Skip to main content
To record GOTV demos automatically on a CS2 server, add tv_enable 1 and tv_autorecord 1 to server.cfg and restart the server. GOTV (called CSTV in CS2) then records every match to a .dem file named like auto-YYYYMMDD-hhmm-map.dem in game/csgo/. Download the demos with Files in the Game Panel and play them in CS2 with playdemo.

​
How to turn on automatic demo recording

1

Open server.cfg

Open your server in the Game Panel, click Server settings and then Open server.cfg at the top.
2

Add the GOTV lines

Add these lines and save the file:
3

Restart the server

GOTV must be on before a map loads, so restart the server (or change the map). See how to start, stop and restart your game server.
4

Play a match

A demo is recorded for each game. Recording stops when the map changes.

​
The GOTV commands

Type tv_record and tv_stoprecord in the panel Console. GOTV must already be on.

​
How to download a demo

1

Open Files

Click Files and open game/csgo/. Demos end in .dem.
2

Download

Click … next to the demo and choose Download. See how to use the file manager.
For many demos, connect with SFTP and download them in one go.

​
How to watch a CS2 demo

  1. Put the .dem file in your own CS2 folder under game/csgo/ on your computer.
  2. Open the developer console in CS2 (turn it on under Settings > Game > Enable Developer Console (~)).
  3. Type playdemo <name>, for example playdemo auto-20261029-2015-de_mirage.
Demos are often more than 100 MB each. Download the ones you want to keep and delete old ones, so your disk doesn’t fill up. A full disk can stop your server from saving or starting. Turn on the Disk almost full alert in server alerts.

​
Can players watch GOTV live?

Live GOTV spectating needs its own port. Open a ticket and ask for an extra port. Recording demos works without one.
Running scrims? MatchZy starts and stops recording for each match and names each demo after the teams and map.

​
Frequently asked questions

​
What does “only tv master can record demos instantly” mean?

tv_record only works on the GOTV master: the GOTV that runs on your own game server. Make sure GOTV is running there: add tv_enable 1 to server.cfg, restart or change the map, then type tv_record in the panel Console again.

​
Why are no demos recorded?

GOTV only starts after a map change. Check that tv_enable 1 and tv_autorecord 1 are in server.cfg, that you saved the file, and that you restarted the server.

​
Is CSTV the same as GOTV?

Yes. CS2 calls it CSTV, but the commands still start with tv_.

​
Where are CS2 server demos saved?

In game/csgo/ by default. MatchZy saves its demos in game/csgo/MatchZy/ unless you change matchzy_demo_path.

​
Can I record without anyone watching live?

Yes. Add tv_maxclients 0 to server.cfg. GOTV still records, but nobody can connect to watch.

CS2 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 2 guide in one place.

MatchZy

Scrims with automatic demos.

Execute custom configs

Create and run .cfg files.

CS2 server commands

Console commands for your server.

Use the file manager

Download and delete files.
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. GOTV commands checked against the Valve Developer Community SourceTV documentation.

​
Need Extra Help?

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

​
Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!
Last Updated: October 2026