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MatchZy is a free CounterStrikeSharp plugin that turns a Counter-Strike 2 server into a match server. To set it up, install CounterStrikeSharp on the Frameworks page, unarchive the MatchZy release in game/csgo/ and restart. Players then type .ready, a knife round decides sides, and MatchZy records a demo of the match for you.

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What does MatchZy do?

  • Ready system: the match starts when enough players type .ready.
  • Knife round: the winners choose their starting side.
  • Pauses: tactical and technical pauses.
  • Round backups: go back to the start of a round after a problem.
  • Practice mode: spawns, bots, grenade rethrows and saved lineups.
  • Demos: recording starts when the match goes live and stops at the end.
  • Match setups: team names, whitelists and Get5-style match configs for leagues and tournament panels.

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How to install MatchZy

1

Install CounterStrikeSharp

Open Frameworks and click Install CounterStrikeSharp. Metamod:Source is installed with it. Restart the server. If you installed it a while ago, click Reinstall on its card, because MatchZy needs a recent version.
2

Download MatchZy

Go to the MatchZy releases and download the latest release without CounterStrikeSharp, because the panel already installed it.
3

Upload it

Click Files, open game/csgo/ and upload the .zip. Click … next to it and choose Unarchive. The addons and cfg folders merge with yours. See how to use the file manager.
4

Restart and check

Restart the server and type css_plugins list in the Console. MatchZy should be in the list. It also appears on the Plugins page.
Updating MatchZy replaces cfg/MatchZy/*.cfg. Put your own settings in the *_override.cfg files so updates don’t overwrite them.

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How to add MatchZy admins

Admins can force-start, restart and end matches. Choose one way.
Add the admin to game/csgo/addons/counterstrikesharp/configs/admins.json with the flags they need, then type css_admins_reload. See how to add admins in CS2.
!rcon gives full control of the server console. Only give unlimited admin to people you trust with your server.

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How to run a scrim with MatchZy

1

Set a password

In Server settings, set a Join password so only the two teams can join. Click Review and save, then restart.
2

Players join

The server stays in warmup. By default, at least 2 players must be ready to start.
3

Ready up

Each player types .ready (or !ready) in chat.
4

Knife round

The knife winners type .stay to keep their side or .switch to swap.
5

Play

The match goes live and recording starts. To play all rounds, for example 24 rounds for practice, an admin types .playout before the start.

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MatchZy commands

Use . or ! in chat, for example .ready or !ready.

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Player commands

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Admin commands

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How does MatchZy practice mode work?

An admin types .prac. Then use: For a practice server without MatchZy, see how to set up a CS2 practice server.

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MatchZy settings and config files

MatchZy’s files are in game/csgo/cfg/MatchZy/. To reload after a change, type exec MatchZy/config.cfg; execifexists MatchZy/config_override.cfg in the console, or restart. For MySQL stats, create a database on the Databases page and use the host shown there, not 127.0.0.1.

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How does MatchZy record demos?

MatchZy records a demo when the match goes live and stops after the map ends.
1

Turn on GOTV

In Server settings, click Open server.cfg, add tv_enable 1, save and restart. Don’t put tv_enable or tv_delay in MatchZy’s phase configs, as that causes demo problems.
2

Find your demos

Demos are saved in game/csgo/MatchZy/ by default, named like {TIME}_{MATCH_ID}_{MAP}_{TEAM1}_vs_{TEAM2}. Download them with Files.
Full documentation is on the MatchZy website.

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Frequently asked questions

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Is MatchZy free?

Yes. MatchZy is open source and free to use. You install it yourself with the file manager.

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Why doesn’t the match start when everyone types .ready?

Check the number of players required with .settings. An admin can change it with .readyrequired <number> or force the start with .start.

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Does MatchZy work with tournament tools?

Yes. MatchZy accepts Get5-style match configs, which many league and auto-tournament panels use. See the MatchZy documentation.

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Where are my MatchZy demos?

In game/csgo/MatchZy/ unless you changed matchzy_demo_path. GOTV must be on (tv_enable 1). Delete old demos regularly, as they use disk space.

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Can I use MatchZy and CS2-SimpleAdmin together?

Yes. Both run on CounterStrikeSharp and read the same admins.json.

CS2 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 2 guide in one place.

Add admins in CS2

admins.json and admin flags.

Record GOTV demos

Record every match automatically.

CS2 practice server

Grenade trails, infinite ammo and more.

Install CounterStrikeSharp

The framework MatchZy runs on.
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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Need Extra Help?

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

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Last Updated: October 2026