CS2 Server Hosting — Complete Setup and Configuration Guide
Set up and run a Counter-Strike 2 server. 128-tick configuration, SourceMod installation, workshop maps, and competitive match settings.
CS2 Server Requirements
CS2 servers need: 4GB RAM minimum (8GB for 32-slot community servers), 2+ vCPU cores (4+ for 128-tick), NVMe SSD storage, and 10+ Mbps bandwidth per full server. Our CS2 plans are pre-configured for 128-tick competitive play.
128-Tick Configuration
Set tick rate in startup command: -tickrate 128. In server.cfg: sv_maxcmdrate 128, sv_mincmdrate 128, sv_maxupdaterate 128, sv_minupdaterate 128, sv_minrate 196608, sv_maxrate 786432. 128-tick uses 2x the CPU of 64-tick but provides noticeably smoother gameplay for competitive matches.
SourceMod and Metamod
Install Metamod:Source first (platform for SourceMod). Install SourceMod for admin tools: kick, ban, mute, map voting, ad displays. Essential plugins: Anti-Cheat (SMAC), Map Nominations, Simple Admin, and Discord integration for match notifications. Install plugins one at a time and test before adding more.
Workshop Maps
Subscribe to workshop maps. In server.cfg: add 'host_workshop_map <mapid>' to the map cycle. Create a mapcycle.txt for rotation. Popular competitive maps: de_mirage, de_inferno, de_nuke, de_ancient, de_anubis. Community maps for fun: aim maps, surf maps, deathrun maps. Set sv_workshop_allow_other_maps 1 if you want players to suggest workshop maps.
Competitive Match Setup
For 5v5 competitive: disable auto-balance (mp_autoteambalance 0), set mp_limitteams 0, configure overtime (mp_overtime_enable 1). Use Get5 or eBot for automated match management: knife rounds, ready system, pause functionality, and match statistics. These tools make competitive server management professional and automated.
Frequently Asked Questions
128-tick vs 64-tick — is the difference noticeable?
Yes, at competitive levels. 128-tick updates game state 128 times per second vs 64. B-hopping, spray patterns, and hit registration are more accurate. Requires 2x CPU. Our CS2 plans default to 128-tick.
Can I run both CS2 and CS:GO on the same plan?
CS:GO is being phased out. CS2 is the current version. Our CS2 plans are optimized for CS2. If you need CS:GO for legacy community, contact support for compatibility options.
Still have questions?
Our support team is available 24/7 on Discord. Join our community for real-time help from engineers who run game servers.