Install SourceMod and MetaMod on a CS:GO Server

Overview

CS:GO server plugins can change gameplay, add admin tools, and adjust the look or behavior of a match. Before most of those plugins can run, the server needs both SourceMod and MetaMod installed. They act as the plugin foundation, so skipping them usually means the fun part does nothing at all.

This guide covers downloading the files, preparing the correct `metamod.vdf`, uploading everything to the server, and checking the common mistakes that stop the setup from loading.

Download SourceMod and MetaMod

1. Open the official SourceMod and MetaMod download pages.
2. Download the latest Linux build for each one. Use the Linux version even if your own computer runs Windows or macOS, since the game server commonly runs on Linux.

1. Create a temporary folder on your computer for the downloads.
2. Extract both archives into that folder until you can see the extracted folders.

1. Open the `addons` folder.
2. Delete the existing `metamod.vdf` file.

If plugins fail with the newest SourceMod build, try SourceMod 1.7 build 5280 instead. Older 1.7 builds can also help with compatibility issues, though the newest stable build is usually the right first choice.

Generate the CS:GO VDF File

1. Go to the MetaMod VDF Generator page.
2. In the game dropdown, select Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

1. Select Generate metamod.vdf, then save the file.
2. Place the new `metamod.vdf` inside the `addons` folder, replacing the file you deleted earlier.
3. Return to the folder that contains both `addons` and `cfg`.
4. Select both folders and compress them into a `.zip` file.

Upload the Files to Your Server

1. Open your server panel and stop the CS:GO server.
2. Open the file manager or your FTP client and log in.
3. Enter the `csgo` folder, then choose the upload option.

1. Drag the `.zip` file you created into the upload area.
2. Wait until the upload reaches 100 percent. Patience is useful here, even if watching a progress bar is not exactly esports.
3. Return to the `csgo` folder, select the uploaded `.zip` file, and unzip it.

1. Go back to the main server page and start the server.

Common Problems

The downloaded files do not work. This is usually caused by using the wrong build. Confirm that both SourceMod and MetaMod are the Linux versions. Also make sure both archives were fully extracted into the same working folder before you created the final `.zip`.

The upload worked, but the server still does not load plugins. Check the `metamod.vdf` file. It must be generated specifically for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive so MetaMod knows which game it is loading into. If the wrong game was selected, generate a fresh CS:GO `metamod.vdf`, replace the old one, zip the folders again, and reupload them.