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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. A solid starter server.cfg:
Changes to server.cfg apply on the next map change or server restart.

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Key Convars Explained

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 and +game_mode) so they apply before the first map loads: For example, a deathmatch server would start with:

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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 Steam Game Server Account page 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:
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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