Knowledgebase

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a CS 1.6 Server

Prerequisites

• Windows or Linux PC: You can run the server on either operating system.
• SteamCMD: This tool is used to download and update game server files.
• Basic Networking Knowledge: Familiarity with IP addresses and router settings.

Instructions

1. Install SteamCMD

   • Download SteamCMD from the SteamCMD website.
   • Extract the contents to a folder (e.g., C:\SteamCMD).

2. Create a Directory for CS 1.6 Server

   • Create a new folder for your CS 1.6 server files (e.g., C:\CS16_Server).

3. Download CS 1.6 Server Files

   • Open Command Prompt and navigate to the SteamCMD directory: bash cd C:\SteamCMD
   • Run SteamCMD: bash steamcmd
   • Log in anonymously: bash login anonymous
   • Set the installation directory: bash force_install_dir C:\CS16_Server
   • Download the CS 1.6 server files: bash app_update 90 validate
   • Wait for the download to complete, then type quit to exit SteamCMD.

4. Configure the Server

   • Navigate to your CS 1.6 server directory (e.g., C:\CS16_Server).
   • Create a new configuration file named server.cfg in the cstrike folder (inside C:\CS16_Server), and add the following basic settings:

   // Server Name  
   hostname "My CS 1.6 Server"
   
   // RCON settings  
   rcon_password "your_rcon_password"
   
   // Maximum players  
   maxplayers 16
   
   // Set the game mode to Team Deathmatch  
   mp_teamplay 1
   
   // Enable friendly fire  
   mp_friendlyfire 0
   
   // Other game settings  
   sv_password ""  // Leave empty for no password

5. Set Up Port Forwarding

   • Access your router settings by entering your router’s IP address in a web browser (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
   • Forward the following ports to your server’s local IP address:
     • UDP: 27015 (default CS 1.6 port)
   • Check your local IP address using ipconfig in Command Prompt.

6. Run the Server

   • Create a batch file (start.bat) in your server directory to start the server easily. Open Notepad and add the following:

   @echo off  
   start hlds.exe -console -game cstrike -port 27015 +map de_dust2 +maxplayers 16 +exec server.cfg

   • Save it as start.bat in the C:\CS16_Server directory.

7. Start the Server

   • Double-click start.bat to run your server.
   • You should see the console open, and your server will start.

8. Connect to Your Server

   • Launch CS 1.6 on your PC.
   • Click on “Find Servers” and then “Favorites.”
   • Click “Add a Server” and enter your public IP address (or localhost if on the same machine) followed by :27015 (e.g., 123.456.789.012:27015).

9. Optional: Install Admin Tools

   • You can install admin tools like AMX Mod X for additional server management features. Follow their installation instructions to set it up.

Additional Tips

• Firewall Settings: Ensure your firewall allows traffic through port 27015.
• Regular Updates: Keep your server files updated using SteamCMD to ensure you have the latest version.
• Backup: Regularly back up your server configuration and any custom maps or settings.

With these steps, you should have a fully functional Counter-Strike 1.6 game server ready for you and your friends to enjoy! Happy gaming!