> ## 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.

# CS:S Server Tickrate and Rates: 66 Tick and Update Rate Settings

> A Counter-Strike: Source server runs at 66 tick. Set sv_maxupdaterate and sv_maxcmdrate to 66 in server.cfg so players get every server update.

A FREAKHOSTING Counter-Strike: Source server runs at 66 tick: the console shows `SV_ActivateServer: setting tickrate to 66.7` at every start. To let players receive all 66 updates a second, set `sv_maxupdaterate 66` and `sv_maxcmdrate 66` in `/cstrike/cfg/server.cfg`, which are Valve's defaults for 66 tick, and restart. Type a cvar name in the console to check its value.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Tickrate | 66 (66.7 in the console) |
| Valve defaults since the 66-tick update | `sv_maxupdaterate 66`, `sv_maxcmdrate 66`, `sv_mincmdrate 10` |
| Where to set rates | `/cstrike/cfg/server.cfg` |
| Check a value | Type it in the console, for example `sv_maxupdaterate` |

## What tickrate means

The tickrate is how many times a second the server simulates the game. Valve raised the Counter-Strike: Source default from 33 to 66 in its [July 2010 update](https://store.steampowered.com/news/4033/) and changed the rate defaults to match. Your server runs at this 66 tick. The tickrate isn't a setting in the Game Panel.

## Update rates and command rates

| Cvar | What it does | Recommended on 66 tick |
| - | - | - |
| `sv_maxupdaterate` | Most updates a second the server sends each player | `66` |
| `sv_minupdaterate` | Fewest updates a second the server sends | `10` or higher |
| `sv_maxcmdrate` | Most commands a second the server accepts from each player | `66` |
| `sv_mincmdrate` | Fewest commands a second | `10` (Valve default) |

A higher update rate than the tickrate does nothing, because the server has no extra ticks to send.

## How to set the rates

The default `server.cfg` on a new server contains older, lower values, such as `sv_maxupdaterate 30`. That limits players to 30 updates a second on a 66-tick server.

**1. Open server.cfg**

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

**2. Change the update rate lines**

Find `sv_maxupdaterate` and `sv_minupdaterate` and set them like this. Add `sv_maxcmdrate` if it isn't there:

```
sv_maxupdaterate 66
sv_minupdaterate 10
sv_maxcmdrate 66
sv_mincmdrate 10
```

**3. Check the bandwidth lines**

The file also sets `sv_maxrate` and `sv_minrate` (bandwidth in bytes a second). If you don't want a limit from the file, put `//` in front of these two lines; the game then uses its own defaults.

**4. Save and restart**

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

**5. Check the values**

In the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md), type `sv_maxupdaterate`, `sv_maxcmdrate`, `sv_maxrate` and `sv_minrate`. Each answer shows the value and the game default.

## What players should set

Players' own settings (`cl_updaterate`, `cl_cmdrate`, `rate`) are capped by your server's limits. With your server at 66, players who set `cl_updaterate 66` and `cl_cmdrate 66` in their game get the full 66 updates.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I run my CS:S server at 100 tick?

The tickrate isn't a setting in the Game Panel, and your server runs at 66 tick. [Open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) if you need something else.

### Why do players lag on my server?

Check the rate lines in `server.cfg` first, then the [statistics](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-view-server-statistics.md) for CPU and memory use. Lag that only one player has is usually on their own connection.

### Does a lower update rate save resources?

Very little. On a 66-tick server it mainly makes the game feel less smooth for players.

## 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] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/css-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every line in the file.

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

> [card] [War server](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/cs-source-setting-up-a-css-war-server.md)
>
> Match settings.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Counter-Strike: Source dedicated server, 66 tick). Rate defaults checked against [Valve's 6 July 2010 update notes](https://store.steampowered.com/news/4033/) 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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