> ## 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 Set Up a 5v5 Scrim Server in CS: Source

> Engineer a professional competitive environment. Learn how to configure tournament-standard rules and execute 'War' configs for 5v5 matches on your CSS server.

## Technical Competitive Infrastructure

Establishing a dedicated "War" server is the fundamental requirement for hosting professional 5v5 scrims and organized tournament matches in Counter-Strike: Source (CSS). By using a specialized competitive configuration, you ensure that every match adheres to official league standards - encompassing specific round timers, starting economies, and strategic freeze-times. The FREAKHOSTING high-performance network provides the low-latency technical foundation required for high-stakes tactical play.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    5 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Technical Security: RCON Authorization

To manage your matches effectively, you must establish an administrative bridge using the Remote Console (RCON) protocol.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the Config Directory">
    Log in to the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and navigate to the **Files** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Locate server.cfg">
    Open the file situated at `/cstrike/cfg/server.cfg`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define Security Key">
    Input a strong password using the following syntax:
    `rcon_password "YourSecretTeamKey2026"`
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Architecting the Scrim Registry (war.cfg)

To automate the application of tournament rules, we recommend creating a dedicated execution script.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initialize the Registry">
    Create a new file named precisely **`war.cfg`** within your `/cstrike/cfg/` directory.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define Tournament Variables">
    Copy and paste the following industry-standard parameters into the file:

    ```bash theme={null}
    mp_maxrounds 30           // Full match length (15 rounds per side)
    mp_freezetime 15          // Strategic buy and planning phase
    mp_startmoney 800         // Standard starting funds
    mp_roundtime 1.75         // Tournament standard duration
    mp_friendlyfire 1         // Enables team damage for realism
    mp_buytime 0.25           // Restricts buying to the start of the round
    mp_forcechasecam 1        // Restricts spectator view to teammates only
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Match Initialization Workflow

Once your participants have successfully connected to the lobby, use the following administrative protocol to begin the match.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Execution Protocol">
    Open your in-game developer console (**\~**) and execute the following logic:
    `rcon exec war`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical Result">
    The engine will programmatically reload the world state, reset all player economies, and apply the competitive variables instantly.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

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

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
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  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **CSS:** Competitive logic active.
</div>