> ## 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:GO server.cfg Explained: Location, Default Settings and Overrides

> CS:GO server.cfg explained: it lives in csgo/cfg/server.cfg. See each default line on FREAKHOSTING, what to change and how gamemode_*_server.cfg overrides work.

On a FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server, the main config file is `csgo/cfg/server.cfg`. Open it in **Files** to change the server name (`hostname`), add a join password (`sv_password`) or an RCON password (`rcon_password`), and set downloads, tags and region. The server runs it on every start, and the panel never overwrites it, so your edits stay after restarts.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| File | `csgo/cfg/server.cfg` |
| Edit in | **Files** (or [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md)) |
| Applies | After a restart |
| Not in the file by default | `rcon_password`, `sv_password` |
| Mode override files | `csgo/cfg/gamemode_<mode>_server.cfg` (you create them) |

## Where is server.cfg on a CS:GO server?

**1. Open Files**

In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), open your server and click **Files**.

**2. Go to csgo/cfg**

Open the `csgo` folder, then `cfg`. You'll see `server.cfg` among Valve's stock config files.

**3. Edit and save**

Click `server.cfg`, make your change, save, then [restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

![CS:GO cfg folder in the FREAKHOSTING File Manager listing server.cfg, gamemode and other stock config files](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_/images/games/csgo/csgo-cfg-folder.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=m3ZOEtGPuZd9DW2_\&q=85\&s=386465f657d4b8e4361d7f25b4c3e58a)

The csgo/cfg folder in Files with server.cfg and the stock config files

## What the default server.cfg lines do

| Line | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `hostname` | `"Hosted by FREAKHOSTING.COM"` | The server name players see. Change it to your own. |
| `sv_allowupload` | `"0"` | Players can't upload custom files such as sprays to the server. |
| `sv_allowdownload` | `"1"` | Players can download missing files, such as custom maps, from the server. |
| `sv_hibernate_when_empty` | `"0"` | The server keeps running when nobody is on it. |
| `game_type` / `game_mode` | `0` / `1` | Classic Competitive. Keep these the same as **Game Type** and **Game Mode** on **Startup**. |
| `mapgroup` | `mg_active` | The group of maps used for map voting and rotation. |
| `sv_tags` | `"competitive,csgo,server"` | Tags shown in the server browser. |
| `sv_lan` | `0` | `0` makes it an internet server. `1` would allow LAN players only. |
| `sv_pure` | `0` | Players' game files aren't checked against the server's. |
| `sv_region` | `255` | Region for the server browser. `255` means the whole world. |
| `exec banned_user.cfg` / `exec banned_ip.cfg` | On | Loads saved bans when the server starts. |
| `writeid` / `writeip` | On | Saves the ban lists to those files. |

The file also has a block of network rate settings. Leave those as they are. Lines not listed here can stay unchanged.

## Lines you can add

| Line | Example | Use |
| - | - | - |
| `rcon_password` | `rcon_password "YourStrongPassword"` | Turns on RCON. See [set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md). |
| `sv_password` | `sv_password "YourPassword"` | Asks players for a password. See [set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-csgo-server.md). |

## Example: a typical first edit

Most customers change only a few lines. This example sets a name, an RCON password and a join password. Put each setting on its own line:

```cfg theme={null}
hostname "Friday Night Competitive"
rcon_password "YourStrongPassword"
sv_password "YourPassword"
sv_tags "competitive,csgo,server"
```

Save and restart. Type `status` in the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md): the `hostname` line shows your new name.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Keep a copy before big edits. Download `server.cfg` from **Files**, or make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md), so you can undo a mistake.

## How gamemode\_\*\_server.cfg overrides work

CS:GO ships a config file for each mode, such as `gamemode_competitive.cfg` and `gamemode_casual.cfg`, in `csgo/cfg`. Don't edit those. Instead, create a file with `_server` added to the name, for example `gamemode_competitive_server.cfg`. The game runs it each time that mode loads, so you can keep your own values there without editing Valve's files.

Example `gamemode_competitive_server.cfg` that removes bots:

```cfg theme={null}
bot_quota 0
```

None of these `_server.cfg` files exist at first, so the console shows `exec: couldn't exec gamemode_competitive_server.cfg` until you create one. That line is harmless.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why didn't my server.cfg change apply?

Most settings apply on the next start. Save the file and restart. Check the line for typos and make sure each setting is on its own line.

### Does the panel overwrite server.cfg?

No. We tested this: a changed `hostname` and an added `rcon_password` stayed after a restart.

### Can I change max players in server.cfg?

No. **Max Players** on **Startup** is read only and matches the slots in your plan. For more slots, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

### What does "couldn't exec banned\_user.cfg" mean?

The ban list file doesn't exist yet because nobody has been banned. It appears after the first saved ban.

## 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] [Game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-game-modes-game-type-and-game-mode.md)
>
> game\_type and game\_mode values.

> [card] [Set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Add rcon\_password.

> [card] [Set a password](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-a-password-on-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Add sv\_password.

> [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)
>
> Edit files in the panel.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive legacy, version 1.38.8.1). 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:** November 2026


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