Method 1: Connecting via the In-Game Developer Console (Fastest)
- Launch Counter-Strike 2.
- Ensure the developer console is enabled under Settings → Game → Enable Developer Console (
~). - Open the console by pressing the tilde key (
`or~). - Enter the connect command using your server's Primary Allocation:
connect 198.51.100.25:27015 - If your server is password-protected with
sv_password:connect 198.51.100.25:27015; password YourServerPassword
Tip
You can find your exact server IP and game port in DustBowl Warden (https://warden.dustbowl.games) on the server Overview or Network tab.
Method 2: Steam Favorites & Community Server Browser
- Open Steam and navigate to View → Game Servers (or from CS2, click Play → Community Server Browser).
- Select the Favorites tab.
- Click the plus icon (
+) or right-click to select Add server by IP. - Enter your DustBowl Warden connection address (e.g.
198.51.100.25:27015). - Click Add this address to favorites.
- Double-click the server entry to join directly.
Method 3: One-Click Steam Connect URLs
You can generate direct clickable links (e.g. steam://connect/IP:PORT) for your community members:
- Open our free Connect URL Generator Tool.
- Input your server IP and game port.
- Generate and share the web redirect link on Discord or your gaming community portal.
Connection Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Recommended Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| "Connection failed after 30 retries" | Invalid IP or closed port | Verify the primary port in the Warden Network tab. |
| "Server is not responding" | Server process offline or booting | Check the Warden Console to ensure the container finished loading. |
| "Bad password" | Mismatched sv_password |
Check sv_password in game/csgo/cfg/server.cfg via Warden File Manager. |
| "VAC authentication error" | Steam client state | Restart your local Steam client and verify game file integrity. |
| Server missing from public browser | Unset or expired GSLT token | Configure a valid GSLT token in Warden. See GSLT Setup Guide. |