How to Set Up a Private CS2 Server with Friends

An easy to follow guide on how to create a dedicated server to play private matches with your friends

Port Forwarding Method

Locate CS2 on Your Computer

• Right-click on "CSGO" in your Steam library.
  
• Choose "Browse Local Files"
  
• Navigate to "Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\bin\win64"

Create a Shortcut

• Create a shortcut for the CS2 executable file located in the win64 folder.

Edit Shortcut Properties

• Right-click the shortcut you just created.
  
• Select "Properties."
  
• In the "Target" field, add the following text to the end:
  -dedicated -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +map de_inferno -dev
  (This configures CS2 as a dedicated server).

Configure Router Settings

• Open your router settings.
  
• To access it, open Command Prompt (CMD) and type "ipconfig."
  
• Find the Default Gateway under Ethernet Adapter and use that address to access your router settings.
  
• Forward port 27015 for both TCP and UDP.

Start the Private Server

• Launch the shortcut you created. This will initiate the private server.

Join the Game

• Open CS2.
  
• In the console window, type "connect localhost:27015" (replace "localhost" with your IP address and share it with your friends).

Enjoy Your Private Game

• Note that most commands only work in the console window, not in the in-game interface.
  
• Bots may not function correctly.
  
• You can use the "status" command to check server info and "changelevel <mapname>" to change maps.
  
• If you need assistance, feel free to send me a direct message (DM).

Hamachi Method

Install Hamachi

• Download and install the Hamachi application from the official website (https://www.vpn.net/)

Create a Hamachi Network

• Launch Hamachi.
  
• Click on "Network" in the menu and select "Create a new network."
  
• Create a network name and password, and then click "Create."

Invite Friends

• Share the network name and password with your friends.
  
• Ask them to install Hamachi and join your network by clicking "Network" and selecting "Join an existing network."

Locate CS2 on Your Computer

• Right-click on "CSGO" in your Steam library.
  
• Choose "Browse Local Files"
  
• Navigate to "Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\bin\win64"

Create a Shortcut

• Create a shortcut for the CS2 executable file located in the win64 folder.

Edit Shortcut Properties

• Right-click the shortcut.
  
• Select "Properties."
  
• In the "Target" field, add this text to the end:
  "-dedicated -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +map de_inferno -dev"
  (This sets up CS2 as a dedicated server).

Start CS2 Server with Hamachi

• Launch the shortcut you created. This will start the CS2 server.

Connect via Hamachi

• In CS2, open the console window.
  
• Type "connect <Hamachi IP>:27015" (replace "<Hamachi IP>" with the Hamachi IP address of the player hosting the server).
  
• Share this command with your friends, and they should use it to connect to your private CS2 server.

Enjoy Your Private Game

• Play your private CS2 game with friends.
  
• Remember that most commands work in the console window, not the in-game interface.
  
• Bots may not function correctly.
  
• You can use the "status" command to check server info and "changelevel <mapname>" to change maps.

Useful Info

How to Use a Custom/Workshop Map
• Add the map to the game files
  First, locate your custom map and move it to the following directory:
  steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\maps
  
  
• Adjust Launch Config
  In your launch configuration, add -insecure at the end of the shortcut you've created.
  
  
• Ensure Everyone Joins Correctly
  Ensure that everyone joining the game also adds **-insecure** to their launch configuration.
  They should also place the map in the maps folder as mentioned in Step 1.
  
  
• Change to Your Custom Map
  To change the map to your custom map, use the following command in the server console
  (not the in-game console):
  changelevel <mapname>

Cant Connect or Join Server
• Double Check Port Forwarding
  Make sure that you correctly port forwarded port 27015 on both tcp and udp
  
  
• Verify game files or Reinstall the game
  if all else fails try and verify the game files and if that fails reinstall the entire game

[Weyen]

with hamachi my friend can't connect, my server only works for me. Can someone help pls

[☞ ☆ Lemmy ☜]

works fine, but how to use rcon?
I need rcon in order to use commands from clients like sv_rethrow_last_grenade or bot_place

[erdi.oxl]

Having the same problem as kolapoki, any solution

[Spozee]

Hi the portforward worked great, but me and my friends cant find a way to change the map to a workshop map, someone havin a solution?

[kolapoki]

When I click on the .exe shortcut after adding the dedicated server target field entry, it states "Host Activate: Loading (de_inferno) 47.840177 UNEXPECTED LONG FRAME DETECTED: 43.30ms elapsed, 0.04ms sim time, 1 ticks, 3143..3143.

It never loads anything. Just sits in that command terminal. Never opens a game. Any advise?

[b00m*.]

To clarify on my comment below - ONE person does need the shortcut.

[genuinely tweaking]

boom how did you make this my friend gets error everytime he tries to join

[Buni]

glad to hear that :D

[[KFC] FrayJota]

Thank you for the guide, it has worked perfectly for me

[b00m*.]

Tried port forwarding... did not work.
Tried Hamatchi - works perfectly. No need for the shortcut either. Just join casual map / workshop map and your friends can join on you.