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To set up a CS2 retakes server, install CounterStrikeSharp on the Frameworks page, then unzip the cs2-retakes plugin (RetakesPlugin-[version].zip, which includes map spawns) into game/csgo/addons/counterstrikesharp/ and restart. In retakes, the bomb is already planted and the counter-terrorists must retake the site. The plugin handles spawns, bombsites and a player queue.

Plugin or built-in Retakes mode?

How to install the CS2 retakes plugin

1

Install CounterStrikeSharp

Open Frameworks under COUNTER-STRIKE 2 in the sidebar and click Install CounterStrikeSharp. Metamod:Source is installed with it. Restart the server. See how to install CounterStrikeSharp.
2

Download the plugin

From the cs2-retakes releases page, download RetakesPlugin-[version].zip. It includes pre-configured spawns for the standard maps. The -no-map-configs version is only for people who make their own spawns.
3

Upload it

Click Files and open game/csgo/addons/counterstrikesharp/. Upload the .zip, click … next to it and choose Unarchive.
4

Turn off bots

In Server settings, set Bots to 0, click Review and save, then Save changes.
CS2 Server settings page with Basics, Game mode and map, and Rules sections, including the Bots field under Chat, bots and cheats

Server settings, where you set Bots to 0

5

Restart

Restart the server. The plugin creates its configuration in game/csgo/addons/counterstrikesharp/configs/plugins/RetakesPlugin/, and two server configs in game/csgo/cfg/cs2-retakes/.
Check it loaded with css_plugins list in the Console. It also shows on the Plugins page.

How to configure the retakes plugin

The main options in the plugin’s config file: The plugin also creates two files in game/csgo/cfg/cs2-retakes/:
  • retakes.cfg runs on every map start and sets the game settings retakes needs.
  • retakes_unload.cfg runs when the plugin is unloaded and puts those settings back.
To pause retakes without removing the plugin, for example to practise grenades, type retakes_enabled 0 in the console. retakes_enabled 1 turns it back on and restarts the game.
For a better buy menu, the plugin’s author recommends adding one separate allocator plugin, such as Yoni’s Allocator. Set EnableFallbackAllocation to false if you do.

Retakes admin commands

Give admins @css/root in admins.json (see how to add admins in CS2).

Frequently asked questions

Which game mode should I pick for the retakes plugin?

You don’t need the Retakes tile for the plugin. The plugin’s retakes.cfg sets the game settings it needs on every map start.

How many players can a retakes server have?

The plugin’s default is 9 players in the game, with a maximum of 10. Players above that wait in the queue. Your Player slots limit still applies.

Why are there bots on my retakes server?

Bots in Server settings is above 0. Set it to 0 and save, then type bot_kick in the console.

Does the plugin work on Workshop maps?

Only if the map has spawns. The release zip includes spawns for the standard maps. For other maps, add spawns with the plugin’s spawn editor commands.

Can I add instant defuse or plant?

Yes. The author also publishes cs2-instadefuse and cs2-instaplant. Install them like any other plugin.

CS2 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 2 guide in one place.

Install CS2 plugins

Upload plugins and use the Plugins page.

CS2 game modes list

game_type and game_mode values.

Disable bots

Remove bots for good.

Add admins in CS2

Give admins the right flags.
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.


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Last Updated: October 2026