Counter-Strike: Source server hosting for communities
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
- SlotsChoose the slot count when the server starts. A 5v5 match uses 10 slots; community servers often run 24 to 32.
- You set them (-maxplayers)
- PortsThe 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.
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.
Find your size
| 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.
-
Pick slots and style
Matches, surf, bhop or zombie: choose the size with the table above.
-
Pick a location
Choose the one closest to your players from our 20 game server locations; ping matters in a shooter.
-
Add plugins and maps
Install Metamod:Source and SourceMod, add your maps and set sv_downloadurl for FastDL.
-
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
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
The final 2023 CS:GO build for LAN events and private matches.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
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.