Skip to main content
This guide lists every FREAKHOSTING help page for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Your server runs the final CS:GO build, version 1.38.8.1. Valve replaced CS:GO with Counter-Strike 2 in 2023, so this is a legacy game that no longer gets updates. The first thing to do is add a Steam game server token (GSLT) on Startup. Without it, the server stays on Starting.
Looking for Counter-Strike 2? See our CS2 server guide. These pages are for CS:GO only.

​
How your CS:GO server is set up in the Game Panel

Your CS:GO server has no game-specific pages in the panel. You manage it with the standard pages: The game files take about 35 GB on disk. SourceMod and Metamod:Source are not installed.

​
Most asked

  1. Add a GSLT: create a Steam token and paste it into Steam Account Token.
  2. Server stuck on Starting: almost always a missing or invalid token.
  3. server.cfg explained: server name, downloads, tags and overrides.
  4. Set up RCON: add rcon_password yourself.
  5. Game modes: game_type and game_mode values.
  6. CS:GO legacy vs CS2: what still works in 2026.

​
Start here

Getting started

Token, name, map, start and join.

Log in to the Game Panel

Open your server.

​
Game Panel guides

Add a GSLT

The Steam token your server needs.

Set up RCON

Remote admin from the game console.

Set a password

Make your server private.

Change the map

Start map, changelevel and custom maps.

​
Guides and tips

CS:GO legacy vs CS2

What a CS:GO server is today.

​
Commands and settings

server.cfg explained

Every default line and what to change.

Game modes

Casual, Competitive, Wingman, Deathmatch and more.

​
Troubleshooting

Stuck on Starting

The server never shows as online.

Not showing in the server list

Find your server or join by IP.

​
Frequently asked questions

​
Is CS:GO still playable in 2026?

Yes, on community servers. Valve’s matchmaking servers for CS:GO are offline, but players can install CS:GO as a separate free Steam app and join servers like yours. See CS:GO legacy vs CS2.

​
Why does my CS:GO server stay on Starting?

The Steam Account Token is 0 by default, so the server can’t log in to Steam. Add your own GSLT and restart. See stuck on Starting.

​
Where do I change server settings?

Game settings live in csgo/cfg/server.cfg, which you edit in Files. Map, game mode and VAC are set on Startup.

​
Does my CS:GO server have SourceMod?

No. SourceMod and Metamod:Source are not installed, and there is no csgo/addons folder. If you need help with plugins, open a ticket.

​
Can I get more player slots?

Max Players is read only and matches the slots in your plan. For more slots, open a ticket.

Startup variables

Token, map, game type and game mode.

File Manager

Edit server.cfg and upload maps.

Server console

Run commands and read output.

CS2 server guide

Hosting Counter-Strike 2 instead.
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.

​
Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

​
Save on Your Hosting

Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code KB20 at checkout for 20% off your first order!
Last Updated: November 2026