Counter-Strike 2 server problems

Common Counter-Strike 2 server problems. See Counter-Strike 2 settings.

Server not visible in the server list, or Steam Gameserver Login Token is missing

Why it happens: Valve’s server guide says a Game Server Login Token (GSLT) is needed for other players to be able to join your server. Without one, the server may not appear or players may not be able to join.

How to fix it:

1. Sign in at Steam game server accounts.
2. Create a token using the CS2 app ID (730).
3. On Startup, paste it into Steam Gameserver Login Token (STEAM_GSLT).
4. Save and restart.

GSLT rejected or the server cannot log in to Steam

Why it happens: A token can be for the wrong app, revoked, expired, or already in use by another server.

How to fix it:

1. Create a new token for app ID 730.
2. Paste it exactly, without spaces.
3. Use one token per running server.
4. Your Steam account must meet Valve’s requirements for creating tokens. If the token page refuses you, check the notice on that page.

Players see “Connection failed” or cannot join

Why it happens: Wrong address or port, the server is starting, a password, or a version mismatch.

How to fix it:

1. Wait for Online.
2. Use the address and port from Network. See Network and ports.
3. Check Server Password (SERVER_PASSWORD).
4. See Can’t connect to any game server.

Server is out of date after a CS2 update

Why it happens: CS2 updates often, and clients on a newer version cannot join an old server.

How to fix it:

1. Keep Auto-update server (AUTO_UPDATE) at 1.
2. Press Restart so it updates.
3. Wait for the update to finish in the Console.

Server keeps changing the map or does not use my map

Why it happens: The Map (SRCDS_MAP) value must match a valid map name. A wrong name falls back or fails.

How to fix it:

1. Use names like de_dust2 or de_mirage.
2. Save on Startup and restart.
3. Use console commands to change map during play if you have admin access.

Workshop map does not load

Why it happens: Workshop maps are loaded by their Workshop ID. There is no dedicated Startup variable for it.

How to fix it:

1. Find the Workshop item ID in the Steam URL.
2. Check that the item is a map and that the server is on the latest version.
3. To load a Workshop map, open a ticket with the Workshop ID and we will check how to set it up on your server.

Wrong game mode, or I want Wingman, Casual or Deathmatch

Why it happens: Gamemode (GAME_MODE) and Gametype (GAME_TYPE) work together.

How to fix it:

1. On Startup, use these pairs: Competitive is mode 1 type 0, Wingman is mode 2 type 0, Casual is mode 0 type 0, and Deathmatch is mode 2 type 1.
2. Save and restart.

RCON does not work

Why it happens: RCON is off by default and needs a password.

How to fix it:

1. Set Enable RCON (RCON_ENABLED) to 1.
2. Set RCON Password (RCON_PASSWORD).
3. Restart and connect with your RCON tool using the address and port from Network.

Server not in the community server browser

Why it happens: It needs a GSLT and a few minutes. Server name and tags also matter.

How to fix it: Fix the token first, then check Server Name (SERVER_NAME) and restart.

Plugins like Metamod or CounterStrikeSharp

Why it happens: These are third-party tools that run on top of the game server. Some can break after a CS2 update until their authors update them.

How to fix it:

1. Check each project’s own installation notes.
2. If the server will not start after adding one, remove it in Files and restart.
3. We cannot promise a plugin works. Open a ticket if you are stuck.

VAC or “VAC secure” errors

Why it happens: Enable VAC (VAC_ENABLED) turns on Valve Anti-Cheat, and some modified setups conflict.

How to fix it: Keep it on for public servers. Only disable it for testing.

Server lags or runs out of memory

Why it happens: Too many players, plugins or heavy maps.

How to fix it: Lower Max Players (MAX_PLAYERS), remove plugins, see Out of memory.

Still stuck?

Open a ticket or ask on Discord. See Contact support.