Ultimate Guide to Launching Your CS:GO Server on Ubuntu

Are you ready to take your Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) experience to the next level? Setting up your own CS:GO server gives you complete control over your gaming environment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of launching a CS:GO server on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

Prerequisites

Before we dive in, make sure you have:

  1. An Ubuntu 20.04 LTS server (A VPS or dedicated server works best)
  2. Root or sudo access to your server
  3. Basic knowledge of Linux command line
  4. A Steam account

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Step 1: Update Your System

First, let’s ensure your system is up-to-date:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Install the necessary packages:

sudo apt install lib32gcc1 lib32stdc++6 libc6-i386 wget screen -y

Step 3: Create a Steam User

It’s a good practice to run your server under a dedicated user:

sudo useradd -m -r -s /bin/bash steamuser
sudo su - steamuser

Step 4: Install SteamCMD

Now, let’s install SteamCMD:

mkdir ~/steamcmd
cd ~/steamcmd
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

Step 5: Install CS:GO Server Files

Launch SteamCMD and install CS:GO server files:

./steamcmd.sh

Once in the Steam console, enter these commands:

login anonymous
force_install_dir ../csgo-server
app_update 740 validate
quit

This process might take some time depending on your server’s internet speed.

Step 6: Configure Your CS:GO Server

Create a configuration file:

cd ~/csgo-server/csgo/cfg
nano server.cfg

Add the following content (customize as needed):

hostname "Your Server Name"
sv_password "your_password"
rcon_password "your_rcon_password"
sv_cheats 0
sv_lan 0
sv_pure 1
sv_pausable 0
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_limitteams 1

Save and exit (Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter).

Step 7: Create a Start Script

Create a start script for easy server management:

cd ~/csgo-server
nano start.sh

Add the following content:

#!/bin/bash
cd ~/csgo-server
screen -S csgo ./srcds_run -game csgo -console -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2

Make the script executable:

chmod +x start.sh

Step 8: Start Your CS:GO Server

Now, you can start your server:

./start.sh

This will launch your server in a Screen session.

Step 9: Manage Your Server

To detach from the screen session: Press Ctrl+A, then D.

To reattach to the session:

screen -r csgo

Step 10: Configure Firewall

If you’re using UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall), open the necessary ports:

sudo ufw allow 27015/tcp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp

Optimizing Your CS:GO Server

For the best gaming experience, consider these tips:

  1. Allocate Sufficient Resources: Ensure your server has enough CPU and RAM. Servers Guru offers a range of high-performance options tailored for gaming.

  2. Regular Updates: Keep your server updated:

    ./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ../csgo-server +app_update 740 validate +quit

  3. Monitor Performance: Use tools like htop to monitor server resource usage.

  4. Customize Gameplay: Explore different game modes, maps, and plugins to create a unique experience for your players.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have your own CS:GO server up and running. Remember, a great gaming experience starts with a reliable server. If you’re looking for top-notch performance and 24/7 support, consider hosting your CS:GO server with Servers Guru.

Happy gaming, and may your headshots be plentiful!