> ## 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 Stuck on Starting: How to Fix It

> CS:GO server stuck on Starting? The default Steam Account Token is 0, so it can't log in to Steam. Add a valid GSLT for app 4465480 on Startup and restart.

If your FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server stays on **Starting**, it can't log in to Steam. The **Steam Account Token** on **Startup** is `0` by default, which isn't a real token, and the console ends with `Could not establish connection to Steam servers.` Create a GSLT for App ID `4465480`, paste it into **Steam Account Token** and restart the server. On newer servers, a missing token stops the server straight away with the console message `No Steam Game Server Login Token set` instead.

## Quick checks

| Check | Where | Fix |
| - | - | - |
| Token is not `0` | **Startup** > **Steam Account Token** | [Add a GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-add-a-gslt-to-your-csgo-server.md) |
| Token made for the right game | Steam's [game server account page](https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers) | Create a token for App ID `4465480` |
| Token not expired | Steam's game server account page | Regenerate it and paste the new one |
| No spaces in the token | **Startup** | Paste only letters and numbers |
| Console messages | **Console** | Compare with the table below |

## What the console tells you

| Console output | Meaning |
| - | - |
| `Logging into Steam gameserver account with logon token '0xxxxxxx…'` | The server is using the default token `0` |
| `Could not establish connection to Steam servers.` | The Steam login failed |
| `status` shows `insecure (secure mode enabled, disconnected from Steam3) [INVALID_STEAMID]` | The server isn't logged in to Steam |

A long list of settings and `Error parsing BotProfile.db` lines also appear during a normal start. They don't stop the server from starting.

## How to fix a CS:GO server stuck on Starting

**1. Create a token**

On Steam's [game server account page](https://steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers), create a token for App ID `4465480`. Your Steam account needs a registered phone number and must not be limited. Full steps: [add a GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-add-a-gslt-to-your-csgo-server.md).

**2. Paste it on Startup**

Open **Startup** in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and replace `0` in **Steam Account Token** with your token. Click away from the field to save.

**3. Stop, then start**

Click **Stop** and wait until the server is offline. This takes about 30 to 40 seconds. Then click **Start**. See [start, stop and restart](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md).

**4. Check the console**

`Could not establish connection to Steam servers.` should no longer appear. Type `status` and check that the `version` line no longer says `disconnected from Steam3`.

If the server still stays on **Starting** a few minutes after you add a valid token, [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and tell us the last lines in your console.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can players join while the panel shows Starting?

Without a token the server isn't logged in to Steam, so it isn't listed and isn't VAC-secured. Add a token rather than trying to play this way.

### Why does the console show "couldn't exec gamemode\_competitive\_server.cfg"?

That optional override file doesn't exist until you create it. It's harmless. See [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-cfg-explained.md).

### Do I need a new token for every server?

Give each server its own token, so you can regenerate or delete one without affecting the others. Steam lets one account create up to 1,000 game server accounts.

## 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] [Add a GSLT](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-add-a-gslt-to-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Create and paste your token.

> [card] [Not showing in the server list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-not-showing-in-server-list.md)
>
> Get listed or join by IP.

> [card] [Getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/getting-started-with-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Full first-time setup.

> [card] [Read server logs](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-read-server-logs.md)
>
> Find errors in the logs.

***

> [!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


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.