How to Host a CSGO Server for Free

Hello Dev, are you an avid gamer of the popular first-person shooter game, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO)? Do you want to learn how to host a server for you and your friends to play on? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to host a CSGO server for free. Let’s get started!

What is a CSGO Server?

Before we delve into the details of hosting a server, let’s understand what a CSGO server is. A CSGO server is a dedicated computer that runs the game server software and allows multiple players to join and play the game together. It serves as a hub for players to connect and compete in matches.

There are two types of CSGO servers: official and community servers. Official servers are hosted by Valve, the game’s developer, while community servers are hosted by players or third-party companies. In this article, we will focus on hosting a community server.

Step 1: Downloading and Installing SteamCMD

The first step in hosting a CSGO server is to download and install SteamCMD. SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update game servers. Here’s how to download and install SteamCMD:

Step
Description
1
Go to the official SteamCMD website (https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/SteamCMD).
2
Scroll down to the “Downloading and running SteamCMD” section and click on the appropriate link for your operating system.
3
Save the SteamCMD file to your preferred location.
4
Extract the SteamCMD files to a new folder.

Step 2: Creating a Steam Account

In order to download and install the CSGO server files, you need to have a Steam account. If you already have a Steam account, you can skip this step. If not, follow these steps to create a new Steam account:

Step
Description
1
Go to the official Steam website (https://store.steampowered.com/join/).
2
Fill in your details, including your email address and a secure password.
3
Agree to the terms and conditions, and click on “Create My Account”.
4
Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your email.

Step 3: Downloading and Installing the CSGO Server Files

Now that you have SteamCMD and a Steam account, it’s time to download and install the CSGO server files. Here’s how to do it:

Step
Description
1
Open SteamCMD by double-clicking on the steamcmd.exe file.
2
Log in to your Steam account by entering the following command:
login your_steam_username your_steam_password
3
Set the installation folder for the CSGO server files by entering the following command:
force_install_dir c:\csgo-server
4
Download and install the CSGO server files by entering the following command:
app_update 740 validate
5
Wait for the download and installation process to complete.

Step 4: Configuring the Server Settings

Once you have downloaded and installed the CSGO server files, you need to configure the server settings. This includes setting the server name, password, game mode, map rotation, and other settings. Here’s how to do it:

Step
Description
1
Navigate to the csgo-server\csgo\cfg folder.
2
Open the server.cfg file using a text editor.
3
Modify the settings according to your preferences. Here are some examples:
hostname "My CSGO Server" – sets the server name
sv_password "mypassword" – sets the server password
game_mode 1 – sets the game mode to casual
mapgroup mg_active – sets the map rotation to the active duty map group
maxplayers 10 – sets the maximum number of players to 10
4
Save the file.
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Step 5: Starting the Server

Now that you have downloaded, installed, and configured the CSGO server files, it’s time to start the server. Here’s how to do it:

Step
Description
1
Open SteamCMD again.
2
Enter the following command to start the server:
srcds.exe -game csgo -console -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2
Replace “de_dust2” with the map you want to start with.
You can also add other parameters and launch options depending on your needs.
3
Wait for the server to start.

FAQ

1. Can I host a CSGO server on my personal computer?

Yes, you can host a CSGO server on your personal computer. However, keep in mind that hosting a server requires a lot of resources and may affect your computer’s performance. It’s recommended to use a dedicated server or a third-party hosting service.

2. How many players can join my CSGO server?

The maximum number of players that can join a CSGO server depends on the server’s settings and resources. By default, the maximum is 64 players. However, it’s recommended to set a lower number to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.

3. Do I need a public IP address to host a CSGO server?

Yes, you need a public IP address to host a CSGO server. A public IP address is a unique address that identifies your computer on the internet. Without it, other players won’t be able to connect to your server.

4. Can I install mods on my CSGO server?

Yes, you can install mods on your CSGO server. Mods are custom game modifications that can add new gameplay features, maps, weapons, and more. You can download and install mods from various websites or create your own.

5. How do I update my CSGO server?

You can update your CSGO server using SteamCMD. Simply run the app_update command with the latest version number to download and install the update.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You have successfully learned how to host a CSGO server for free. It may seem daunting at first, but with these step-by-step instructions, hosting your own server can be a fun and rewarding experience. So gather your friends and start playing!

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