This guide covers running a Counter-Strike 2 server on 8Bit Hosting. It covers first connection, configuration, plugins, admin, performance, backups and security. Everything is done from the 8Bit Hosting panel.
1. Get your server online
Start the server from the panel and wait for Running. Enable the console, then run connect yourip:port. Your IP and port (27015) are shown at the top of the server page.
2. Essential configuration
Open server.cfg + autoexec.cfg in the File Manager. The settings you'll touch most are hostname, sv_password, game mode/type. Edit, save, then Restart to apply. Always take a backup before large changes.
3. Adding plugins
Use Metamod + CounterStrikeSharp (or SourceMod); install Metamod first, then add plugins. Stop the server, add your files via the File Manager or SFTP, then start up and watch the Console for load messages. Keep everything matched to your server version, mismatches are the #1 cause of join failures.
4. Players & admins
Add admins by SteamID in your framework's config (e.g. SourceMod admins.cfg). Only hand admin to people you trust, and use strong passwords for admin features.
5. Performance & optimisation
Set sensible max-players and lean on the low-latency UK node. Watch the CPU/RAM graphs on your server page, if you're regularly near 100%, the simplest fix is moving up a plan. Schedule a daily restart to keep memory clean.
6. Backups & updates
Your important data lives in your cfg files and custom maps. Use Premium Backups (off-site encrypted backups) before any big change. To update: Restart to update via SteamCMD.
7. Security & privacy
Set sv_password in server.cfg. Combine a password/whitelist with a short admin list and regular backups for a safe, stable server.
8. Troubleshooting checklist
- Shows insecure, normal with plugins (VAC off).
- Plugins dead, confirm
meta listloads first. - Can't connect, check game ports.
Need a hand?
Open a support ticket with the error from your Console and our team will help you get sorted.
8Bit Hosting