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CS2 Retake Server Setup: Step-by-Step Guide

Card No. 06·68880 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Setting up a retake server in CS2 lets you and your friends practice post-plant scenarios in a fast, repeatable format. This guide walks you through installing the dedicated server, adding the retake plugin, configuring it, and launching it for your group. You’ll need a Windows or Linux machine that can run the game server, a Steam account with CS2, and basic comfort with editing text files.

What You’ll Need

  • A PC or VPS running Windows or Linux (min 4 GB RAM recommended)
  • Steam account with CS2 in your library
  • SteamCMD (free command-line tool from Valve)
  • Metamod:Source and CounterStrikeSharp (or SourceMod, see note)
  • A retake plugin (e.g., CS2-Retakes by B3none)
  • Text editor (Notepad++, VS Code, or nano)

Step-by-Step

  1. Install SteamCMD. Download SteamCMD from Valve’s official site. On Windows, extract the zip to a folder like C:\steamcmd. On Linux, download the tarball and extract with tar -xf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz.
  2. Create a directory for the server. Make a folder like C:\cs2server or /home/user/cs2server. This will hold all server files.
  3. Download the CS2 dedicated server. Open a terminal/command prompt in the SteamCMD folder and run: 
    steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\cs2server +login anonymous +app_update 730 +quit

    On Linux, prefix with ./steamcmd. Wait for the download to finish (could take several GB).

  4. Install Metamod:Source. Download the latest Metamod:Source build for CS2 from the official source. Extract the addons folder into cs2server/game/csgo/. You should end up with game/csgo/addons/metamod/.
  5. Install CounterStrikeSharp. Download the latest release from the official GitHub. Extract the contents into cs2server/game/csgo/ as well. This will add addons/counterstrikesharp/ and modify game/csgo/addons/metamod/.
  6. Install the retake plugin. Download the CS2-Retakes plugin (e.g., from B3none’s GitHub). Extract the Retakes folder into counterstrikesharp/plugins/. The plugin will create a config file on first run.
  7. Configure the server. Navigate to cs2server/game/csgo/cfg/ and edit server.cfg (create it if missing). Add basic settings: 
    hostname "My Retake Server"
mp_autoteambalance 0
mp_limitteams 0
mp_maxrounds 30
mp_freezetime 3
mp_roundtime 2
mp_roundtime_defuse 2
mp_roundtime_hostage 2
mp_timelimit 30
sv_cheats 0
sv_lan 0
sv_password "yourpassword"

    Adjust as needed.

  8. Start the server. On Windows, run srcds.exe from cs2server/game/bin/win64/ with parameters: 
    srcds.exe -dedicated -console -game csgo -port 27015 +map de_dust2 +exec server.cfg

    On Linux, use ./srcds_run from cs2server/game/bin/linuxsteamrt64/ with the same flags.

  9. Connect and test. Join via console with connect YOUR_IP:27015 (or localhost if local). Type !retakes in chat to see plugin commands. Ensure the plugin loads by checking console output for “Retakes plugin loaded” or similar.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong folder structure: Placing addons in the wrong directory (e.g., csgo/addons instead of game/csgo/addons) breaks plugin loading.
  • Forgetting to update Metamod: CS2 updates frequently; Metamod and CounterStrikeSharp must be updated to match the current game version or they won’t load.
  • Not opening firewall ports: Players outside your LAN can’t connect unless UDP/TCP port 27015 (or your chosen port) is open.
  • Using SourceMod instead of CounterStrikeSharp: Many older CS:GO retake plugins are for SourceMod, which is not yet fully compatible with CS2. Stick with CounterStrikeSharp-based plugins.
  • Skipping the config file: The plugin’s config (usually Retakes.json) is generated on first run; editing it before that causes errors.

Tips

  • Use a custom map pool: Retake works best on maps with defined bomb sites like dust2, mirage, or inferno. You can set a map cycle in server.cfg.
  • Set a password: If you’re hosting for friends, add sv_password to keep randoms out.
  • Automate updates: Create a script that runs SteamCMD to update the server and restarts it after. This saves time after each CS2 update.
  • Adjust plugin settings: The retake plugin lets you tweak round time, bomb plant time, and team sizes. Check the plugin’s README for options.
  • Run on a Linux VPS: For 24/7 hosting, a cheap VPS with 4GB RAM is more reliable than a home PC and avoids IP changes.

Troubleshooting

  • Server won’t start: Check that all files are extracted correctly and that you’re running the executable from the right directory. Look for missing DLL/so files in the console output.
  • Plugin not loading: Verify Metamod is installed (type meta version in console). If not, reinstall Metamod. Also check that CounterStrikeSharp’s version matches your server build.
  • Players can’t connect: Test locally first. If local works but remote doesn’t, check firewall/port forwarding. Also ensure sv_lan 0 is set.
  • Retake mode not activating: The plugin may require a map change to initialize. Type changelevel de_dust2 in console.
  • Server crashes on map load: This often happens after a CS2 update. Update Metamod and CounterStrikeSharp to the latest versions.
  • Plugin config not generating: Check that the plugin folder has write permissions. On Linux, run chmod -R 755 on the addons folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate PC to run a retake server?

No, you can run it on the same PC you play on, but it will use CPU and RAM. For a smooth experience, a dedicated machine or VPS is better.

Can I use this server for public matchmaking?

No, this is a private server. To make it public, you’d need to set up a community server listing, which is beyond this guide.

Is SourceMod supported for CS2 retakes?

As of now, SourceMod is not fully compatible with CS2. Use CounterStrikeSharp-based plugins like CS2-Retakes.

How do I update the server after a CS2 patch?

Re-run the SteamCMD command from step 3. It will download the latest files. Then update Metamod and CounterStrikeSharp if needed.

Can I customize the retake plugin’s behavior?

Yes, most plugins have a JSON config file where you can set round time, bomb timer, team sizes, and more. Edit it while the server is stopped.

What if I want to run multiple retake servers?

You can run multiple instances by using different ports and separate server directories. Copy the folder and change the port in the launch parameters.

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