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To change the game mode on a CS2 server, click a mode tile, such as Competitive or Deathmatch, in Server settings > Game mode and map, then review, save and restart. The console command is game_type plus game_mode, followed by a map change: Competitive is game_type 0; game_mode 1, Deathmatch is game_type 1; game_mode 2. A new mode takes effect when the next map loads.

How to change the game mode in Server settings

1

Open Server settings

Open your server and click Server settings under COUNTER-STRIKE 2 in the sidebar.
2

Click a game mode tile

Under Game mode and map, click a tile. The panel shows a short summary, for example Competitive: “5 against 5, full economy, friendly fire on.”
CS2 Server settings Game mode and map section with tiles for Casual, Competitive, Wingman, Retakes, Arms Race, Demolition, Deathmatch and Custom, followed by Start map, Workshop map and Map group

The game mode tiles

3

Review and save

Click Review and save. The review window shows the game_type and game_mode lines. Click Save changes.
4

Set the same mode in Startup

Click Startup and set Game Type and Game Mode to the same values (see the table below). The server then always starts in your mode.
5

Restart the server

Restart the server. The mode applies when the map loads.
For a mode without a tile, click Other values (game_type and game_mode).

CS2 game_type and game_mode values

The player numbers are what each mode is designed for. Your real limit is your Player slots, which your host sets. See the full CS2 game modes list.

CS2 change gamemode command

In the Console, set both values and then change the map so they apply:
That example switches to Competitive on Dust II. More examples: Valve also lists a game_alias command for some modes: game_alias competitive, game_alias casual, game_alias wingman, game_alias deathmatch and game_alias custom. See the Valve CS2 dedicated server page. A console change lasts until the next restart. To keep it, use Server settings and Startup.

Which game mode should I use?

Frequently asked questions

Why didn’t my CS2 game mode change?

The mode applies when the next map loads. Restart the server or change the map. Also check that Game Type and Game Mode in Startup match the mode in Server settings.

What is game_type 0 game_mode 1 in CS2?

Competitive: 5 against 5 with the full economy, as in official matchmaking.

Can I change the game mode without a restart?

Yes. Type game_type and game_mode in the console and change the map with changelevel.

How do I set up a retakes server?

Pick the Retakes tile, then follow set up a CS2 retakes server for the Retakes plugin and its settings.

CS2 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 2 page in one place.

CS2 game modes list

Every game_type and game_mode value.

Change the map

Change map from the panel or console.

Disable bots

Remove bots from your server.

Startup variables

How the Startup page works.

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.

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Last Updated: October 2026