> ## 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 Dedicated Server Guide: Setup, GSLT, Config and Fixes

> CS:GO legacy dedicated server guide for FREAKHOSTING: add a GSLT, edit server.cfg, set RCON, a password, maps and game modes, and fix common problems.

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**.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Looking for Counter-Strike 2? See our [CS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-hosting-guide.md). These pages are for CS:GO only.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Game version | 1.38.8.1, the final CS:GO build (legacy) |
| First step | Set **Steam Account Token** on **Startup** (a GSLT) |
| Panel pages you use | **Startup** (variables) and **Files** (config files) |
| Main config file | `csgo/cfg/server.cfg` |
| Default map and mode | `de_dust2`, Classic Competitive (**Game Type** `0`, **Game Mode** `1`) |
| Tickrate | 128 (**Read Only**) |
| Player slots | **Max Players** (**Read Only**) shows the slots in your plan |
| Mods | SourceMod and Metamod:Source are not installed |

## 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:

| Panel page | What you do there |
| - | - |
| **Startup** | Steam Account Token, Map, Game Type, Game Mode, Disable VAC, Disable HLTV |
| **Files** | Edit `csgo/cfg/server.cfg`, create mode override files, upload maps |
| **Console** | Run server commands such as `status` and `changelevel` |
| **Backups** and **Automatic backups** | Keep copies of your config and maps |
| **Schedules** | Plan restarts and other tasks |

The game files take about 35 GB on disk. SourceMod and Metamod:Source are not installed.

## Most asked

1. [Add a GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-add-a-gslt-to-your-csgo-server.md): create a Steam token and paste it into **Steam Account Token**.
2. [Server stuck on Starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-stuck-on-starting.md): almost always a missing or invalid token.
3. [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-cfg-explained.md): server name, downloads, tags and overrides.
4. [Set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md): add `rcon_password` yourself.
5. [Game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-game-modes-game-type-and-game-mode.md): `game_type` and `game_mode` values.
6. [CS:GO legacy vs CS2](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-legacy-server-vs-cs2.md): what still works in 2026.

## Start here

> [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/getting-started-with-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Token, name, map, start and join.

> [card] [Log in to the Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md)
>
> Open your server.

## Game Panel guides

> [card] [Add a GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-add-a-gslt-to-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> The Steam token your server needs.

> [card] [Set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Remote admin from the game console.

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

> [card] [Change the map](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-change-the-map-on-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Start map, changelevel and custom maps.

## Guides and tips

> [card] [CS:GO legacy vs CS2](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-legacy-server-vs-cs2.md)
>
> What a CS:GO server is today.

## Commands and settings

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every default line and what to change.

> [card] [Game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-game-modes-game-type-and-game-mode.md)
>
> Casual, Competitive, Wingman, Deathmatch and more.

## Troubleshooting

> [card] [Stuck on Starting](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-stuck-on-starting.md)
>
> The server never shows as online.

> [card] [Not showing in the server list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-not-showing-in-server-list.md)
>
> 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-legacy-server-vs-cs2.md).

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-stuck-on-starting.md).

### 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

### Can I get more player slots?

**Max Players** is read only and matches the slots in your plan. For more slots, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

## Related guides

> [card] [Startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md)
>
> Token, map, game type and game mode.

> [card] [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md)
>
> Edit server.cfg and upload maps.

> [card] [Server console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md)
>
> Run commands and read output.

> [card] [CS2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/counter-strike-2/cs2-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Hosting Counter-Strike 2 instead.

***

> [!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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