Counter-Strike 2 offers numerous ways to play with friends: premier mode, competitive matches, regular modes. But sometimes you want to create your own server, configure it, invite friends, and enjoy the game. So how can you create your own server, and what problems might arise?

Creating a Server Using Third-Party Software

I'm sure experienced PC users and seasoned gamers have often encountered programs like Hamachi or Radmin. With their help, you can set up a server and play with friends. Make sure to find out your IP address in advance, as it will be useful later.

The first method is Radmin VPN:

• Download and install the application;
• Launch it and select "Network" in the top menu;
• Create a network, give it any name, and optionally set a password;
• Launch Counter-Strike 2 and create a lobby with bots.

For your friends to join the server, they also need to download and install the program. Once in the program, they should select the function to join a network and enter the IP of the server creator in the game console.

The second method is Hamachi:

• Download and run the LogMeIn Hamachi program from a trusted website;
• Download the archive with files and extract them into the game directory (navigate to the CS2 folder, then game - bin - win64);
• Launch LogMeIn Hamachi and create a network. Enter any name and password;
• Start the game, minimize it, and open the start.bat file that you placed in the game folder;
• Open the console and enter the "connect" command followed by the IP address.

Your friends should also download the program, run it, and join your network using the "connect" command and the host's IP address.

Dedicated Server

To play with friends, you can organize a local server in two ways:

1. Rent an already prepared one;
2. Create a dedicated server on your personal computer.

If the first case is clear (you pay and play), then creating your own server takes some effort:

Download the official SteamCMD.exe file and place it in a created directory;

Run this file and enter the following:

• login your_username (the one you use to log into Steam);
• force_install_dir C:\cs2-server;
• app_update 730 validate.

All files should be downloaded to the folder;

Create a .bat file named StartServer and enter the following lines:

cd C:\Users\Your_username\Directory_name_with_server\Counter-Strike 2\start/wait/REALTIME cs2.exe -dedicated -usercon +game_type_0 +game_mode_1 +map de_desired_map_name.

Be sure to configure ports and the Windows firewall. You need to open TCP/UDP port 27015 and Steam 27016.