How to create a CS:GO server on Schokr (and what about CS2?)

Create a server from the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive template, add a Steam Game Server Login Token (GSLT) in the Startup settings, choose a starting map, and connect with connect. Before you start, know that this template runs CS:GO, not Counter-Strike 2.

CS:GO vs Counter-Strike 2

Valve replaced CS:GO with Counter-Strike 2 in September 2023. Schokr's template is for CS:GO, and it does not run CS2 servers.

What that means in practice:

Players must use the legacy CS:GO version of the game to connect. Valve has offered it as a separate legacy option in Steam, but it is no longer the main game and Valve no longer develops it.
Some features that depended on Valve's live services may not work as they did before 2023.
CS2 players on the current game can't join a CS:GO server.

If your group still plays CS:GO, or you want a server for older community mods and maps, the template works well. If you want CS2, this template isn't the right fit.

Creating the server

Sign in at console.schokr.gg.
Create a new server with the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive template.
Pick the location nearest your players. See choosing a location.
Assign memory and disk. The CS:GO server files are large, so give it plenty of disk. Memory needs are modest for a small server; 2 GB is a reasonable start.
Create the server and wait for the install to finish.

Add a GSLT

CS:GO servers need a Game Server Login Token to accept players over the internet.

Create a token for App ID 730 at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers.
Paste it into the Steam token variable in your Startup settings.

Full steps: getting a GSLT.

Choose a map and mode

In the Startup settings, set the default map, such as de_dust2 or de_mirage. The game mode is controlled by game_type and game_mode; see CS:GO game modes.

Set a name and passwords

Edit csgo/cfg/server.cfg in the file manager:

hostname "My CS:GO Server"
sv_password ""
rcon_password "use-a-long-random-password"

More options: CS:GO server.cfg.

Start and connect

Start the server and watch the console. It should load the map and log in to Steam with your token.
Open the developer console in CS:GO (enable it in game settings) and type:

connect <server-ip>:<port>

Use the IP and port from your Schokr console page. If a password is set, add ; password yourpassword or enter it when prompted.

Next steps

Add admin tools and plugins: SourceMod and Metamod
Play Workshop maps: CS:GO Workshop maps

Still stuck?

If players can't join, check the console for a Steam login error first. Then ask in the Schokr Discord.