Hosting a game server on a VPS: a CS2 example, resource needs and security

Your own game server lets you set the rules, plugins and player list. This guide explains the general installation logic for Steam-based dedicated servers (using CS2 as the example); similar steps apply to many other games.

Resource needs

• CPU: game servers are usually sensitive to single-core performance. High clock speed and dedicated cores reduce latency; plans with dedicated cores in the Max Performance (VDS) family suit this (see VDS vs VPS CPU comparison).
• Memory: 4–8 GB is a start for most setups; it grows with plugins and player count.
• Disk: game files can run to tens of GB. Check the install size on the game’s Steam page and leave a margin.
• Network: connection quality and latency define the player experience; choose a location close to your players (see Our data centres).

1. Preparation

On Ubuntu 24.04, enable 32-bit library support and install SteamCMD:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y software-properties-common
sudo add-apt-repository -y multiverse
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y steamcmd lib32gcc-s1

If it asks about the Steam licence agreement during installation, accept it.

2. A separate user for the server

sudo adduser --disabled-password --gecos "" gameserver
sudo -iu gameserver

Never run a game server as root; if it is compromised the damage stays limited to the user.

3. Install the game

/usr/games/steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/gameserver/cs2 +login anonymous +app_update 730 validate +quit

730 is the Steam app ID of the CS2 dedicated server. To update, simply run the command again.

4. Run it

cd /home/gameserver/cs2
./game/bin/linuxsteamrt64/cs2 -dedicated +map de_dust2 +sv_setsteamaccount SERVER_TOKEN

For servers listed on the internet, create the game server login token (GSLT) the game requires from your Steam account and pass it with +sv_setsteamaccount. Don’t share the token with anyone.

5. Firewall

Open the game port (the CS2 default is 27015, UDP and TCP):

sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/tcp

Keep the RCON (remote administration) password strong and, where possible, open the RCON port only to your own IP address:

sudo ufw allow from 203.0.113.50 to any port 27015 proto tcp

6. Keep it running: systemd

To start the server automatically after reboots, create /etc/systemd/system/cs2.service:

[Unit]
Description=CS2 Dedicated Server
After=network.target

[Service]
User=gameserver
WorkingDirectory=/home/gameserver/cs2
ExecStart=/home/gameserver/cs2/game/bin/linuxsteamrt64/cs2 -dedicated +map de_dust2
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable --now cs2
sudo journalctl -u cs2 -f

Monitoring and maintenance

• Updates: when the game updates the server reports a version mismatch; stop the service and run the app_update command again.
• Resources: watch CPU and memory with htop; if latency rises as players join, upgrade your plan.
• Backups: back up configuration and plugin files; take a snapshot before big changes.
• Attacks: game servers are frequent targets; apply the firewall and the security checklist.

When you run a game server, comply with the game’s terms of service and licence rules.

Start with Melinhost

Our cloud servers with dedicated cores and, when needed, our dedicated servers provide a good foundation for game servers.