How much does a CS:S server cost?

Pay-per-use starts at 0.0479 €/h for 4 GB RAM – billed by the second, only while the server runs. A 4-hour community night costs about 0.19 €. For 24/7 operation, the fixed plan from 12.00 €/month is cheaper; 90, 180, or 360-day terms save you 10 to 20%.

How many players are supported?

Classic 5v5 (10 players) fits into our smaller packages. Community servers support up to 64 slots – the CS:S engine maximum, set via +maxplayers.

How much RAM do I need?

CS:S is light on RAM but heavy on CPU: 4 GB covers classic 5v5 and most 24-slot servers. For 32 to 64 slots with lots of plugins and custom maps (ZombieMod, surf, JB) we recommend 8 to 12 GB. Single-core performance matters more than RAM – ours comes from modern AMD Ryzen CPUs.

Which tick rate is supported?

Since the 2010 OrangeBox update, CS:S is locked at 66 tick – the game ignores the -tickrate launch parameter. The community plugin Tickrate Enabler unlocks 100 tick again, which is common mainly on surf and bhop servers.

Which ports does a CS:S server use?

The game port is 27015: UDP for game traffic, TCP on the same port for RCON. SourceTV uses UDP 27020. Both can be changed via launch parameters (-port and +tv_port) and come pre-configured with us.

Do you support SourceMod and Metamod:Source?

Yes. Metamod:Source 1.12 (stable since March 2025) and SourceMod 1.12 run directly – and with them GunGame, ZombieMod, SurfTimer, and bhop plugins. The legacy classic Mani Admin Plugin works too, but we recommend SourceMod for new projects.

Does SourceMod still work after the 2025 64-bit update?

Yes. The February 2025 update added 64-bit binaries, but the 32-bit server binaries remain – and SourceMod and Metamod:Source keep running reliably on those. The 64-bit binary itself is not yet officially supported by SourceMod.

How do I install custom maps?

Through the web interface with the 1-click installer, or via SFTP: upload your own .bsp files to cstrike/maps/ and add them to mapcycle.txt.

Which game modes are popular?

Classic bomb/defuse, hostage rescue, GunGame, ZombieMod, surf, bhop, KZ, jailbreak, mini-games, course, DM, 1v1 arena – all supported.

Where are the servers located?

Choose between Germany (EU), Salt Lake City, UT (US West), and Charlotte, NC (US East). Compare locations with the ping test and consider where your fellow players are based.

What hardware does RespawnHost use?

We exclusively use AMD Ryzen processors – in Germany, modern AMD Ryzen CPUs with a 25 Gbit/s uplink. Storage runs on NVMe SSDs. For the single-thread-heavy Source engine, that single-core performance is exactly what counts.

How fast is my server online?

The server itself comes online in under 90 seconds. Installing the CS:S game files takes another 1-3 minutes depending on location.

How does DDoS protection work?

Every server sits behind Premium Gaming DDoS Protection. It is always on at every location and included at no extra cost.

Can I upload my own cfg files?

Yes. Full SFTP access gives you direct reach to server.cfg, autoexec.cfg, motd.txt, mapcycle.txt, and every plugin config.

Do I need a Game Server Login Token (GSLT)?

For public servers that should appear in the server list, yes. Create the token for free on Steam's game server account page using app ID 240 and paste it into our web interface – it is applied via +sv_setsteamaccount.

We create automatic backups. You can also create manual snapshots and restore any backup with one click from the web interface.

What happens if my credit runs out?

The server stops automatically. Configs, maps, and plugins are preserved. After topping up, everything continues right where you left off.

Is there a minimum contract?

No. Pay-per-use runs without a contract or minimum term, straight from your credit. Fixed plans are available for 30, 90, 180, or 360 days – longer terms are 10 to 20% cheaper.

How are updates installed?

Restart the server – our system fetches the update from Steam automatically and installs it before booting.

Does SourceTV/HLTV work?

Yes. SourceTV runs on UDP 27020 and can be enabled right away – ideal for demos, casts, and match reviews.

Do I have RCON access?

Yes, full RCON access is included. Set the password via rcon_password in server.cfg; RCON runs over TCP on game port 27015.

Are scheduled restarts supported?

Yes. You can configure scheduled restarts (daily, weekly) from the web interface.

How fast is your support?

On Discord typically within a few minutes; via the ticket system within minutes to hours.

Counter strike source

Counter-Strike: Source Server Hosting

Name: Counter-Strike: Source Server Hosting
Brand: RespawnHost
SKU: counter-strike-source-hosting
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (26 reviews)

Instantly online in < 90 seconds
Classic 5v5 up to 64 community slots
Fairness Guarantee: Pay-Per-Use

Rent a server now View all plans

4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot

Start instantly

<90

Seconds

Your server is online & ready in seconds

Online in 90 seconds

From click to running server — no waiting.

Simple & flexible

Easy setup, flexible terms, full control.

Safe & protected

DDoS protection, backups and modern hosting.

Billed by the second

Pay-per-use – only pay while your server runs.

Our most popular plans

Choose your plan

Save up to 20%with a longer term

What is a Counter-Strike: Source server?

A Counter-Strike: Source server is a Source Dedicated Server (srcds, Steam app 232330) that keeps your CS:S matches online around the clock — classic 5v5, GunGame, ZombieMod, or surf with up to 64 slots, extendable with SourceMod and Metamod:Source plugins. Since the major February 2025 update, the game ships 64-bit binaries and improved networking code. The 20-year-old Source engine cares mostly about single-core performance — our servers run on modern AMD Ryzen CPUs. At RespawnHost you rent one pay-per-use from 0.0479 €/h (billed by the second, only while the server runs) or as a fixed plan from 12.00 €/month — ready in under 90 seconds.

GunGame, ZombieMod & surf ready

modern AMD Ryzen single-core power

Pay-per-use from 0.0479 €/h

Everything your community needs

These features are included in every package and make your CS:S server the perfect old-school hangout.

Instant Setup

Your server is ready in under 90 seconds. No waiting times, start playing immediately.

Unlimited Slots

No artificial slot cap. Classic 5v5 up to 64 slots – the CS:S engine maximum.

Custom Control Panel

Real-time console, file manager, mod installer, and auto-restarts in one interface.

Per-Second Billing

Pay only when your server is online. The corresponding amount is deducted per second.

DDoS Protection

Premium Gaming DDoS Protection at every location. Always-on protection at no extra cost.

Quality Gaming Support

Our support team consists of real gamers – Discord response within minutes.

Gaming Infrastructure

Premium hardware for your Counter-Strike: Source server

Cost calculator

Calculate your real costs for Counter-Strike: Source

Play time per day3h

1h24h

Your typical day

0:0024:00

Fixed plan

12.00 €

runs around the clock

RespawnHost

~4.31 €

3h/day billed

Your savings

versus the fixed plan, at 90 h/month

64 %

~7.69 €

The fixed plan only pays off from around 8.4 hours a day. Below that, Pay-per-Use is cheaper.

For reference: €11.00 (4 GB, monthly, BisectHosting, as of July 2026)

Based on the 4 GB package. Actual costs may vary depending on usage.

Hardware & Infrastruktur

Optimized for Counter-Strike: Source

Processor

AMD Ryzen

RAM

DDR5

Storage

NVMe SSD

DDoS protection

Premium Gaming DDoS Protection

Uplink

25 Gbit/s

Uptime

100.00 %

Ping test

Germany · EU
Frankfurt am Main
—
US West
Salt Lake City, UT
—
US East
Charlotte, NC
—

Ping measured from each regional test server to your internet connection. In-game ping may differ. An unavailable result can mean the connection is blocked or the test server cannot be reached.

All systems operational

Live status on Instatus

Transparent Price Calculation

Our pricing models are completely transparent and fair. You only pay for what you really use.

You only pay when the server is online

No costs when your server is turned off. Pay only for actual usage.

Per-Second Billing

Credit is deducted live as soon as the server is online. Server off = no more cost consumption.

No hidden costs

When your server is turned off, no costs are incurred. No setup fees, no hidden costs.

Counter-Strike: Source Price Example

Veteran Recruit (4 GB RAM) as fixed plan34.49 € / Month

Pay-per-use hourly rate≈ 0.0479 € / Hour

(0.0479 € × 720 Hours = 34.49 €)

Live Billing

Credit is only deducted while the server is running. Stop it to save.

Example: 4 GB Package

2 hours online≈ 0.10 €

Server turned off0.00 €

Total costOnly what you play!

The difference to traditional hosters

Compare our features with those of traditional hosters and see for yourself why RespawnHost.com is the better choice.

Feature	RespawnHost.com	Provider A	Provider B	Provider C	Provider D
Pay only when server online
Server ready in under 90 seconds
Unlimited Slots
Unlimited NVMe SSD
Unlimited Cores
100 tick support via Tickrate Enabler
1-click map & plugin installer
Custom Control Panel
Full SFTP Access
Free Databases
Premium Hardware *2

*1 Sample of four major providers, surveyed in July 2026 based on their public pricing and feature pages. The providers are not named because plans can change at any time — what counts is the state as of the survey date.

Frequently Asked Questions about Counter-Strike: Source Servers

Counter-Strike: Source server hosting: the classic, freshly hosted

Counter-Strike: Source changed everything in 2004: the Source engine, the endless plugin scene, ZombieMod, GunGame, surf, bhop, KZ, mini-games. The community is alive – and Valve keeps maintaining the classic, most recently with the big 64-bit update in February 2025. With your own CS:S server from RespawnHost, you play classic 5v5, hostage rescue, or full 64-slot old-school chaos – as a fixed plan or pay-per-use, billed by the second.

Why rent a CS:S server at RespawnHost?

The Source engine is over 20 years old and depends almost entirely on single-core performance. We exclusively run modern AMD Ryzen CPUs in our German locations – with a 25 Gbit/s uplink. That means stable 66 tick and clean hit registration even on a full 64-slot ZombieMod server, and no choke during mass smokes on de_dust2. Want more? Unlock 100 tick with the Tickrate Enabler plugin – the CPU headroom is there.

Plugins, maps, mods? All installed in under a minute: Metamod:Source and SourceMod as the base, with GunGame, ZombieMod, SurfTimer, bhop plugins, or the legacy classic Mani Admin Plugin on top. Install maps with one click from the panel, or upload your own .bsp files via SFTP. Auto-restarts and automatic backups are standard.

Features for every lobby

Classic 5v5 up to 64 slots: bomb, hostage, GunGame, surf, JB, ZM – every mode
Stable 66 tick at full slot count – 100 tick optional via Tickrate Enabler
SourceMod + Metamod:Source: every popular CS:S plugin compatible
Map installs: 1-click installer from the panel or your own .bsp via SFTP
Full SFTP access: server.cfg, autoexec, plugins, custom maps directly
DDoS protection at every location

With Pay-Per-Use, you only pay when your server is actually running. Perfect for community servers that aren't full 24/7 – start it on weekends, stop it during the week.

Fairness through Pay-Per-Use

Why pay for a 24/7 CS:S server when you only play in the evening? At RespawnHost, you start the server before the session and stop it afterwards. Your credit is billed by the second – server off = €0.00. If your server runs around the clock instead, the fixed plan from 12.00 €/month is the cheaper choice – with 10 to 20% off for 90, 180, or 360-day terms.

Full transparency: you see exactly what your hourly cost is. No hidden fees, no auto-renewal. You stay in control.

Tip: Schedule an auto-restart before your sessions so the server boots fresh with your match config.

GunGame, ZombieMod, surf, or classic 5v5 – which CS:S server fits you?

CS:S is frugal with RAM – what matters is the CPU's single-core performance. So pick your package by mode and plugin load rather than raw player count.

Classic 5v5 & match servers: For bomb/defuse with 10 to 12 slots, the 4 GB package is plenty – what counts is clean 66 tick and a solid match config (mp_startmoney, mp_freezetime) in server.cfg. With SourceTV on port 27020 you record demos for reviews.

GunGame, ZombieMod & jailbreak: These run lots of plugins, custom maps, and 30 to 64 players at once – go for 8 to 12 GB RAM so custom content and the database fit alongside srcds. ZombieMod lobbies with 60+ slots are the toughest single-core stress test there is – exactly what our modern AMD Ryzen CPUs are here for.

Surf, bhop & KZ: Timer plugins like SurfTimer store times and ranks in a MySQL database – included for free with us. On movement servers, 100 tick via Tickrate Enabler is practically mandatory, along with raised sv_airaccelerate values in server.cfg.

CS:S dedicated server: ports, server.cfg & tick rate

Counter-Strike: Source runs as a Source Dedicated Server (srcds, Steam app 232330). The game port is 27015 (UDP game traffic, plus RCON over TCP on the same port), and SourceTV broadcasts on UDP 27020. Configuration lives in cstrike/cfg/server.cfg. Important: since the 2010 OrangeBox update, the tick rate is locked at 66 – the old -tickrate launch parameter only works again once the community plugin Tickrate Enabler is installed.

At RespawnHost you handle all of this in the web interface: config editor for server.cfg, custom launch parameters, real-time console with RCON, and full SFTP access to the entire cstrike folder.

Game port: 27015 (UDP game traffic + TCP RCON, changeable via -port) — SourceTV: UDP 27020 (+tv_port)
Launch parameters: -game cstrike +map de_dust2 +maxplayers 24 — the engine caps out at 64 slots
Tick rate: 66 (locked since OrangeBox 2010) — 100 tick only with Tickrate Enabler + -tickrate 100
server.cfg: hostname, rcon_password, sv_password, mp_timelimit, mp_friendlyfire — map rotation in mapcycle.txt
GSLT: Game Server Login Token for app ID 240 via +sv_setsteamaccount so your server shows up in the public list
Plugins: Metamod:Source 1.12 + SourceMod 1.12 into cstrike/addons — the base for GunGame, ZombieMod, SurfTimer & co.

Is a CS:S server still worth it in 2026?

Yes – and Valve apparently agrees: in February 2025, Counter-Strike: Source received a major update with 64-bit binaries, improved networking code, and UI scaling, ported over from the Half-Life 2 anniversary update. More than 20 years after release, the classic is still being maintained – and the community server scene with surf, ZombieMod, and GunGame is the main reason the game lives on.

The plugin ecosystem is active too: Metamod:Source 1.12 has been stable since March 2025, and SourceMod 1.12 is continuously maintained. Note: the new 64-bit server binary is not yet officially supported by SourceMod – plugin servers keep running reliably on the 32-bit binaries. Legacy frameworks like EventScripts have been unmaintained for years; build new projects on SourceMod.

Last updated: July 2026