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This Counter-Strike: Source server guide lists every FREAKHOSTING help page for CS:S. Your server runs the official CS:S dedicated server, checks for game updates at every start and has one game page in the Game Panel: Game settings (map, Steam token, name, password, rounds and rules). Metamod:Source and SourceMod are not preinstalled. New here? Start with getting started.

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Most asked

  1. Custom skins: player models, what other players can see, and what CS:S doesn’t have.
  2. Install SourceMod and Metamod:Source: upload, check with meta list and sm version.
  3. HTML MOTD: the welcome window in cfg/motd.txt.
  4. Missing map errors: “Missing map … disconnecting” and how to fix it.
  5. Surf server: air acceleration, surf maps and rounds.
  6. Add admins: admins_simple.ini and admin flags.

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Start here

Getting started

Name, password, map, first start and joining.

Log in to the Game Panel

Open your server.

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Game Panel guides

Game settings

Every field, presets and checks.

Steam token (GSLT)

Create a token for App ID 240 and set it.

Change the map

Start map, changelevel, map cycle and custom maps.

Server password

Make the server private.

FastDL

Fast downloads for maps, models and sounds.

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Guides and tips

Install SourceMod

Metamod:Source and SourceMod step by step.

Add admins

admins_simple.ini and flags.

Install plugins

.smx files and plugin commands.

Custom skins

Player models on your server.

HTML MOTD

The welcome window.

Surf server

Air acceleration and surf maps.

War server

Clan matches and scrims.

Bots

Add, remove and tune bots.

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Commands and settings

Console commands and cvars

Map, rounds, rcon and sv_cheats.

Tickrate and rates

66 tick and update rates.

server.cfg explained

What each line does.

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Troubleshooting

Missing map errors

“Missing map … disconnecting”.

Not showing in the list

Find your server or join by IP.

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Frequently asked questions

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Does my CS:S server come with SourceMod?

No. Metamod:Source and SourceMod are not preinstalled, and the /cstrike/addons folder doesn’t exist on a new server. You upload both yourself; see install SourceMod.

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How do I change the number of player slots?

Max Players comes from your plan and is read-only in Startup. Bots also use slots. To get more slots, change your plan in the client area or open a ticket.

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Does my CS:S server update itself?

Yes. Every start runs a SteamCMD update check before the server starts. Restart the server after a game update.

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Where are the server logs?

In /cstrike/logs/, one L*.log file per log session. You can also use Logs in the panel; see read server logs.

Server console

Run commands on your server.

File Manager

Edit and upload files.

Backups

Make and restore backups.

Startup variables

Map, Steam token and Max Players.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Counter-Strike: Source dedicated server). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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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