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To set up a Counter-Strike: Source server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the Game Panel, click Game settings, set Server name, Start map and, if you want a private server, Server password, then save and start the server. It is ready when the console shows VAC secure mode is activated. Players join with connect and the address shown in the panel.

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Before you start

  • Log in to the Game Panel.
  • Own Counter-Strike: Source on Steam (App ID 240).
  • Optional: a Steam game server token (GSLT) so your server is listed and keeps the same Steam ID. See set a GSLT.

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How to set up your CS:S server

1

Stop the server

Changes to server.cfg apply on the next start, so stop the server first.
2

Open Game settings

Click Game settings under GAME SETTINGS. The Checks box at the top lists anything worth a look, such as No Steam game server token.
3

Name your server

Under Server, enter a Server name. This is the name in the server browser. The default is Hosted by FREAKHOSTING.COM.
4

Choose the start map

Under Start-up, set Start map, for example de_dust2 (the default) or cs_office. Use the map name without .bsp.
5

Add a password (optional)

Set Server password to make the server private. Leave it empty for a public server.
6

Pick a preset (optional)

Click Presets and choose Competitive (friendly fire on, longer rounds, no spectators) or Casual (no friendly fire, team balance on). A preset only fills in the fields; nothing is saved yet.
7

Review and save

Click save. The review window shows the lines that change in server.cfg and keeps the old file as server.cfg.bak. Click Save changes.
8

Start the server

Start the server and watch the console. First you see Checking for game server updates..., then the server boots in about 30 seconds. It is ready when you see VAC secure mode is activated.
Counter-Strike: Source Game settings page with Checks, Presets, Start-up and Server sections

Game settings for Counter-Strike: Source in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel

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How to join your CS:S server

  1. In Counter-Strike: Source, open Options > Keyboard > Advanced and tick Enable developer console.
  2. Press the ~ key to open the console.
  3. If the server has a password, type it first:
  1. Connect with the address from the panel:
You can also add the address to Favorites in the in-game server browser. The server shows in the Internet list once Steam has listed it; see not showing in the list.

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What happens at every start

Lines such as Unknown command "r_decal_cullsize" or [S_API FAIL] Tried to access Steam interface ... are harmless. One or two Could not establish connection to Steam servers. lines before Connection to Steam servers successful. are normal too.

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Make your first backup

Once the server is set up the way you like, make a panel backup. Do it again before you install SourceMod or plugins.

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Frequently asked questions

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What port does a CS:S server use?

Your server’s game port is shown in the panel, usually 27015. Always join with the full address from the panel, for example 203.0.113.10:27015.

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How many players can join?

Max Players comes from your plan and is read-only in Startup. Bots count towards it too.

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How do I get admin commands?

The server has no admin system out of the box. Use the panel console, set an RCON password for rcon, or install SourceMod and add admins.

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Why does the console say the server is hibernating?

An empty CS:S server goes idle to save resources. It wakes up as soon as a player connects.

CS:S server guide

Every CS:S page in one place.

Game settings

Every field explained.

Steam token (GSLT)

Get your server listed.

Install SourceMod

Plugins and admins.

Not showing in the list

Find your server.
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