Server Not Starting Print

If your Counter-Strike 2 server fails to start or keeps stopping right after launch, this guide will help you identify and fix the most common causes. Follow each step carefully in your FinnishHost Game Panel to get your server running again.

Step 1: Check for Console Errors

Open the Web Console in your panel right after you click Start. Watch for red or yellow error lines such as:

Failed to find map 'de_inferno'
Failed to init Steamworks API
Error: Missing file or invalid command line

These messages usually point directly to what’s preventing startup.

Step 2: Verify Your Startup Parameters

Open the Commandline Manager or Startup Parameters in your Game Panel and make sure the required launch options are present. A minimal working setup should look like this:

+map de_inferno +game_mode 1 +game_type 0 -tickrate 128

• Always include a valid map (like de_inferno or de_dust2).
• Make sure game_mode and game_type are set correctly.
• Remove any duplicate or conflicting parameters.

Step 3: Update the Server Files

If the startup stops immediately or throws version errors, your server files may be outdated or incomplete. Click Update Server Files in your panel to force a fresh validation using SteamCMD. Once complete, restart the server.

Step 4: Check for Missing or Corrupted Maps

Startup will fail if the map file listed in your launch command doesn’t exist or is broken. To verify:

1. Open File Manager.
2. Navigate to game/csgo/maps/.
3. Ensure the map (for example de_inferno.bsp) is present and not 0 KB in size.

If it’s missing, switch to a default map or reinstall missing content via the Update Server Files tool.

Step 5: Disable Custom Workshop Content (If Enabled)

If you’re using Workshop maps or collections, one broken or private item can cause startup failures. Try temporarily removing the Workshop parameters from your startup line:

(remove)
+host_workshop_map <MAP_ID>
+host_workshop_collection <COLLECTION_ID>

Then restart the server. If it starts correctly, one of your Workshop items is the issue.

Step 6: Check Resource Usage

If the server won’t boot and you see no console output at all, it might be due to insufficient RAM or a stuck process. Click Stop, wait 15–20 seconds, then click Start again to force a full restart. If you’ve recently installed large Workshop items, consider reducing world size or map packs to free memory.

Step 7: Reinstall (Last Resort)

If all else fails, use the Reinstall Server option in your Game Panel. This will reinstall the CS2 server files from SteamCMD but won’t delete your configuration files unless you choose to wipe everything. Only do this if the issue persists after trying all steps above.

Notes

We provide support for hosting, startup, and configuration issues only. We don’t provide support for custom maps, third-party mods, or plugins. Always make backups before updating or reinstalling your server.