How to Set Up a Deathmatch Server in Counter-Strike: Source
Install the CSS Deathmatch SourceMod plugin and configure respawning, spawn protection, and FFA mode for a DM server.
Deathmatch in Counter-Strike: Source
CSS's built-in game mode is buy-round-based, not deathmatch. To run a DM server where players respawn instantly and there's no round structure, you need a SourceMod plugin. This is fundamentally different from CS2, where deathmatch is a native game mode built into the game's mode system.
Getting the Plugin
The most widely used CSS DM plugin is CSS Deathmatch by Antithasys and later maintained by various contributors. Find it on the AlliedModders forums (forums.alliedmods.net) — search for "CSS Deathmatch" or "sm-cssdm".
Download the .smx file and any required extension (.ext.so / .ext.dll) and place them:
cstrike/addons/sourcemod/plugins/deathmatch.smx
cstrike/addons/sourcemod/extensions/ ← any required .ext files
Restart the server or run sm plugins load deathmatch.
server.cfg Settings for DM
Add these to server.cfg to disable round-based play:
mp_roundtime 60
mp_timelimit 0
mp_fraglimit 0
mp_maxrounds 0
mp_restartgame 0
mp_autoteambalance 0
mp_limitteams 0
With mp_roundtime 60 and all other limits at 0, rounds effectively never end — the DM plugin takes over player respawning.
Plugin Configuration
The plugin auto-generates its config at:
cstrike/addons/sourcemod/configs/deathmatch.cfg
Key settings inside that config:
sm_dm_respawn_delay "2.0"
sm_dm_spawn_protection "1.5"
sm_dm_weapon_mode "1"
sm_dm_allow_ffa "0"
sm_dm_ammo_refill "1"
After editing, reload without a full server restart:
sm plugins reload deathmatch
Free-For-All Mode
Set sm_dm_allow_ffa "1" to enable FFA — players can kill anyone regardless of team. FFA DM is popular for mechanical practice. Note that with FFA on, mp_friendlyfire becomes redundant; the plugin handles damage independently.
Spawn Protection
sm_dm_spawn_protection sets how many seconds a freshly spawned player is invincible. Set too low and spawn camping is miserable. 1.5 to 2.0 seconds is the standard range. The plugin typically highlights protected players visually (glowing color) so other players know not to waste ammo on them.
Weapon Modes
- Mode 0 (random) — players get a random weapon each spawn; good for mixed practice
- Mode 1 (preferred) — players choose their loadout via a menu and always spawn with it; most popular for aim training
- Mode 2 (fixed) — everyone spawns with the same weapon set, defined in the config; useful for AWP-only or pistol-only servers
Popular DM Maps
Any standard CSS map works for deathmatch. Community-made DM-specific maps also exist:
de_dust2
de_inferno
de_cbble
aim_map
aim_ak47