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To set up RCON (remote console, which lets you run server commands from inside the game) on a FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server, open Files, edit csgo/cfg/server.cfg and add a line such as rcon_password "YourStrongPassword". Save and restart the server. In game, open the console, type rcon_password YourStrongPassword, then run commands with rcon, for example rcon status.

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Before you start

  • Your server’s server.cfg has no rcon_password line by default, so RCON doesn’t work until you add one.
  • Pick a long password that you don’t use anywhere else. Anyone with it can control your server.

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How to set an RCON password

1

Open server.cfg

Open your server in the Game Panel, click Files and go to csgo/cfg/. Open server.cfg. See the File Manager guide if you’re new to it.
2

Add the password line

Add this line on its own line, near the hostname line:
Save the file.
3

Restart the server

Restart the server. The panel doesn’t overwrite server.cfg, so the password stays after restarts.
CS:GO cfg folder in the File Manager showing server.cfg and the stock config files

The csgo/cfg folder in Files, where server.cfg lives

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How to use RCON from the CS:GO game console

1

Join your server

Connect to your server, for example connect 203.0.113.10:27015, using the IP and port from the panel.
2

Log in to RCON

Open the developer console and type:
3

Run commands

Put rcon in front of any server command, for example rcon status or rcon changelevel de_inferno.

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Useful commands

You can also type the same commands, without rcon, straight into the panel console. That needs no password.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why is my RCON password rejected?

The password you typed doesn’t match rcon_password in server.cfg, or you haven’t restarted since adding it. Check for typos and quotes, save, and restart.

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Can I use RCON without joining the server?

Yes, with a third-party RCON tool that supports the Source RCON protocol. Use your server’s IP and game port and the same password.

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Is the panel console the same as RCON?

It runs the same server commands, but from the Game Panel instead of from inside the game. Use it if you don’t want to set an RCON password.

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How do I change the RCON password?

Edit the rcon_password line in server.cfg, save and restart.

CS:GO server guide

Every CS:GO page in one place.

server.cfg explained

Every default line.

Set a password

Make your server private.

Change the map

changelevel and the Map setting.

Server console

Run commands from the panel.
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.

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Need Extra Help?

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

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Last Updated: November 2026