> ## 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. # Can You Still Host a CS:GO Server in 2026? CS:GO Legacy vs CS2 > Yes, you can still host a CS:GO server in 2026. It runs the final legacy build, players use the free standalone CS:GO app, and matchmaking stays offline. Yes, you can still host a CS:GO server in 2026. Valve replaced Counter-Strike: Global Offensive with Counter-Strike 2 on 27 September 2023, and CS:GO no longer gets updates. Since March 2026, CS:GO is back on Steam as a separate free app (App ID 4465480). Players use it to join community servers such as a FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server, which runs the final build, version 1.38.8.1. | Fact | CS:GO (legacy) | Counter-Strike 2 | | - | - | - | | Steam App ID | 4465480 | 730 | | Updates | None, final build | Ongoing | | Valve matchmaking | Offline | Online | | Community servers | Yes | Yes | | Our server version | 1.38.8.1 | See our [CS2 guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-hosting-guide.md) | ## What happened to CS:GO? Counter-Strike 2 was released on 27 September 2023 and took CS:GO's place on Steam under App ID 730. Valve shut down official CS:GO matchmaking at the same time. For a while, CS:GO was only available as a "legacy version" beta inside CS2 for players whose PCs couldn't run CS2, and Valve ended support for that version on 1 January 2024. In March 2026, Valve listed CS:GO on Steam again as its own app, App ID 4465480. The store page is free to play but unlisted, so it doesn't show up in Steam search. Players open it from the [direct store link](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4465480/CounterStrikeGlobal_Offensive/). ## What a FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server is * It runs the final CS:GO dedicated server build: `Exe version 1.38.8.1`, built on 24 August 2023. * It is a community server. Players join it from the CS:GO app, not from CS2. * It needs your own Steam game server token for App ID 4465480. See [add a GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-add-a-gslt-to-your-csgo-server.md). * It has no game-specific pages in the Game Panel. You set it up on **Startup** and in `csgo/cfg/server.cfg`. ## Should you choose CS:GO or CS2? | Choose CS:GO if | Choose CS2 if | | - | - | | Your community wants the classic game and maps | You want the current game that Valve still updates | | Your players have older PCs that run CS:GO | Your players already play CS2 | | You run custom maps or modes made for CS:GO | You want CS2 workshop maps and new features | For Counter-Strike 2, see our [CS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-hosting-guide.md). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can CS2 players join a CS:GO server? No. CS2 and CS:GO are separate games. Players need the standalone CS:GO app to join a CS:GO server. ### Is CS:GO free in 2026? Yes. The standalone CS:GO app on Steam is listed as free to play. ### Will Valve update CS:GO again? Valve ended support for the CS:GO legacy version on 1 January 2024. Your server runs the final build from August 2023. ### Does CS:GO matchmaking still work? No. Valve's matchmaking servers for CS:GO are offline. Community servers are how people play CS:GO online now. ## Related guides > [card] [CS:GO server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every CS:GO page in one place. > [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/getting-started-with-your-csgo-server.md) > > Set up your CS:GO server. > [card] [Add a GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-add-a-gslt-to-your-csgo-server.md) > > Token for App ID 4465480. > [card] [Game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-game-modes-game-type-and-game-mode.md) > > Classic CS:GO modes. > [card] [CS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Host Counter-Strike 2 instead. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Steam store page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4465480/CounterStrikeGlobal_Offensive/)** on 3 November 2026. Server version details from our Game Panel test on the same day. > [!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:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.