# Counter-Strike: Source server hosting for communities > Host a Counter-Strike: Source server with SourceMod plugins, custom maps over FastDL, SourceTV and Valve’s 64-bit server build. Plan your server today. Run the Source-engine classic for surf, bhop, zombie or plain 5v5 nights. Valve still updates Counter-Strike: Source, and SourceMod turns the server into whatever your community plays. - Valve’s Source Dedicated Server, still updated in 2026 - SourceMod and Metamod:Source plugins - Custom maps over FastDL for surf, bhop and more - SourceTV for spectators and demos See plans Find your size Slots Choose the slot count when the server starts. A 5v5 match uses 10 slots; community servers often run 24 to 32. You set them (-maxplayers)\ Ports The game and RCON use 27015; SourceTV uses 27020 when it is switched on. Both can be changed at start. 27015 game · 27020 SourceTV\ Server software SRCDS (Steam app 232330)\ Plugins SourceMod · Metamod:Source\ Latest update September 2026\ Anti-cheat VAC Popular server styles - 5v5 - Surf - Bhop - Zombie - Deathmatch - SourceMod - FastDL - SourceTV Game facts from Valve’s Counter-Strike: Source update notes, SteamCMD app data and the SourceMod project, checked in October 2026. - DDoS protection - 20 game server locations ## CS:S plans are being prepared Tell us your slot count, server style and plugins, and our team will reply with the options. Or open a ticket and we will let you know when the plans are online. [Contact sales](https://hyperdc.com/contact-us) [Open a ticket](https://hyperdc.com/support/new-ticket) ## How big should a CS:S server be? Slots, plugins and custom maps decide the load. Surf and zombie servers with many plugins need the most headroom. | Feature | **Match** Up to 12 slots | Recommended **Community** Up to 24 slots | **Large community** Up to 32 slots or many plugins | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players and every plugin. Classic shooters are light; plugins and custom maps add to it. | 1 GB | 2 GB | 3 GB | | CPU coresSource and GoldSrc servers simulate the match on one main thread, so a fast core matters more than many cores. | 1–2 | 2 | 2–3 | | Disk spaceRoom for the server files, custom maps, SourceTV demos and updates. | 10 GB | 15 GB | 20 GB | | Custom contentCustom maps, models and sounds that players download through FastDL. | Stock maps | Some custom maps | Large map and model packs | | Typical use | Scrims and practice | Surf, bhop or deathmatch | Zombie or roleplay with many plugins | - ### Match Up to 12 slots Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players and every plugin. Classic shooters are light; plugins and custom maps add to it. 1 GB\ CPU coresSource and GoldSrc servers simulate the match on one main thread, so a fast core matters more than many cores. 1–2\ Disk spaceRoom for the server files, custom maps, SourceTV demos and updates. 10 GB\ Custom contentCustom maps, models and sounds that players download through FastDL. Stock maps\ Typical use Scrims and practice - Recommended ### Community Up to 24 slots Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players and every plugin. Classic shooters are light; plugins and custom maps add to it. 2 GB\ CPU coresSource and GoldSrc servers simulate the match on one main thread, so a fast core matters more than many cores. 2\ Disk spaceRoom for the server files, custom maps, SourceTV demos and updates. 15 GB\ Custom contentCustom maps, models and sounds that players download through FastDL. Some custom maps\ Typical use Surf, bhop or deathmatch - ### Large community Up to 32 slots or many plugins Memory (RAM)Memory for the map, the players and every plugin. Classic shooters are light; plugins and custom maps add to it. 3 GB\ CPU coresSource and GoldSrc servers simulate the match on one main thread, so a fast core matters more than many cores. 2–3\ Disk spaceRoom for the server files, custom maps, SourceTV demos and updates. 20 GB\ Custom contentCustom maps, models and sounds that players download through FastDL. Large map and model packs\ Typical use Zombie or roleplay with many plugins Valve publishes no server hardware figures; these starting points follow common practice for Source servers. Every slot and plugin adds work for the main thread. ## Plugins, maps and Source TV Valve’s server runs the official game; SourceMod and custom maps build every community style on top of it. ### Still updated by Valve A February 2025 update added 64-bit support and Steam Networking; updates in August and September 2026 fixed Linux server issues. ### SourceMod The plugin platform for admin menus, bans, map votes and game modes, loaded through Metamod:Source. ### Custom maps and FastDL Surf, bhop and zombie maps live in cstrike/maps; sv\_downloadurl lets players fetch them quickly over HTTP. ### SourceTV A spectator slot that relays the match with a delay and can record demos for later review. ### server.cfg Your rules in cstrike/cfg/server.cfg, run at every start and map change; the map order lives in mapcycle.txt. ### sv\_autobunnyhopping A server setting Valve added in 2025 for bunny-hop servers, so the movement works with client-side prediction. ## Set up your CS:S server Four steps from the first choice to a full server. 1. ### Pick slots and style Matches, surf, bhop or zombie: choose the size with the table above. 2. ### Pick a location Choose the one closest to your players from our 20 game server locations; ping matters in a shooter. 3. ### Add plugins and maps Install Metamod:Source and SourceMod, add your maps and set sv\_downloadurl for FastDL. 4. ### Connect Open the console and type connect with the address and port, or add the server to your favourites. ## Other game servers you might like [See every game](https://hyperdc.com/game-server-hosting) [See all shooter servers](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/fps-game-servers) ### Counter-Strike 1.6 Classic CS on Valve’s HLDS with AMX Mod X and 32 slots. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/counter-strike-1-6) ### Counter-Strike 2 Competitive, wingman and community servers with Workshop maps. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/counter-strike) ### Counter-Strike: Global Offensive The final 2023 CS:GO build for LAN events and private matches. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/counter-strike-global-offensive) ### Day of Defeat: Source Allies against Axis with SourceMod, custom maps and FastDL. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/day-of-defeat-source) ### Garry’s Mod Sandbox, TTT, DarkRP or Prop Hunt with Workshop content. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/garrys-mod) ### Team Fortress 2 Every TF2 mode with Workshop maps and SourceMod. [Learn more](https://hyperdc.com/game-servers/team-fortress-2) ## Frequently asked questions Still have a question? Send us a message and our team will reply by email. [Contact us](https://hyperdc.com/contact-us) [Open a ticket](https://hyperdc.com/support/new-ticket) ### Is Counter-Strike: Source still updated? Yes. Valve released a large update in February 2025 with 64-bit support and Steam Networking, and further updates in August and September 2026 that fixed Linux server issues and map loading. ### Which ports does a CS:S server use? The game and RCON use 27015 by default and SourceTV uses 27020 when it is on. Change them with -port and +tv\_port when the server starts. ### How many slots should I choose? You set the slots with -maxplayers. A 5v5 match needs 10 plus spectators; surf, bhop and deathmatch communities often run 24 to 32. More slots and plugins need more CPU, so start with the table above. ### Can I install SourceMod? Yes. Install Metamod:Source first, then SourceMod into cstrike/addons. Admins go into addons/sourcemod/configs/admins\_simple.ini. Community plugins can need an update after a Valve patch. ### What did the 64-bit update change for servers? Since February 2025 the game starts its 64-bit binaries on a 64-bit system. Plugins and extensions that load into the server must match the build it runs, so keep SourceMod and Metamod:Source current. ### How do I add custom maps? Put the .bsp files into cstrike/maps and list them in mapcycle.txt. Set sv\_downloadurl to a web address with the same files so players download maps, models and sounds over HTTP. ### What is sv\_autobunnyhopping? A server setting Valve added in February 2025. Bunny-hop servers can switch it on so automatic jumping works together with client-side prediction instead of through a plugin. ### Where do I put my server settings? In cstrike/cfg/server.cfg, which runs at every start and map change: hostname, sv\_password, rcon\_password, round time and team rules. ### Can spectators watch a match? Yes, with SourceTV. It joins as a spectator, relays the match with a delay on its own port and can record demos for later review. ### Is VAC enabled on my server? Yes. Secure servers use Valve Anti-Cheat. Starting the server with -insecure turns VAC off, for example for a LAN event. ## Ready for your own CS:S server? Tell us your server style, slots and plugins, and we will help you pick the right server. See plans [Contact sales](https://hyperdc.com/contact-us) --- Source: \ Updated: 2026-10-09