Counter-Strike 2
Updated April 22, 2026
How to Switch Game Modes in CS2
Change your CS2 server between Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, and Retakes game modes from the control panel. Covers the settings dropdown, max player limits per mode, and recommended config tweaks.
CS2game modecompetitivecasualdeathmatchretakes
Changing the Game Mode
CS2's game mode is controlled by the game_type and game_mode launch parameters. In your panel:
AMP (CubeCoders): Go to Configuration → CS2 Settings, find the Game Mode field, set it, and restart the server.
WISP / Pterodactyl: Go to Startup, update the GAME_TYPE and GAME_MODE variables to match the table below, then restart.
| Mode | game_type | game_mode |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive | 0 | 1 |
| Casual | 0 | 0 |
| Deathmatch | 1 | 2 |
| Retakes | 0 | 0 (with plugin) |
Available Game Modes
| Mode | Description | Default Players |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive | 5v5 ranked-style matches with standard rules | 10 |
| Casual | Shorter rounds, no friendly fire, buy anywhere | 20 |
| Deathmatch | Free-for-all respawn mode | 20 |
| Retakes | Defenders retake a planted bomb site each round | 10 |
Note: CS2 enforces per-mode player caps in
gamemodes_server.txt. If you need more players than the defaults allow, see Change Max Players Per Game Mode.
Competitive Mode Notes
- Standard 5v5 map pool by default
- Requires a GSLT to appear in the community server browser
- To play all 24 rounds regardless of match score, see Play All 24 Rounds
- For practice/warmup before a scrim, use the MatchZy plugin
Deathmatch Mode Notes
- Players respawn immediately after death
- Deathmatch has its own config file:
gamemode_deathmatch_server.cfg - If you want custom weapon restrictions or point scoring, edit that config via File Manager
Retakes Mode Notes
- Defenders spawn in to retake the site; attackers spawn with a planted bomb
- Great for aim training and site coordination
- The MatchZy plugin also has a retakes option
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