How to Install Fake RCON on Your CS2 Server

Why Fake RCON?

CS2 doesn't have working native RCON yet. The Fake RCON MetaMod plugin adds it back — it runs on the standard RCON port so any RCON client can connect and send commands exactly as you'd expect.

Step 1: Install the Plugin

MetaMod must already be running. Then install Fake RCON manually:

1. Download the latest release from the Fake RCON GitHub
2. Extract the .zip
3. Upload the addons/ folder to your server root via your AMP or WISP panel's File Manager
4. Restart the server

Step 2: Set Your RCON Password

1. In the File Manager, navigate to: addons/config/fake_rcon/
2. Open config.ini
3. Find the rcon_password line and set a strong password:

rcon_password = YourSecurePassword123!

4. Save the file and reboot the server

Use a strong, unique password — anyone with the RCON password can run any server command.

Step 3: Connect with an RCON Client

Using rcon-cli (command line):

rcon-cli --address YOUR.SERVER.IP:27015 --password YourSecurePassword123!

Then type any command at the prompt:

> changelevel de_inferno
> mp_restartgame 1
> status

Using in-game (requires admin — see Admin guide):

Open the console (`) and type:

fake_rcon_password YourSecurePassword123!
fake_rcon changelevel de_inferno

Troubleshooting

"RCON connection refused"

• Confirm Fake RCON is loaded — check the server console on startup for a message like [FakeRCON] Loaded
• Verify port 27015 (TCP) is open in your firewall / hosting panel's network settings
• Double-check the password in config.ini

Commands run but nothing happens

• Some commands require sv_cheats 1 first
• Admin-restricted commands need the Fake RCON user to have the right permission level (check the plugin's config.ini for permission settings)

Related

• CS2 RCON Overview — all four methods
• CS2 Plugins: MetaMod & CounterStrikeSharp
• How to Become an Admin on Your CS2 Server