Recommended Free Tools
server.cfg is the plain-text file that applies your Counter-Strike 1.6 dedicated-server rules when HLDS starts. Put it at <HLDS install>/cstrike/server.cfg, save it as plain text, and use exec server.cfg (or authenticated rcon exec server.cfg) to apply edits without rebuilding the file.
Prefer not to run the server on your own PC? Godlike.Host offers hosted CS 1.6 servers with free DDoS protection and up to three free backups a day.
The settings below cover server visibility, passwords, player limits, round pacing, economy, team rules, and basic integrity controls. They are a practical baseline rather than a universal competitive standard: installed server builds and gameplay plugins can change which values are accepted or override them later.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat server.cfg controls
HLDS reads server.cfg as a list of console commands. Each non-blank line sets a cvar or invokes a command. The file normally runs during server startup, so persistent rules belong there instead of being typed manually after every restart.
Use a basic text editor, not a word processor. Save the filename exactly as server.cfg; an accidental name such as server.cfg.txt will not be loaded. Keep comments after // when you want to document a choice, and put quoted text around names or passwords that contain spaces.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
Where to put the file
For a standard dedicated installation, the path is:
<HLDS install>/cstrike/server.cfgFor example, if HLDS is installed in D:HLDS, the file is D:HLDScstrikeserver.cfg. Linux installations use the equivalent HLDS directory and forward slashes. If a host supplies a control panel, its file manager may open the same cstrike directory; verify that you are editing the live instance rather than a backup or a different game installation.
A copyable baseline configuration
This compact starting point gives an internet-facing, 20-slot server with conventional round and economy timings. Change the name, capacity, and rules to suit your group before deploying it.
hostname "My CS 1.6 Server"
sv_password "" // blank keeps the server open; set a value for private play
sv_lan 0 // internet server; use 1 for LAN
maxplayers 20
mp_timelimit 25
mp_roundtime 2.5
mp_freezetime 6
mp_startmoney 800
mp_buytime 0.25
mp_c4timer 35
mp_friendlyfire 0
mp_autoteambalance 1
mp_limitteams 2
sv_cheats 0
sv_consistency 1The example values come from commonly used CS 1.6 templates and command documentation. Treat them as defaults to verify against your HLDS build, map cycle, and installed plugins. A mod can change a cvar after this file executes, so the value shown at runtime is the value that matters.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Identity, access, and capacity
These commands determine what players see in the browser and who can connect.
| Command | Function | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
hostname |
Sets the public server name shown to players. | hostname "My CS 1.6 Server" |
sv_password |
Requires a password to join. An empty value leaves the server open. | sv_password "scrim123" |
sv_lan |
Selects LAN-only mode when set to 1; 0 is used for an internet server. |
sv_lan 0 |
maxplayers |
Sets the player-slot ceiling for the process. | maxplayers 20 |
Public server
Use a descriptive hostname, leave sv_password blank, and set sv_lan 0. Choose maxplayers conservatively: every additional slot increases CPU, memory, network, and administrative load, and a larger capacity does not improve a server that cannot maintain stable latency.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Private scrim or event
Set a non-empty sv_password and distribute it only to participants. Do not place an RCON password in a public article, screenshot, or shared configuration example. RCON credentials grant administrative control and should be stored separately from material intended for players.
LAN testing
Set sv_lan 1 while testing on a local network. Switch back to sv_lan 0 before an internet session; otherwise remote players may not be able to discover or join the server as expected.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
Round pacing and the bomb timer
Five match cvars shape how long players prepare, buy equipment, and complete a round.
| Command | Unit | Example | Effect on play |
|---|---|---|---|
mp_timelimit |
Minutes per map | mp_timelimit 25 |
Ends or advances the map after the time limit. |
mp_roundtime |
Minutes per round | mp_roundtime 2.5 |
Controls the maximum pre-objective round duration. |
mp_freezetime |
Seconds at round start | mp_freezetime 6 |
Gives teams time to coordinate before movement begins. |
mp_buytime |
Minutes for purchasing | mp_buytime 0.25 |
Defines how long the buy period remains available. |
mp_c4timer |
Seconds after bomb plant | mp_c4timer 35 |
Sets the post-plant countdown. |
Choosing values
A shorter mp_roundtime creates faster rotations and less time for late objectives; a longer value permits slower defaults and more retakes. mp_freezetime is preparation time, so reducing it speeds public play while increasing it gives organized teams more planning time. The decimal 0.25 for mp_buytime represents a quarter of a minute, not 25 seconds. Keep the unit beside every value in your notes to avoid confusing minutes and seconds.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
mp_c4timer matters only after a successful plant. A shorter countdown compresses the retake window; a longer one gives defenders more time to move back into position. If a map or plugin imposes its own objective rules, test the resulting timer in a live round rather than assuming the file value won.
Starting money and economy
mp_startmoney determines the cash players receive at the beginning of a session or after the server’s economy rules award a fresh start. The baseline uses 800, a conventional low starting balance that preserves pistol-round decisions. A higher value lets players buy stronger equipment immediately and can be useful for aim practice or casual formats.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Economy changes interact with buy time and round length. If you raise starting money but leave a very short buy window, players may still fail to purchase before movement begins. Conversely, a generous buy period combined with long rounds gives teams more opportunities to make full purchases. Change one variable at a time when diagnosing an unexpected match feel.
Team rules and fair play
| Command | Values | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
mp_friendlyfire |
0 off; 1 on |
Controls whether teammates can damage one another. |
mp_autoteambalance |
0 or 1 |
Allows automatic balancing between teams when enabled. |
mp_limitteams |
Number such as 2 |
Limits how far team sizes may differ. |
For an open public server, mp_friendlyfire 0, mp_autoteambalance 1, and mp_limitteams 2 reduce accidental team damage and lopsided queues. Organized matches may deliberately enable friendly fire and use stricter team administration; coordinate those settings with the players before the first round.
Automatic balancing can move players when teams diverge. If a tournament format requires fixed rosters, disable it and enforce team composition through your match procedure instead. The cvars regulate server behavior; they do not replace an administrator watching for deliberate imbalance.
Cheats and consistency checking
Keep sv_cheats 0 for normal play. Setting it to 1 is intended for controlled private testing and exposes cheat-related commands; never enable it on a public match server.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
sv_consistency 1 enables consistency checking. This helps the server reject incompatible client assets or modified files that conflict with required resources. Custom maps, sound packs, and gameplay plugins can legitimately need different handling, so test a custom content package with the intended clients before opening the server. If players receive consistency errors, identify the named resource and make sure everyone is using the same map and files rather than disabling checks blindly.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Useful round and spectator controls
Some command guides also document mp_fadetoblack and mp_forcecamera. These are useful for competitive or spectator-focused formats: fade-to-black can hide a dead player’s view, while force-camera settings can restrict what eliminated players observe. Their exact behavior can vary with the game build and plugins, so add them only after checking a test round.
Restart controls such as mp_restartgame can reset a match after configuration changes. A restart affects players immediately; announce it before using it on a live server. Use a map change or a full process restart when a plugin only reads its settings during initialization.
How to apply edits without restarting HLDS
- Stop or pause administrative changes long enough to avoid editing while another process is overwriting the file.
- Open
<HLDS install>/cstrike/server.cfgin a plain-text editor. - Change one group of settings, preserve the command spelling, and save the file as UTF-8 or another plain-text format supported by your host.
- From the server console, run
exec server.cfg. - For remote administration, authenticate through RCON and run
rcon exec server.cfg. Keep the RCON password private; it is not part of the example command. - Check the console output for unknown-command or malformed-value messages, then verify the live cvar with the corresponding command, such as
mp_roundtimeorsv_lan. - If a plugin or map immediately changes the value again, inspect that mod’s configuration and load order. The last command executed normally wins.
Reloading applies cvars, but it does not guarantee that every command takes effect mid-round. A round restart may be needed for timing changes, and a full server restart may be required for settings read only during startup.
Vanilla servers, bots, and mods
Vanilla CS 1.6 does not include built-in bots. Bot play requires a mod such as ZBot or PODBot. Bot commands therefore are not universal server.cfg commands: place them in the mod’s documented configuration section and follow that mod’s syntax.
Keep the universal file focused on HLDS and game cvars. Separate mod-specific files make upgrades safer and help you determine whether a changed value came from server.cfg, a bot package, an AMX-style plugin, or a map configuration. When a mod supplies a command with the same name as a stock cvar, use the mod’s documentation and verify the final value in the server console.
Three practical profiles
| Profile | Key choices | Why use it |
|---|---|---|
| Open public | sv_lan 0, blank sv_password, mp_friendlyfire 0, balancing enabled |
Easy discovery and forgiving team play. |
| Private scrim | Non-empty sv_password, optional friendly fire, fixed teams, announced restarts |
Restricts access and supports organized rules. |
| LAN test | sv_lan 1, small maxplayers, short test rounds |
Validates maps, plugins, and timing before internet hosting. |
These are operating profiles, not extra commands. Start with the baseline, select the profile closest to your session, and record every deliberate deviation so another administrator can reproduce the match.
Quick Recap
Troubleshooting checklist
- Changes disappear after a restart: confirm the file is in the live instance’s
cstrikedirectory and is named exactlyserver.cfg. - The server is invisible to remote players: check that
sv_lan 0is loaded, then verify network forwarding and the host’s firewall separately. - Players cannot join: inspect
sv_passwordfor an unintended value and check thatmaxplayershas not filled all slots. - A command is reported as unknown: the command may belong to a mod, not vanilla CS 1.6, or may be unavailable in that server build.
- Timing feels unchanged: run the cvar by itself in the console to read the active value, restart the round, and check whether a plugin overwrote it.
- Clients receive consistency errors: synchronize map and custom assets first; do not turn off consistency checking until you understand which file differs.
- Reload causes confusion: announce
exec server.cfgand any restart, because some settings alter the next round while others affect players immediately.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
