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server.cfg is the plain-text file that sets a Counter-Strike 1.6 dedicated server’s name, access rules, player limit, round pacing, economy, team behavior, and cheat policy. Put it at <HLDS install>/cstrike/server.cfg, save it as plain text, and load changes with exec server.cfg on the server console or rcon exec server.cfg through authenticated RCON.
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This guide explains the file’s location and syntax, provides a safe baseline configuration, maps the important commands to their effects, and shows how to apply changes without guessing whether a restart is required.
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What server.cfg does and where to put it
A dedicated Half-Life Dedicated Server (HLDS) reads server.cfg from its Counter-Strike game directory during startup. In a normal installation, the path is:
<HLDS install>/cstrike/server.cfgFor example, if HLDS is installed in /home/hlds, the file is /home/hlds/cstrike/server.cfg. On Windows, use the equivalent cstrike folder under the HLDS installation directory.
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Use a real text file
- Name the file exactly
server.cfg, notserver.cfg.txt. - Save it as plain text. Rich-text editors can insert formatting characters that the game cannot parse.
- Use one command per line. Values containing spaces, such as a server name, need quotation marks.
- Use
//for comments at the end of a line. Comments are useful for documenting a setting but are not required.
The file is normally executed automatically when the server starts. If a setting is also supplied by a launch script, a plugin, or a map-specific configuration, the value loaded later can override the value in server.cfg.
A copyable baseline configuration
The following starting point covers the core settings for a small internet server. The numeric values are common template values; check the limits and behavior of your HLDS build and installed mods before treating them as universal defaults.
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hostname "My CS 1.6 Server"
sv_password "" // blank keeps the server open; set a value for private play
sv_lan 0 // internet server; use 1 for LAN
maxplayers 20
mp_timelimit 25
mp_roundtime 2.5
mp_freezetime 6
mp_startmoney 800
mp_buytime 0.25
mp_c4timer 35
mp_friendlyfire 0
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_limitteams 2
sv_cheats 0
sv_consistency 1After editing, save the file and load it with exec server.cfg. A server operator using remote administration can run rcon exec server.cfg after authenticating RCON. Never publish an actual RCON password in a configuration example or article.
Commands that control who can find and join the server
| Command | What it controls | Example | Practical decision |
|---|---|---|---|
hostname |
Public server name shown in the browser and connection messages | hostname "My CS 1.6 Server" |
Use a short, recognizable name so players can identify the server. |
sv_password |
Password required to join | sv_password "scrim123" |
Use an empty value for an open server; set a non-empty value for private play. |
sv_lan |
LAN-only versus internet operation | sv_lan 0 |
0 is the internet-server setting; 1 is for a local LAN. |
maxplayers |
Maximum simultaneous player slots | maxplayers 20 |
Choose a capacity your CPU, memory, and network connection can sustain. |
sv_lan 1 does not make a server public on the internet; it is intended for local-network play. Conversely, setting sv_lan 0 does not by itself make the server reachable if the host firewall, router, or port forwarding is not configured.
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Round pacing, economy, and bomb timing
These commands determine how long players prepare, shop, and execute each round. Time values are expressed in minutes unless the command description says seconds.
| Command | Effect | Example | How the value changes play |
|---|---|---|---|
mp_timelimit |
Maximum time for the current map | mp_timelimit 25 |
A shorter limit rotates maps sooner; a longer limit allows more rounds on one map. |
mp_roundtime |
Length of an individual round, in minutes | mp_roundtime 2.5 |
Lower values create faster executes; higher values allow slower defaults and rotations. |
mp_freezetime |
Frozen preparation period at round start, in seconds | mp_freezetime 6 |
Players get time to buy and discuss before movement begins. |
mp_startmoney |
Money awarded at the start of a side or after a reset | mp_startmoney 800 |
The standard-style value creates an economy; higher values make weapons available immediately. |
mp_buytime |
Length of the purchase window, in minutes | mp_buytime 0.25 |
0.25 equals 15 seconds, producing a short buy phase. |
mp_c4timer |
Bomb countdown after planting, in seconds | mp_c4timer 35 |
A shorter timer increases post-plant pressure; a longer timer gives defenders more recovery time. |
mp_maxrounds |
Maximum rounds before the map ends | mp_maxrounds 0 |
0 removes the round cap, leaving mp_timelimit as the map’s time control. |
When changing several pacing values together, decide whether you are optimizing for public play, a competition-style match, or quick testing. For example, increasing mp_startmoney while leaving a short mp_buytime can still prevent players from purchasing after the initial window.
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Team rules, camera behavior, and server integrity
| Command | Function | Example | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
mp_friendlyfire |
Allows damage to teammates | mp_friendlyfire 0 or 1 |
0 suits casual public play; 1 enforces stricter team-fire rules. |
mp_autoteambalance |
Automatically moves players to keep teams balanced | mp_autoteambalance 1 |
Useful on public servers where players join and leave frequently. |
mp_limitteams |
Maximum allowed difference in team size | mp_limitteams 2 |
Prevents a team from becoming disproportionately large during normal joins. |
sv_cheats |
Enables cheat-only server commands | sv_cheats 0 |
Keep it at 0 for normal play; enable it only on a controlled test server. |
sv_consistency |
Checks client files against consistency rules | sv_consistency 1 |
Helps reduce mismatched or modified assets, although some mods may require different handling. |
mp_forcecamera |
Restricts what dead players can observe | mp_forcecamera 1 |
Use a restrictive spectator view for organized matches when you want to limit information. |
mp_fadetoblack |
Fades a player’s screen after death | mp_fadetoblack 1 |
Can prevent dead players from relaying visual information in competitive settings. |
Do not turn on sv_cheats merely to test an ordinary configuration change. It changes the rules for every connected player and should be reverted before a public match.
How to edit and reload the file safely
- Stop or announce maintenance. Editing while players are active can change rules mid-match. For a public server, warn players before reloading.
- Back up the current file. Copy
server.cfgto a dated backup so you can restore a known-good version if a typo prevents startup. - Edit with a plain-text editor. Keep command spelling, underscores, quotation marks, and numeric formats intact.
- Save in the same directory. Confirm the final path is
<HLDS install>/cstrike/server.cfgand that the operating system did not append a second extension. - Load the changes. On the server console, enter
exec server.cfg. From an authenticated RCON session, enterrcon exec server.cfg. - Verify the result. Query important variables in the console, reconnect a test client, and check the server browser name, password behavior, round timer, and buy period.
- Restart when necessary. A reload applies cvars that can change at runtime. If a launch parameter, plugin, or map script overwrites a value, restart the server and inspect the startup log.
A successful exec command does not prove every line was accepted. A misspelled command may be ignored or produce a console warning while the rest of the file continues loading, so verification matters.
Using restart controls without disrupting players
The command guide also documents mp_restartgame and related restart controls. Use them after changing round-economy settings when you need a clean round state, but warn connected players first. A restart resets active-round progress and can discard the current economy, so it is inappropriate as a casual way to test every edit.
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Standard, unmodified CS 1.6 does not include built-in bots. Bot play requires a server modification such as ZBot or PODBot. Because each mod adds its own commands, bot settings should be kept in a clearly labeled mod-specific section or separate configuration file rather than presented as universal server.cfg directives.
When a mod’s documentation conflicts with a vanilla command, follow the mod’s documented load order. Some plugins execute after server.cfg and may intentionally replace values such as team limits, round rules, or map rotation settings.
Troubleshooting common configuration failures
The server starts with old values
- Check that the file is in
cstrike, not the HLDS parent directory or a different mod folder. - Run
exec server.cfgmanually and watch the console for errors. - Look for a later plugin, map config, or launch parameter that sets the same cvar.
- Restart HLDS if the value is only read during startup.
Players cannot connect from the internet
- Confirm
sv_lan 0for an internet server. - Check the host firewall, router forwarding, and the actual game port separately;
server.cfgcannot open a blocked port. - Test from a network outside the host’s LAN. A local test can fail because of router loopback behavior even when external players can connect.
The password appears not to work
- Ensure the value is quoted exactly, with no trailing spaces inside the quotation marks.
- Reload the file after editing and test with a client that has not cached an old connection attempt.
- Remember that an empty
sv_password ""intentionally leaves the server open.
Teams remain uneven
- Check that
mp_autoteambalanceis set to1if automatic balancing is wanted. - Review
mp_limitteams; a low limit can prevent a player from joining the preferred side even when the server has open slots. - Check plugins that provide their own balancing logic.
Players report consistency or missing-file kicks
sv_consistency 1 is intended to detect mismatched assets, but custom maps and mods can introduce legitimate differences. Confirm that every client has the required files and consult the installed mod’s compatibility notes before disabling consistency checks on a public server.
Quick Recap
A practical pre-publication checklist
server.cfgis plain text and located in<HLDS install>/cstrike/.hostnameidentifies the server without misleading tags.sv_lanmatches the intended LAN or internet audience.sv_passwordis blank for open play or set deliberately for a private session.maxplayersmatches the machine and network capacity.- Round, freeze, buy, money, and bomb timers produce the intended pace.
- Friendly fire, balancing, team limits, camera restrictions, and cheat permissions match the rules you announced.
- Any bot or plugin commands are separated from vanilla settings and documented for the specific mod.
- You have tested both startup loading and a manual
exec server.cfgreload. - An authenticated RCON method is available, but its password is kept private.
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