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SOURCE 1 · VERIFIED 2026-07-27

Back up and restore a CS:GO server

Back up and restore a CS:GO server. Version-specific steps, checks, rollback, and upstream sources for Source 1 (CS:GO branch).

Counter-Strike: Global OffensiveSource 1Legacy
SHORT ANSWER

A Counter-Strike: Global Offensive backup is useful only when its restore is tested. Preserve operator-owned configs, addons, custom content, data, logs needed for audit, and a version manifest; reinstall Steam-managed stock files through SteamCMD instead of treating an opaque binary copy as the only recovery method.

Before you change anything

  1. A legitimate Steam installation or dedicated-server installation for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
  2. A backup of every file that will be changed.
  3. Access to the local client console or the dedicated-server console, as appropriate.

Version-specific procedure

  1. Stop the server cleanly or use an application-consistent snapshot method.
  2. Archive operator configs, addon trees, custom maps/assets, persistent plugin data, and service definitions.
  3. Record game package/build, plugin versions, operating system, ownership, and startup command without secrets.
  4. Create a fresh restore directory, install/validate stock files, and overlay the operator archive.
  5. Start privately, load a stock and custom map, verify plugins, query the server, and perform one player connection.

Verify the result

  1. The restore test uses a different directory or host from production.
  2. Stock and custom maps load and the addon list matches the manifest.
  3. The backup can be decrypted/read by the designated recovery process.

Rollback

  1. Keep production stopped only for the planned window; if restore validation fails, restart the untouched production tree and investigate the copy.

Common pitfalls

  1. A successful archive command is not a restore test.