Create a plain-text file called listenserver.cfg in Counter-Strike Global Offensive/game/csgo/cfg. It is the conventional local listen-server configuration; CS2 can run it when creating a local server, but test your build. If its changes are absent, start a private practice map and run exec listenserver manually.
How do you want to use the config?
Separate file problems from practice-mode overrides before editing anything.
No file: It is normal to create listenserver.cfg yourself. Check the exact CS2 install folder and use a real .cfg extension.
Create your own listenserver.cfg step by step
These instructions are for a private local CS2 session, not a public or Valve-controlled server.
Steam Library → Counter-Strike 2 → Properties → Installed Files → Browse. Open game/csgo/cfg inside the installed game.
In that folder, create a new text file named listenserver.cfg. Enable “File name extensions” in File Explorer to avoid listenserver.cfg.txt.
Begin with the sample shown below. Use commands suitable for your local practice mode and avoid copying a huge, unreviewed cheat/config pack.
Choose CS2 Practice or start an offline map. Enable the developer console in Settings first if you plan to verify the config there.
Look for the echo message from your config and check a value such as mp_freezetime.
After the map loads, type exec listenserver. If that applies the values, the file is readable and the remaining issue concerns when the config runs.
wb_practice.cfg and run exec wb_practice to avoid unintended changes on every local server.Where the config lives
Use the installed game folder—not the Steam Workshop downloads directory or your Windows Documents folder.
Inside the installed Counter-Strike game.
Plain text, not “.cfg.txt”.
Run in console after the local map loads.
// listenserver.cfg — local CS2 practice example echo "WB local practice config loaded" mp_limitteams 0 mp_autoteambalance 0 mp_freezetime 0 mp_roundtime_defuse 60
Does listenserver.cfg run automatically?
It is a conventional local-server filename, but reliable behavior depends on how you launch the practice session and the current CS2 build.
The Source 2 cvar list includes lservercfgfile with a default of listenserver.cfg.
If the settings are absent after map load, exec listenserver is the clearest test.
autoexec.cfg. The latter concerns client startup; listenserver settings concern a server hosted locally. A map or game-mode change can affect when server commands take effect.Keep your practice config local and reversible
Do not overwrite Valve-provided gamemode_*.cfg files or copy unknown scripts with hidden aliases. Back up existing files and use a different filename for experiments if you only need occasional practice settings.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the most useful questions about this specific issue.
Where do I put listenserver.cfg in CS2?
In the installed game’s game/csgo/cfg directory. Steam’s Installed Files → Browse button helps you find the correct install.
Does CS2 create listenserver.cfg by itself?
It may not be present as a visible user-editable file. You can create a plain-text file yourself.
Does listenserver.cfg load every time I start Practice?
Do not assume that without testing. CS2 local modes and mode config order may vary. Use exec listenserver after map load if necessary.
What is the difference from autoexec.cfg?
Autoexec handles startup commands; listenserver.cfg is intended for a locally hosted game server. Server-only commands cannot be applied from a public-match client.
Why does exec listenserver say it cannot find the file?
Usually the file is in the wrong install folder, has a double extension or was saved with a different filename.
Sources and verification notes
Original Walker Bex writing. Official product/support documentation is distinguished from community troubleshooting and user reports.
References checked October 10, 2026
- xPaw CS2 practice-config instructionsCommunity config; describes listenserver convention
- Source 2 Wiki — lservercfgfile command listingCurrent command reference
- Community guide on listenserver.cfg practiceUser tutorial, verify locally
- GamezServers practice config path and commandsThird-party example
Walker Bex is independent of Valve. We did not test these commands in a live CS2 client; behavior can change with game updates.