> ## 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 Counter-Strike: Source Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up a Counter-Strike: Source server on FREAKHOSTING: set name, password, map and Steam token in Game settings, start it and join from the console.

To set up a Counter-Strike: Source server on FREAKHOSTING, open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), 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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 to 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING CS:S server | **Game settings** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/setting-a-steam-game-server-token-gslt-for-css.md).

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). 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](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD/images/games/counter-strike-source/css-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD\&q=85\&s=424e40865e30054e652edf4060c72fad)

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

## 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:

```
password "yourpassword"
```

4. Connect with the address from the panel:

```
connect 203.0.113.10:27015
```

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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/css-server-not-showing-in-server-list.md).

## What happens at every start

| Step | Console line |
| - | - |
| Game update check (SteamCMD) | `Checking for game server updates...` then `Success! App '232330' already up to date.` |
| Config loaded | `Executing dedicated server config file server.cfg` |
| Tickrate set | `SV_ActivateServer: setting tickrate to 66.7` |
| Empty server idles | `Server is hibernating` (normal while nobody is on) |
| Ready | `VAC secure mode is activated.` |

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.

## Make your first backup

Once the server is set up the way you like, make a [panel backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). Do it again before you install SourceMod or plugins.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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`.

### How many players can join?

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

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/adding-sourcemod-admins-in-css.md).

### 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.

## 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] [Game settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/configuring-css-game-settings.md)
>
> Every field explained.

> [card] [Steam token (GSLT)](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/setting-a-steam-game-server-token-gslt-for-css.md)
>
> Get your server listed.

> [card] [Install SourceMod](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/installing-sourcemod-for-css.md)
>
> Plugins and admins.

> [card] [Not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-source/css-server-not-showing-in-server-list.md)
>
> Find your server.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!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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