Counter-Strike 2 and is not limited, so you can create a token.

How long does the first install take?

When your server is created, the panel downloads Counter-Strike 2 with SteamCMD. The game is about 68 GiB, so the first install takes a while. Until it finishes:
  • The panel shows This server is currently running its installation process and most actions are unavailable.
  • The Server settings, Frameworks and Plugins pages show Running Installer.
You don’t need to do anything. To get an email when it is done, switch on Install finished or failed under Alerts. If the install still hasn’t finished after a few hours, open a ticket.

How to set up your CS2 server

1

Create a GSLT

Go to steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers, enter 730 as the App ID and create a token. Copy it. Full steps: set the GSLT Steam token.
2

Paste it in Server settings

Open your server and click Server settings under COUNTER-STRIKE 2 in the sidebar. Paste the token into Game server login token in the Basics section.
CS2 Server settings page with a Checks box, and the Basics section with Server name, Join password, Player slots and Game server login token fields

The Basics section of Server settings

3

Name your server

While you are here, set Server name (the name in the server list) and, for a private server, a Join password.
4

Pick a game mode and start map

Click a game mode tile, such as Competitive or Casual, and choose a Start map. See change the game mode.
5

Review and save

Click Review and save, check the list of changes and click Save changes.
6

Start the server

Click Start at the top of the page and open Console to watch it start. Each start checks Steam for a CS2 update first, so the first start after a game update takes longer.
7

Connect from CS2

Copy your address from the Copy address box next to the console. In CS2, open the developer console and type connect followed by your address. See connect to a CS2 server.
8

Make your first backup

Click Backups in the sidebar, then Create backup. A backup lets you undo a mistake, for example a broken plugin.
The Overview page shows a Getting started checklist that tracks starting the server once, sharing your address and making your first backup.

Which CS2 panel page does what?

Player slots are set by your host (the Startup variable MAX_PLAYERS), so you can’t change them in the panel.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I use my CS2 server yet?

The first install is still running. CS2 is about 68 GiB, and most actions stay unavailable until the download finishes.

Is my server listed without a GSLT?

No. Without a Game Server Login Token the server is not listed in the server browser. Players can still join by address with connect.

Does my server update CS2 by itself?

Yes. By default the server checks Steam for a game update each time it starts. The Disable Updates startup variable controls this; leave it at 0.

Can I change the tickrate?

No. CS2 has no tickrate setting, so there is nothing to change.

How do I add plugins?

Install a framework on the Frameworks page first. See install Metamod and CounterStrikeSharp and install CS2 plugins.

CS2 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 2 page in one place.

Set the GSLT

Create and add your Steam token.

Connect to your server

Join with the developer console.

Change the game mode

Competitive, Wingman, Deathmatch and more.

Automatic backups

Back up your server on a schedule.

Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 29 October 2026 (Counter-Strike 2 with CounterStrikeSharp 1.0.378 and Metamod:Source build 1483). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its plugins change.

Need Extra Help?

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

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Last Updated: October 2026