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Counter-Strike 2 servers are configured through plain-text config files full of convars (console variables), plus a few startup parameters. This guide covers where the files live, the convars that matter most, how game modes work, and how to register your Game Server Login Token so your server appears publicly.

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Where Config Files Live

Configs are stored in game/csgo/cfg inside your server files. Edit them with the File Manager in the Wasabi Hosting Game Panel or via SFTP.
FilePurpose
server.cfgExecuted on every map load — put your standard settings here
autoexec.cfgExecuted once at server startup (if configured to run)
gamemode_*.cfgValve’s per-game-mode defaults — don’t edit these; override in server.cfg
A solid starter server.cfg: 
// Identity
hostname "Wasabi | 128-slot brainpower arena"
sv_password ""            // set to require a password to join
rcon_password "ChangeMeNow!"

// Match rules
mp_maxrounds 24
mp_roundtime 1.92
mp_freezetime 15
mp_warmuptime 60
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_friendlyfire 0

// Keep the server public
sv_lan 0
sv_cheats 0
Changes to server.cfg apply on the next map change or server restart.

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Key Convars Explained

ConvarDescription
hostnameServer name shown in the community browser and scoreboard
sv_passwordJoin password; empty string means public
rcon_passwordPassword for remote console access — set a strong one (see Admin Commands)
sv_cheatsEnables cheat-protected commands for everyone (0/1)
mp_maxroundsRounds before the match ends (24 for MR12 competitive)
mp_roundtimeRound length in minutes (e.g. 1.92 = 1:55)
mp_freezetimeFreeze time at round start, in seconds
mp_warmuptimeWarmup length in seconds
mp_autoteambalanceAutomatically balance uneven teams (0/1)
mp_friendlyfireWhether teammates take damage (0/1)
sv_lanMust be 0 — a LAN server won’t authenticate with Steam or list publicly
sv_cheats 1 unlocks commands like noclip and wallhack-style debug views for every connected player, and it can flag the session as insecure. Only enable it on private practice servers, never on a public one.

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Game Modes: game_type and game_mode

CS2 selects its game mode through the combination of two convars, best set as startup parameters (with +game_type / +game_mode) so they apply before the first map loads:
Modegame_typegame_mode
Casual00
Competitive01
Wingman02
Arms Race10
Deathmatch12
For example, a deathmatch server would start with: 
+game_type 1 +game_mode 2 +map de_mirage

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GSLT: Game Server Login Token

A GSLT ties your server to your Steam account and is required for public listing in the community browser.
1

Create the token

Go to steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers and sign in. Under Create a new game server account, enter App ID 730 (Counter-Strike 2) and an optional memo, then click Create.
2

Copy the login token

Copy the generated token string from the table.
3

Add it to your startup parameters

In the Game Panel, open your server’s Startup tab and add the token via the dedicated field or startup parameter:
+sv_setsteamaccount YOURTOKENHERE
4

Restart the server

After a restart, the console should show a successful Steam logon. Your server can now appear in the community browser.
Requirements for GSLTs: your Steam account must not be limited, and it needs to own CS2’s requirements per Valve’s rules. Tokens are banned if the server violates Steam policies, so never share your token. If the account receives a game ban, its tokens stop working.

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Setting the Start Map

The map the server boots into is a startup parameter, not a server.cfg setting:
  • Official map: add +map de_dust2 (or de_mirage, de_inferno, etc.) to the startup parameters.
  • Map group: add +mapgroup mg_active together with +map to define which maps are in rotation.
  • Workshop maps use different commands entirely — see Custom & Workshop Maps.

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Configuration Tips

  • Keep one authoritative server.cfg — since it runs on every map change, your settings survive rotations.
  • Comment your changes (// like this) so future you knows why a value was set.
  • Take a backup before large config overhauls.
  • Test match configs (scrim/competitive rule sets) on a passworded server before opening it to the public.

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