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How to Host a CS2 Server on a VPS (2026)

Published May 3, 2026 · 7 min read · Galaxy Cloud Solutions

Running your own CS2 server means custom maps, your own rules, no cooldown queues, and consistent ping for everyone in your group. With a $20 VPS you have more than enough to run a 16-player server comfortably.

⚡ Deploy a CS2 VPS from $20/mo — Use code LAUNCH2026 for 50% off

What You Need

• VPS with at least 4GB RAM and 80GB disk (server files are around 30GB)
• A free Steam Game Server Login Token from steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers
• Ubuntu 24.04

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 curl screen
mkdir -p ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxf -

Step 2: Download the CS2 Server Files

This takes a while — CS2 server files are around 30GB:

mkdir -p ~/cs2
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/cs2 +login anonymous +app_update 730 validate +quit

Step 3: Get Your GSLT Token

Go to steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers, set App ID to 730, and create a token. You need this for your server to appear in the server browser.

Step 4: Create a Start Script

cat > ~/cs2/start.sh << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash
screen -dmS cs2 ~/cs2/game/bin/linuxsteamrt64/cs2   -dedicated -port 27015   +map de_dust2   +game_type 0 +game_mode 1   +sv_setsteamaccount YOUR_GSLT_TOKEN   +maxplayers 16
EOF
chmod +x ~/cs2/start.sh

Step 5: Open Ports and Start

sudo ufw allow 27015/tcp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
~/cs2/start.sh

Connect in-game with connect YOUR_SERVER_IP:27015