Counter-Strike 2 server administration is done through RCON (Remote Console) commands. This guide covers essential commands for managing your CS2 server, from player management to game configuration.
Connecting to RCON
- 1Set rcon_password in your server.cfg file
- 2Use an RCON client or connect in-game via console
- 3In-game: rcon_password YourPassword
- 4Then prefix commands with 'rcon' (e.g., rcon status)
- 5Or use a dedicated RCON tool for easier management
Tip
- Never share your RCON password
- Use a strong, unique password
- Some hosting panels have built-in RCON access
Player Management Commands
statusList all players with their user IDs and Steam IDs
Example: Shows player info
kick <userid>Kick a player by their user ID
Example: kick 5
kickid <userid> [reason]Kick with an optional reason
Example: kickid 5 "Breaking rules"
banid <minutes> <steamid>Ban a player by Steam ID
Example: banid 0 STEAM_0:1:12345 (0 = permanent)
removeid <steamid>Remove a ban from a player
Example: removeid STEAM_0:1:12345
banip <minutes> <ip>Ban an IP address
Example: banip 0 192.168.1.100
removeip <ip>Remove an IP ban
Example: removeip 192.168.1.100
Tip
- Use status to find user IDs before kicking/banning
- Permanent bans use 0 for minutes
- Write bans to banned_user.cfg with 'writeid'
Map and Game Commands
changelevel <map>Change to a different map
Example: changelevel de_dust2
mp_restartgame 1Restart the game after 1 second
Example: Quick match restart
mp_warmup_endEnd warmup immediately
Example: Start the match now
mp_pause_matchPause the match
Example: For tactical timeouts
mp_unpause_matchUnpause the match
Example: Resume play
sv_cheats 1Enable cheat commands (for practice)
Example: Required for some commands
Server Configuration
hostname "Server Name"Set the server name
Example: hostname "My CS2 Server"
sv_password "password"Set server password (empty for public)
Example: sv_password "secret"
mp_maxrounds 30Set max rounds per half
Example: Standard competitive is 12
mp_roundtime 1.92Set round time in minutes
Example: 1.92 = 1:55
mp_freezetime 15Freeze time at round start
Example: Buy time
sv_alltalk 0Team-only voice chat (0) or all talk (1)
Example: 0 for competitive
Practice Mode Commands
sv_cheats 1Enable cheats (required for practice commands)
Example: Run first
mp_limitteams 0Remove team balance limits
Example: Allow any team sizes
mp_autoteambalance 0Disable auto team balance
Example: For practice
sv_infinite_ammo 1Infinite ammo
Example: For grenade practice
sv_grenade_trajectory 1Show grenade paths
Example: See where grenades go
mp_roundtime_defuse 60Long round time for practice
Example: 60 minutes
mp_buy_anywhere 1Buy from anywhere
Example: Convenient for practice
bot_kickRemove all bots
Example: Clear server of bots
bot_add_t / bot_add_ctAdd bots to teams
Example: For practice targets
Tip
- Create a practice.cfg with these commands for easy loading
- Use 'exec practice' to load your config
- Remember to disable cheats for real matches
Server Maintenance
quitShutdown the server gracefully
Example: Clean shutdown
writeidSave banned users to banned_user.cfg
Example: Persist bans
writeipSave banned IPs to banned_ip.cfg
Example: Persist IP bans
exec <config>Execute a config file
Example: exec server.cfg
say <message>Send message to all players
Example: say Server restarting soon
Tip
- Schedule regular server restarts for performance
- Keep your server.cfg organized and commented
- Use exec for different game modes (competitive, casual, etc.)
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