> ## 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 Add Server Administrators in Counter-Strike 2

> Grant administrative privileges on your CS2 server. Learn how to use SteamID authentication with CounterStrikeSharp for granular permission control.

## Administrative Authority

Modern Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) servers use **SteamID64** authentication to provide a secure and non-transferable method for identifying administrators. While the legacy RCON system is still available for basic commands, we highly recommend implementing a plugin-based framework. This allows you to grant granular permissions (flags) to different staff members - such as allowing a moderator to kick players while restricting their ability to change server settings.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Intermediate
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    5 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Method 1: CounterStrikeSharp (Recommended)

This professional method requires the [CounterStrikeSharp Framework](/games/counter-strike-2/how-to-install-counterstrikesharp-on-a-counter-strike-2-server) to be active. It uses a JSON-based registry to manage your staff list.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Locate Configuration">
    In your Game Panel File Manager, navigate to the following directory:
    `/game/csgo/addons/counterstrikesharp/configs/`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit the Admin Registry">
    Open the `admins.json` file. If the file is empty, use the following structure to define your first root administrator:

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "Admins": [
        {
          "Identity": "76561198000000000",
          "Flags": [ "@css/root" ],
          "Groups": [ "admin" ]
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Input Your SteamID">
    Replace `76561198000000000` with your personal 17-digit **SteamID64**. You can retrieve your ID by pasting your profile link into [SteamID.io](https://steamid.io).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Initialize Permissions">
    Save the file. Either restart your server or execute the console command `css_reload_admins` to activate the new privileges immediately.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Method 2: RCON Authentication (Legacy)

If you are maintaining a vanilla server without external plugins, you must use the Remote Console (RCON) password system.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Server Setup">
    Open your `server.cfg` file and establish a secure password:

    ```bash theme={null}
    rcon_password "Your_Secure_Password"
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Client Authorization">
    Once connected to the server, open your in-game console (**\~**) and authenticate:

    ```bash theme={null}
    rcon_password Your_Secure_Password
    ```

    You can now execute administrative commands by prefixing them with `rcon` (e.g., `rcon changelevel de_dust2`).
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Warning>
  ### Security Precaution

  RCON passwords are transmitted in clear text across the network. We strongly advise using the **CounterStrikeSharp** method for production servers, as it allows you to delegate management tasks without ever exposing your server's master RCON credentials.
</Warning>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

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

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
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  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **CS2:** Administrative access established.
</div>