Panel/ControlPanel/docs/games/counter-strike-source.md

Counter-Strike: Source — Complete Dedicated Server Guide

Startup Parameters

Default command line

srcds_run -game cstrike -console -usercon +hostport 27015 +map de_dust2 +maxplayers 16 +exec server.cfg

Parameters (exhaustive, server-relevant only)

• -game <dir> — Game directory. Required.
• -console — Enable server console output.
• -usercon — Enable user console commands.
• +hostport <port> — Server port (UDP). Default: 27015.
• +ip <address> — Bind to specific IP address.
• +map <mapname> — Starting map. Required.
• +maxplayers <num> — Maximum players (1-64).
• +exec <file> — Execute config file on startup.
• +sv_setsteamaccount <token> — Game Server Login Token for public servers.
• +rcon_password <pass> — RCON password for remote administration.
• +sv_password <pass> — Server password for private games.
• +hostname <name> — Server name in browser.
• +sv_lan <0|1> — LAN mode (0=Internet, 1=LAN only).
• -tickrate <rate> — Server tickrate (default: 66, competitive: 128).
• -port <port> — Alternative syntax for hostport.
• -nohltv — Disable SourceTV.
• +tv_enable <0|1> — Enable/disable SourceTV.
• +tv_port <port> — SourceTV port (default: hostport + 5).
• -secure — Enable VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat).
• -insecure — Disable VAC (for testing only).
• +sv_region <num> — Server region (255=world, 0-7=specific regions).
• +fps_max <fps> — Server FPS limit.
• -threads <num> — Number of worker threads.
• -norestart — Don't restart server on crash.
• +log <on|off> — Enable/disable logging.
• -condebug — Log console output to file.
• +sv_logfile <0|1> — Enable server logging.
• +sv_logflush <0|1> — Flush logs immediately.

Ports

• Game: UDP 27015 (primary)
• RCON: TCP 27015 (same as game port)
• SourceTV: UDP 27020 (game port + 5)
• Steam Query: UDP 27016 (game port + 1)

Config Files & Locations

Windows:

• steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/cfg/server.cfg — Main server configuration
• steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/cfg/autoexec.cfg — Auto-executed commands
• steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/mapcycle.txt — Map rotation list
• steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/motd.txt — Message of the day
• steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/banned_user.cfg — Banned users
• steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/banned_ip.cfg — Banned IP addresses
• steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/logs/ — Server logs directory

Linux:

• ~/.steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/cfg/server.cfg — Main server configuration
• ~/.steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/cfg/autoexec.cfg — Auto-executed commands
• ~/.steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/mapcycle.txt — Map rotation list
• ~/.steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/motd.txt — Message of the day
• ~/.steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/banned_user.cfg — Banned users
• ~/.steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/banned_ip.cfg — Banned IP addresses
• ~/.steam/steamapps/common/Counter-Strike: Source/logs/ — Server logs directory

Key Configuration Files:

• server.cfg: Core server settings (rates, game rules, admin settings)
• autoexec.cfg: Commands executed on server start
• mapcycle.txt: Map rotation configuration
• motd.txt: Welcome message displayed to connecting players

Steam Workshop

Not supported by this game.

Common Mods (curated)

• SourceMod

  • Purpose: Admin and scripting framework for Source engine games.
  • Install: Download from sourcemod.net, extract to game directory, requires MetaMod:Source.
  • Configure: Edit addons/sourcemod/configs/admins_simple.ini for admin users.

• MetaMod:Source

  • Purpose: Plugin loading framework for Source engine.
  • Install: Extract to game directory, add to gameinfo.txt.
  • Configure: Plugin loading handled automatically.

• Mani Admin Plugin

  • Purpose: Alternative admin framework with extensive features.
  • Install: Extract to game directory, configure via mani_server.cfg.
  • Configure: Admin settings in cfg/mani_server.cfg.

Database

Not applicable - this game does not use a database for core functionality.

Administration & Scripting

Remote Administration:

• RCON (Remote Console) access for server management
• Web-based admin panels (game-specific or third-party)
• In-game admin commands and permissions

Backup Strategy:

• Automated daily backups of save files and configuration
• Rotate backups (keep 7 daily, 4 weekly, 12 monthly)
• Test backup restoration procedures regularly
• Store backups in separate location/drive

Auto-Update:

• Use SteamCMD for automatic server updates (Steam games)
• Schedule updates during low-traffic periods
• Backup before applying updates
• Monitor for update announcements and patch notes

Monitoring:

• Server performance monitoring (CPU, memory, network)
• Player connection logs and statistics
• Error log monitoring and alerting
• Uptime tracking and availability reporting

Troubleshooting (game-specific)

"Server not appearing in browser"

• Cause: Missing Game Server Login Token or firewall blocking ports
• Fix: Add +sv_setsteamaccount <token> to startup, verify ports 27015 UDP/TCP are open

"VAC Unable to verify"

• Cause: Modified game files or outdated server binaries
• Fix: Verify server files integrity via SteamCMD, remove custom plugins temporarily

"Map change crashes server"

• Cause: Invalid map file or insufficient memory
• Fix: Verify map file integrity, increase server memory allocation, check map compatibility

"High CPU usage/lag"

• Cause: Incorrect tickrate settings or too many plugins
• Fix: Adjust -tickrate parameter, disable unnecessary plugins, optimize server.cfg rates

"RCON not working"

• Cause: Incorrect password or blocked TCP port
• Fix: Verify rcon_password setting, ensure TCP port (same as game port) is accessible

"Players getting kicked for 'Authentication timeout'"

• Cause: Steam authentication issues or network problems
• Fix: Check internet connectivity, verify Steam services status, adjust timeout settings