> ## 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 CS2 Dedicated Server (First Steps)

> How to set up a CS2 dedicated server on FREAKHOSTING: wait for the 68 GiB install, add a GSLT, start the server, connect, choose a mode and make a backup.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 15 minutes, plus the first install | Every FREAKHOSTING CS2 server | **Server settings**, **Console**, **Backups** |

## Before you start

* Your Game Panel login. See [how to sign in](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-server-alerts.md). If the install still hasn't finished after a few hours, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

## How to set up your CS2 server

**1. Create a GSLT**

Go to [steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers](https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers), enter `730` as the App ID and create a token. Copy it. Full steps: [set the GSLT Steam token](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-set-the-gslt-steam-token-on-a-counter-strike-2-server.md).

**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](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=929b3f5582280f1ef3a42df9023010e8)

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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-change-the-gamemodegametype-on-a-counter-strike-2-server.md).

**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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-connect-to-a-counter-strike-2-server.md).

**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?

| Sidebar page | Use it for |
| - | - |
| **Server settings** | Name, join password, GSLT, game mode, start map, workshop map, map group and rules. |
| **Frameworks** | Install Metamod:Source, CounterStrikeSharp or SwiftlyS2, and repair `gameinfo.gi` after a game update. |
| **Plugins** | See your plugins and switch each one on or off. |
| **Startup** | The variables the server starts with, such as **Map**, **Game Type** and **Game Mode**. |
| **Console** | Live output and console commands. |
| **Files** | Edit `server.cfg` and upload plugins. |
| **Databases** | MySQL databases for plugins such as CS2-SimpleAdmin. |
| **Backups** | Safe copies of your server files. |

To change your player slots, set **Max Players** in **Startup** (1 to 64) and restart the server.

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/installing-metamod-and-counterstrikesharp-on-cs2.md) and [install CS2 plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-install-cs2-plugins.md).

## Related guides

> **[CS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Counter-Strike 2 page in one place.

> **[Set the GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-set-the-gslt-steam-token-on-a-counter-strike-2-server.md)**
>
> Create and add your Steam token.

> **[Connect to your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-connect-to-a-counter-strike-2-server.md)**
>
> Join with the developer console.

> **[Change the game mode](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-change-the-gamemodegametype-on-a-counter-strike-2-server.md)**
>
> Competitive, Wingman, Deathmatch and more.

> **[Automatic backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-automatic-backups.md)**
>
> Back up your server on a schedule.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!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.