CS:GO server.cfg: a starter config with explanations
Where to put server.cfg on a CS:GO server and the settings most admins change: hostname, passwords, tickrate-related rates, voice and logging.
Updated · 2 min read
CS:GO runs csgo/cfg/server.cfg on startup and each time a map loads. Use it for the server name, passwords and settings that should apply to every mode, then restart the server.
Where the file lives
In the file manager, open:
csgo/cfg/server.cfg
Create it if it's missing. Launch options like the starting map, game mode and your GSLT belong in the Startup settings, not in this file.
A starter config
// Identity
hostname "My CS:GO Server"
sv_tags "casual,community"
// Access
sv_password ""
rcon_password "use-a-long-random-password"
sv_lan 0
// Network rates
sv_mincmdrate 64
sv_minupdaterate 64
sv_maxrate 0
// Voice and chat
sv_voiceenable 1
sv_alltalk 0
sv_deadtalk 1
// Gameplay
mp_autokick 0
mp_friendlyfire 0
sv_allow_votes 1
// Logging
log on
sv_logbans 1
sv_logecho 1
sv_logfile 1
Lines starting with // are comments.
Settings explained
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
hostname | Server name in the browser and scoreboard |
sv_tags | Comma-separated tags used by browser filters |
sv_password | Password to join; leave empty for public |
rcon_password | Enables remote console; leave empty to disable |
sv_lan | Must be 0 for internet play |
sv_mincmdrate, sv_minupdaterate | Minimum client update rates; match your tickrate |
sv_alltalk | Lets both teams hear each other when set to 1 |
sv_deadtalk | Lets dead players talk to living teammates |
mp_autokick | Kicks idle or team-killing players when 1 |
log on | Writes logs to csgo/logs |
Mode-specific settings
Round times, max rounds, buy time and similar settings vary by mode, and CS:GO resets them from the mode's own config when a map loads. Put them in a gamemode_<mode>_server.cfg file instead, for example gamemode_competitive_server.cfg. See CS:GO game modes.
Tickrate
CS:GO servers run at 64 tick by default. Higher tickrates are set with a -tickrate launch option, which only works if your template exposes it in the Startup settings. Higher tickrates use more CPU, which matters on Schokr's shared 1.5-core free pool.
Applying changes
Restart the server, or run exec server.cfg in the console to reload it without a restart. Some settings only take effect on the next map.
Other useful configs
banned_user.cfgandbanned_ip.cfgstore bans when you runwriteidandwriteip.- Any file you create in
csgo/cfg/can be run withexec filename, handy for practice or match configs.
Still stuck?
If settings seem ignored, check whether the mode config is overriding them. The Schokr Discord can help.