Shooter · Lightweight
Host a Counter-Strike 1.6 Dedicated Server with Swarm Hosts
Host Counter-Strike 1.6 on your own Windows 10/11 or Linux computer. Swarm Hosts gives you a browser control panel to start, stop, monitor, and back up your server.
- Server Actions
- Guided settings
- Backups
Available in Early Access
Hardware and runtime
What Counter-Strike 1.6 needs
Minimum requirements are a starting point. World size, player count, content, and game settings can require more resources.
- CPU
- 1+ cores
- Memory
- 512 MiB minimum
- Player traffic
- UDP
- Backup coverage
- 1 saved data location
- Gameplay, query, and GoldSrc RCON: the assigned UDP port
- Persistent data: /home/steam/cs16
- Default map: dedust2
- Minimum resources: 1 CPU and 512 MB RAM
Technical overview
Counter-Strike 1.6 uses Valve's GoldSrc dedicated server. Swarm Hosts installs the server anonymously through SteamCMD and persists the runtime and configuration under /home/steam/cs16.
Launch workflow
From host to running server
Swarm Hosts generates the Server Actions password when the field is left empty. Swarm Hosts uses it to authenticate these tools. Never share it with players.
After launch, use Settings → Counter-Strike 1.6 Settings to change managed values. Saving settings restarts or recreates the server and disconnects players.
- Open Launch and choose Counter-Strike 1.6.
- Set the server name, starting map, maximum players, and optional player password.
- Keep LAN mode disabled when players will use the managed relay endpoint.
- Choose a healthy Swarm Host with at least 1 CPU and 512 MB RAM, then launch the server.
Networking
How players connect
Open the Swarm Server page after its status becomes Running, then copy the player hostname or IP and UDP port from the connection details. In Counter-Strike 1.6, add that host:port to Favorites or use the game's connect flow. Players need the optional server password, but never the Server Actions password.
Managed shared relay when the game, host, and current relay path support it.
Server Actions
Manage your Counter-Strike 1.6 server
Available tools depend on the game, server status, and your permissions. The game guide explains any setup needed for Server Actions.
Server status
Read the current map and player summary.
List players
Refresh the verified connected-player list.
List installed maps
Refresh maps installed in the pinned runtime.
List bans
Refresh identities currently banned by the Source server.
Broadcast message
Send a server-authored chat message.
Change map
Change immediately to a freshly verified installed map.
Kick player
Disconnect a freshly verified connected player.
Ban player
Ban and disconnect a freshly verified connected player, then persist the ban list.
Remove ban
Remove a freshly verified Source identity ban and persist the ban list.
Mods & Content status
Mods and custom content
AMX Mod X plugins are untrusted executable code. Upload compatible files manually and restart the server.
AMX Mod X plugins can execute server code and are managed manually. Back up and stop the server before uploading a compatible framework and plugin set through Files & Backups. Plugin files belong under cstrike/addons/amxmodx/plugins. Start the server and verify its logs and player connections afterward. Swarm Hosts has no Counter-Strike 1.6 Mods & Content page and does not install the framework, resolve dependencies, verify compatibility, or update plugins automatically.
Know before launch
Before you launch
- Host on Windows 10/11 or Linux with Docker Desktop in Linux-container mode on Windows, or Docker Engine or rootful Podman on Linux.
- Managed shared relay when the game, host, and current relay path support it.
- If readiness times out, review the server log for SteamCMD or map errors and confirm the selected map is installed on the server.
- If the server is running but players cannot reach it, confirm they are using the UDP player endpoint shown on the Swarm Server page.
- If Server Actions are unavailable, wait for the current task to finish and confirm the Swarm Server is running. Keep the Server Actions password private.
Windows 10/11 + Linux
Ready to host Counter-Strike 1.6?
Connect the Windows or Linux computer you already own, then follow the game-specific launch path.