In this guide, you will learn how to edit the different CSGO config files such as server.cfg and mapcycle.txt, and exactly what each one is for.
Main Configs in CSGO
By default, the configuration files listed below will control 99% of the things you need to do on your server. Here is an overview of each file and what commands/convars should go where. You can edit these files by going to File Manager.
server.cfg
Default location: /game/csgo/cfg/server.cfg
The server.cfg file is mostly only used for changing server-related settings like game mechanics, physics, and other aspects that affect all players in the server (sv_ convars). Examples include sv_cheats, which allows or disallows the use of cheat commands, and sv_gravity, which sets the gravity level in the server.
Unlike previous Counter-Strike games, your server.cfg file should rarely be edited.
gamemode_xxx_server.cfg
Default location: /game/csgo/cfg/gamemode_casual_server.cfg
All your custom gameplay commands go into your _server config files. These are different for each game mode you're using.
These configs are for specific multiplayer settings (mp_, bot_ convars). They're used to configure aspects of the game that are relevant in a multiplayer context, such as round timers, team balancing, and win conditions. For example, mp_roundtime sets the duration of each round, and mp_maxrounds determines the maximum number of rounds in a match.
Here is a list of all the selectable CSGO game modes and their respective configs:
| Game Mode | Type/Mode | Config |
|---|---|---|
| Arms Race | 1/0 | gamemode_armsrace_server.cfg |
| Casual | 0/0 | gamemode_casual_server.cfg |
| Co-op Strike | 4/1 | gamemode_coopmission_server.cfg |
| Competitive | 0/1 | gamemode_competitive_server.cfg |
| Custom | 3/0 | gamemode_custom_server.cfg |
| Danger Zone | 6/0 | gamemode_survival_server.cfg |
| Deathmatch | 1/2 | gamemode_deathmatch_server.cfg |
| Demolition | 1/1 | gamemode_demolition_server.cfg |
| Guardian | 4/0 | gamemode_cooperative_server.cfg |
| Training | 2/0 | gamemode_training_server.cfg |
| Weapons Expert | 0/3 | gamemode_competitive_server.cfg |
| Wingman | 0/2 | gamemode_competitive2v2_server.cfg |
mapcycle.txt
Default location: /csgo/mapcycle.txt
The mapcycle file is where you edit your CSGO server map rotation. Ensure that any map added has already been uploaded to the csgo/maps folder on your server. Check out our mapcycles guide for further information.
Default Contents
- cs_italy
- de_dust
- de_aztec
- cs_office
- de_dust2
- de_train
- de_inferno
- de_nuke
Plugin Config Files
Default location: /csgo/addons/sourcemod/configs
If you're using CSGO plugins such as SourceMod, each plugin you install should generate a config file inside the SourceMod plugin folder.
Finding Convars & Commands
If you ever need to find a convar or command, you can simply go to your server's console and type find followed by what you're looking to change. For example, if you wanted to find a command about chat, you can simply type find chat, and it will output all the current convars and commands along with a description of what they all do.
Related Guides
