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Almost everything about how your Counter-Strike 1.6 server plays is controlled by one file: server.cfg. This guide explains the settings that matter, how to set up your map rotation and MOTD, and gives you two ready-to-use configs — one for casual public play, one for competitive matches.

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Where the Files Live

All configuration lives in the cstrike/ folder, which you can edit with the Game Panel’s File Manager or SFTP:
FilePurpose
cstrike/server.cfgMain server settings — executed on every map change
cstrike/mapcycle.txtMap rotation, one map name per line
cstrike/motd.txtMessage of the day shown to players on join
cstrike/listip.cfg / banned.cfgIP and SteamID ban lists (managed by the server)

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Essential server.cfg Settings

CvarDefaultWhat it does
hostname "..."—Server name shown in the browser. Make it memorable.
rcon_password "..."emptyRemote admin password. Set a strong one — anyone with it fully controls the server.
sv_password "..."emptyJoin password. Leave empty for a public server.
mp_timelimit0Map time limit in minutes. 0 = no limit (map changes by rounds/votes only).
mp_roundtime5Round length in minutes (allowed range 1–9).
mp_freezetime6Seconds players are frozen at round start to buy.
mp_friendlyfire01 enables team damage.
mp_autoteambalance1Automatically moves players to even out teams.
mp_limitteams2Max player difference allowed between teams. 0 disables the limit.
mp_startmoney800Starting money, 800–16000.
mp_buytime1.5Buy period length in minutes (e.g. 0.25 = 15 seconds).
mp_c4timer45Seconds until the planted C4 detonates.
sv_alltalk01 lets both teams (and the dead) hear each other’s voice chat.
sv_gravity800World gravity. Lower = moon jumps; fun for fun servers.
pausable1Set to 0 so players can’t freeze the server with the pause command.
Always set rcon_password to something long and unique, and set pausable 0. These two lines are the difference between your server and everyone’s server.

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Ready-to-Use Configs

Open cstrike/server.cfg in the File Manager and use one of these as a starting point: 
// --- Identity ---
hostname "My CS 1.6 Server | Dust2 24/7"
rcon_password "ChangeMeToSomethingLong"
sv_password ""

// --- Rounds & time ---
mp_timelimit 25
mp_roundtime 5
mp_freezetime 3
mp_c4timer 45

// --- Teams ---
mp_friendlyfire 0
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_limitteams 2

// --- Economy ---
mp_startmoney 1500
mp_buytime 1.5

// --- Misc ---
sv_alltalk 1
sv_gravity 800
pausable 0

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Map Rotation (mapcycle.txt)

cstrike/mapcycle.txt controls which map loads when mp_timelimit runs out or the max rounds are reached. One map name per line, without the .bsp extension: 
de_dust2
de_inferno
de_nuke
cs_assault
de_train
Every map listed must exist in cstrike/maps/. Want to run maps that didn’t ship with the game? See Custom Maps.

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Message of the Day (motd.txt)

cstrike/motd.txt is shown to every player when they join. It accepts basic HTML, so you can style it or link your community’s rules and Discord: 
<html>
<body bgcolor="#000000" text="#ffffff">
  <h2>Welcome to My CS 1.6 Server!</h2>
  <p>No cheating. No mic spam. Have fun.</p>
</body>
</html>

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Applying Changes

server.cfg is executed automatically on every map change, so your settings persist. To apply edits:
Save the file, then either restart the server from the Game Panel or type in the panel console:
exec server.cfg
Take a quick backup before big config experiments — reverting takes one click.

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Next Steps

Config sorted? Add in-game admin powers and community plugins with AMX Mod X, or expand your map pool with Custom Maps.

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