> ## 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.

# How to Set Up RCON on Your CS:GO Server (rcon_password)

> Set up RCON on a CS:GO server: add rcon_password to csgo/cfg/server.cfg in Files, restart, then use rcon_password and rcon commands from the game console.

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`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server | **Files** |

## 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.

## How to set an RCON password

**1. Open server.cfg**

Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), click **Files** and go to `csgo/cfg/`. Open `server.cfg`. See the [File Manager guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) if you're new to it.

**2. Add the password line**

Add this line on its own line, near the `hostname` line:

```cfg theme={null}
rcon_password "YourStrongPassword"
```

Save the file.

**3. Restart the server**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). 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](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, where server.cfg lives

## 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:

```cfg theme={null}
rcon_password YourStrongPassword
```

**3. Run commands**

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

## Useful commands

| Command | What it does | Example |
| - | - | - |
| `status` | Shows server name, map, version and players | `rcon status` |
| `changelevel <map>` | Changes to another map | `rcon changelevel de_mirage` |
| `mp_restartgame <seconds>` | Restarts the match after the delay | `rcon mp_restartgame 1` |
| `kick <name>` | Removes a player | `rcon kick PlayerName` |
| `bot_kick` | Removes all bots | `rcon bot_kick` |

You can also type the same commands, without `rcon`, straight into the panel [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md). That needs no password.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### 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.

### 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.

### How do I change the RCON password?

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

## 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] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every default line.

> [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)
>
> changelevel and the Map setting.

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