> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Add and Remove Bots on a Counter-Strike: Source Server

> Add bots on a Counter-Strike: Source server with bot_add or bot_quota, set bot_difficulty 0 to 3, use bot_quota_mode fill and remove them with bot_kick.

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`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 2 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING CS:S server | **Console**, **Files** |

## Bot commands

| Command | What it does |
| - | - |
| `bot_add` | Adds one bot to the team chosen by `bot_join_team` |
| `bot_add_t` / `bot_add_ct` | Adds one bot to the Terrorists or Counter-Terrorists |
| `bot_kick` | Kicks all bots; `bot_kick <name>` kicks one |
| `bot_kill` | Kills all bots; `bot_kill <name>` kills one |
| `bot_quota <number>` | Keeps this many bots in the game; `0` turns it off |
| `bot_quota_mode <normal\|fill\|match>` | How `bot_quota` counts (see below) |
| `bot_difficulty <0-3>` | 0 easy, 1 normal, 2 hard, 3 expert. Applies to bots added after you change it |
| `bot_join_after_player <0\|1>` | `1`: bots wait until a human joins. `0`: they join at once |
| `bot_join_team <any\|t\|ct>` | Which team new bots join |
| `bot_knives_only 1` | Bots use knives only |
| `bot_pistols_only 1` | Bots use pistols only |

Type a command in the [panel console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). From your game, use `rcon` with your **RCON password**.

## bot\_quota\_mode explained

| Mode | With `bot_quota 10` |
| - | - |
| `normal` | Always 10 bots, however many humans join |
| `fill` | Fills up to 10 players in total; a bot leaves when a human joins |
| `match` | Keeps 1 human to 10 bots |

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

## 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**

```
// Bots
bot_quota 10
bot_quota_mode fill
bot_difficulty 1
bot_join_after_player 1
```

**3. Save and restart**

Save the file and [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

## How to remove all bots

Type both commands, so new bots aren't added back:

```
bot_quota 0
bot_kick
```

If bots come back after a restart, remove the `bot_quota` line from `server.cfg`.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### 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.

### Why did bot\_difficulty not change my bots?

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

### 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.

## Related guides

> [card] [CS:S server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/counter-strike-source-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every CS:S page in one place.

> [card] [Console commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/css-server-console-commands-and-cvars.md)
>
> More cvars and rcon.

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/css-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Where settings are saved.

> [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/getting-started-with-your-counter-strike-source-server.md)
>
> Set up and join.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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](https://gist.github.com/sjain882/b1f5465060a9194457559aa783bfc0f8) on 31 October 2026.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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