How to Create a CS2 Private Match with Friends: A Complete Guide

Creating a CS2 private match with friends isn't as straightforward as you might expect, but I've found a solution.

Here's a step-by-step guide to set up your own CS2 private match with friends.

First, you'll need to open Port 27015 (UDP for IPv4) on your router. The process varies depending on your router model, so you may need to look up specific instructions for your device.

Once that's done, follow these steps:

Locate your cs2.exe file (usually in \steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\bin\win64)
Create a desktop shortcut for cs2.exe
Right-click the shortcut, go to Properties > Shortcut, and add these commands to the Target field: -dedicated -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +map de_inferno
Open Steam and start CS2 normally
Launch the dedicated console using your modified shortcut
In CS2, open the console and type: connect localhost
Create a prac.cfg file in the CS2 cfg folder with custom settings (I'll provide a sample config below)
In the dedicated console, type: exec prac
Use the 'status' command in the dedicated console to get your public IP

Now your friends can join using the command: connect [your_public_ip]

Here's a sample prac.cfg to get you started:

sv_cheats 1
bot_kick
mp_limitteams 0
mp_autoteambalance 0
mp_maxmoney 60000
mp_startmoney 60000
mp_buytime 9999
mp_buy_anywhere 1
mp_freezetime 0
mp_roundtime 60
mp_roundtime_defuse 60
mp_respawn_on_death_ct 1
mp_respawn_on_death_t 1
sv_infinite_ammo 1
sv_showimpacts 1
sv_showimpacts_time 10
ammo_grenade_limit_total 5
sv_regeneration_force_on 1
sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_trailtime 15
sv_grenade_trajectory_time_spectator 15
sv_grenade_trajectory_prac_pipreview 1
mp_warmup_end
mp_restartgame 1
echo "Prac settings loaded!"

To change maps, use the command: changelevel [map_name]

Remember to re-execute your prac config after changing maps.

This guide should cover everything you need to set up a CS2 private match with friends.