How to Add Admins to Your CSS Server with SourceMod
Grant admin access on your CSS server using SourceMod's admins_simple.ini — with legacy Steam IDs, not SteamID64.
Adding Admins in SourceMod
CSS uses SourceMod's flat-file admin system, not CounterStrikeSharp's @css/ flag model from CS2. The key file is admins_simple.ini — a lightweight format that maps Steam IDs to permission flags.
Finding the Right Steam ID
CSS uses legacy Steam IDs in the format STEAM_0:X:XXXXXXX. This is not the same as a SteamID64 (the 17-digit number). If you paste a SteamID64 into the config, SourceMod will not recognize it.
How to find a player's legacy Steam ID:
- While the player is on the server, run
statusin the server console. - Look for their name — the Steam ID column shows
STEAM_0:0:XXXXXXorSTEAM_0:1:XXXXXX. - Alternatively, use steamidfinder.com — paste their profile URL and it returns all formats.
admins_simple.ini
Open cstrike/addons/sourcemod/configs/admins_simple.ini. Add one line per admin:
"STEAM_0:0:12345678" "99:z"
"STEAM_0:1:87654321" "99:bdfg"
Format: "<steamid>" "<immunity>:<flags>"
- Immunity (
99) — higher number overrides lower;99beats1. Admins can't target other admins with equal or higher immunity. - Flags — letter codes that grant specific permissions.
Flag Reference
| Flag | Permission |
|---|---|
z |
Root — all permissions (use sparingly) |
b |
Kick |
d |
Ban |
e |
Unban |
f |
Slay / Kill |
g |
Change map |
h |
Change cvars |
i |
Execute configs |
j |
Chat commands (mute, gag) |
k |
Vote control |
l |
Change server password |
A server moderator who can kick and ban but not change the map: "99:bdf". A full admin who can do everything: "99:z".
Applying Changes Without Restart
At the server console or via RCON:
sm_reloadadmins
Changes in admins_simple.ini take effect immediately — no map change needed.
In-Game Admin Commands
Once an admin connects, they can use these commands in chat or console:
sm_kick "playername"
sm_ban "#userid" 60 "Reason" // 60 minutes; use 0 for permanent
sm_unban "STEAM_0:0:12345678"
sm_slay "playername"
sm_map de_dust2
sm_changelevel de_inferno
sm_mute "playername"
sm_gag "playername"
Get a player's #userid from status in console — it's the number in the first column (e.g. #45).
Alternative: admins.cfg
For more complex setups — groups, inheritance, per-server overrides — use cstrike/addons/sourcemod/configs/admins.cfg. It's more verbose but supports group-based permissions and is easier to manage at scale. Most single-server operators stick with admins_simple.ini.
What's Different from CS2
CS2 with CounterStrikeSharp uses flags like @css/generic, @css/kick, @css/ban. CSS SourceMod uses single-letter codes. The two systems are completely separate — no crossover.