Overview
The Public Servers page displays all enabled community servers configured with Valve game modes (non-ranked). Players can browse available servers and connect directly through Steam.Only servers configured with Valve preset game modes (Casual, Competitive, Deathmatch, etc.) appear in the public server list. Ranked servers are excluded unless they have a connection string configured.
Server Information
Each public server displays:Server Label
Server name/identifier configured by administrators
Current Map
Active map being played on the server
Player Count
Current players vs. maximum capacity (e.g., 8/32)
Region
Geographic location of the server
Server Type
Game mode (Casual, Competitive, Deathmatch, etc.)
Connection Status
Real-time server connectivity indicator
Connection Methods
Quick Connect Button
Click the Connect button to join a server:Connection String
Servers provide connection strings for manual connection:Server Filtering
Server Status Indicators
Servers display real-time connection status:Status Indicators
- 🟢 Green Dot: Server online and accepting connections
- 🔴 Red Dot (pulsing): Server offline or unreachable
LAN vs Internet Servers
Servers are automatically separated by network type:- Internet Servers
- LAN Servers
Standard public servers accessible over the internet:
- Listed in the main server table
- Use public IP addresses
- Steam relay optional
- DDoS protection recommended
Server Information Display
Real-time Server Data
Server information updates automatically via GraphQL subscription:Server Info Query
Additional server details are polled every 60 seconds:Server Types
Public servers support various Valve game modes:Available Game Modes
Casual
Casual
Valve’s casual matchmaking mode:
- 5v5 or 10v10 gameplay
- Armor and defuse kits provided
- Team damage disabled
- Drop-in/drop-out support
Competitive
Competitive
Standard competitive ruleset:
- 5v5 gameplay
- Economy system
- MR12 or MR15 format
- Team damage enabled
Deathmatch
Deathmatch
Free-for-all deathmatch:
- Instant respawn
- Unlimited ammunition
- All weapons available
- Score-based gameplay
Arms Race
Arms Race
Gun game progression mode:
- Progress through weapon tiers
- Instant respawn
- First to complete all weapons wins
Demolition
Demolition
Simplified competitive mode:
- Smaller maps
- Weapon progression per round
- Best of 16 rounds
Custom
Custom
Custom game mode configurations:
- Server-defined rules
- Modified gameplay parameters
- Community game modes
Password-Protected Servers
Servers with connect passwords require authentication:Password Protection
When connecting to password-protected servers:
- Connection attempt prompts for password
- Enter the server password
- Connection proceeds if password is correct
Empty Server States
No Servers Available
If no public servers are configured or online, the page displays:
- Empty state message
- Explanation about server availability
- Link to server management (for administrators)
Connection Links
Steam Protocol URLs
5Stack generates Steam protocol URLs for one-click connections:Direct Connection String
For Administrators
Making Servers Public
To add servers to the public list:Server Visibility Rules
Servers appear in the public list when:- Server type is not “Ranked” (OR has connection string)
- Server is enabled
- Server is connected to 5Stack panel
Connection String Override
Ranked servers can appear in public listings with a connection string:Best Practices
Server Naming
Server Naming
Use descriptive server labels:
- Include game mode (e.g., “DM - Dust2 24/7”)
- Specify region or location
- Indicate special features (“128 Tick”, “Low Ping”)
- Keep names concise but informative
Player Capacity
Player Capacity
Set appropriate max players:
- Standard competitive: 10 players (5v5)
- Casual: 20-32 players
- Deathmatch: 16-32 players
- Consider server hardware capacity
Password Usage
Password Usage
Use passwords strategically:
- Public community servers: No password
- Private group servers: Set password
- Event servers: Temporary passwords
- Distribute passwords securely
Troubleshooting
Server Not Appearing in List
Server Not Appearing in List
Symptoms: Server exists but doesn’t show on public pageSolutions:
- Verify server type is not “Ranked” (or has connection_string)
- Ensure server is enabled
- Check server is connected (green status)
- Confirm server is not in maintenance mode
- Refresh the page
Cannot Connect to Server
Cannot Connect to Server
Symptoms: Connection fails or times outSolutions:
- Verify server is online (green indicator)
- Check you have the correct password (if required)
- Ensure CS2 is up to date
- Try manual console connection
- Check firewall isn’t blocking Steam connections
- Verify server port is accessible
Player Count Not Updating
Player Count Not Updating
Symptoms: Player count shows 0 or outdated numbersSolutions:
- Wait for next polling interval (60 seconds)
- Check server is properly connected
- Verify server info query is functioning
- Refresh browser page
- Review server logs for errors
Wrong Map Displayed
Wrong Map Displayed
Symptoms: Map name incorrect or not updatingSolutions:
- Wait for next polling interval
- Verify server is responding to queries
- Check server has proper map installed
- Refresh the page
Related Documentation
Dedicated Servers
Configure and manage CS2 servers
Regions
Understand server region configuration
Game Server Nodes
Deploy servers with automated management