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To add bots on a FREAKHOSTING Counter-Strike: Source server, type bot_add in the console for one bot, or set bot_quota 10 for a fixed number. Set their skill with bot_difficulty from 0 (easy) to 3 (expert). Remove them with bot_kick and bot_quota 0. To keep bots after a restart, put the cvars in /cstrike/cfg/server.cfg.

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Bot commands

Type a command in the panel console. From your game, use rcon with your RCON password.

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bot_quota_mode explained

fill is the most useful on public servers: the server looks busy when it is empty, and bots make room for real players.

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How to keep bots after a restart

Console commands are lost at the next start. Add the cvars to /cstrike/cfg/server.cfg instead:
1

Open server.cfg

In Game settings, click server.cfg: open the raw file, or open /cstrike/cfg/server.cfg in Files.
2

Add the bot settings at the end

3

Save and restart

Save the file and restart the server.

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How to remove all bots

Type both commands, so new bots aren’t added back:
If bots come back after a restart, remove the bot_quota line from server.cfg.

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Frequently asked questions

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Do bots use player slots?

Yes. Each bot takes a slot from Max Players, which comes from your plan. Use bot_quota_mode fill so bots leave when humans join.

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Why don’t bots join an empty server?

bot_join_after_player is 1 by default, so bots wait for a human. Set it to 0 if you want bots on an empty server.

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Why did bot_difficulty not change my bots?

It only applies to bots added afterwards. Type bot_kick, then add the bots again.

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Do bots work on custom maps?

Often, but not always. Bots are made for normal defusal and hostage maps. Surf and many fun maps aren’t made for bots, so turn them off there.

CS:S server guide

Every CS:S page in one place.

Console commands

More cvars and rcon.

server.cfg explained

Where settings are saved.

Getting started

Set up and join.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Counter-Strike: Source dedicated server). Bot commands checked against the Counter-Strike bot command reference on 31 October 2026.

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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