How to install CS2 MetaMod plugins on my server

This guide will walk you through the process of installing CS2 plugins on your CloudNord game hosting server, specifically utilizing the Pterodactyl panel. A key advantage of CloudNord's CS2 hosting is that Metamod is already pre-installed with the server egg by default! This means you don't need to worry about installing the Metamod framework itself, and can directly proceed to adding plugins that are compatible with it.

Looking for plugins to install? Check out our dedicated page on Recommended CS2 Plugins and Where to Find Them to get started!

Prerequisites

• An active Counter-Strike 2 server on CloudNord game hosting with Pterodactyl panel access.
• Basic understanding of navigating the Pterodactyl panel.
• Knowledge of how to find and download CS2 Metamod-compatible plugins (e.g., from AlliedModders forums, GitHub).

Step 1: Locate and Download Your Desired CS2 Metamod Plugin

Since Metamod is already installed, your primary task is to find plugins that rely on it. Search for "CS2 Metamod plugins" on platforms like AlliedModders, GitHub, or various Counter-Strike community forums.

Important Considerations:

• Ensure the plugin explicitly states compatibility with Counter-Strike 2 and Metamod for CS2. CS:GO plugins will generally NOT work.
• Look for plugins that come with clear installation instructions, even if they're for a different hosting provider, as they will often contain clues about file placement.
• Be cautious about the source of your plugins to avoid malicious software.

Once you've found a suitable plugin, download its files. These often come in `.zip` or `.rar` archives. Extract the contents to a readily accessible location on your computer. A typical Metamod plugin will have a structure like:

addons/
└── my_plugin/
    ├── bin/
    │   └── my_plugin.so (Linux)
    └── cfg/
        └── my_plugin.cfg
    └── scripts/ (if applicable)

Step 2: Access Your Pterodactyl Panel

Log in to your CloudNord Pterodactyl panel. You'll typically find the login details in your CloudNord client area or your welcome email.

1. Navigate to the "Servers" section.
2. Click on your CS2 server to access its management page.

Step 3: Stop Your CS2 Server

It is crucial to stop your server before making any file changes to prevent corruption or unexpected behavior.

1. On your server's management page, locate the "Console" tab.
2. Click the "Stop" button.
3. Wait until the server status indicates it is "Offline" or "Stopped" before proceeding.

Step 4: Upload Plugin Files via SFTP or File Manager

There are two primary methods to upload your plugin files to your server: using the built-in Pterodactyl File Manager or an SFTP client.

Method A: Using Pterodactyl File Manager (Recommended for smaller files)

The File Manager is convenient for uploading individual files or small archives.

1. From your server's management page, go to the "Files" tab.
2. Navigate to the `csgo` directory (e.g., `/home/container/csgo/`).
3. Locate the existing `addons` folder (this is where Metamod resides).
4. Upload the `addons` folder from your extracted plugin package directly into the `csgo` directory. This should merge its contents with the existing `addons` folder (e.g., creating `csgo/addons/my_plugin/`).
5. If you uploaded a `.zip` archive, you can right-click on it in the File Manager and select "Decompress" to extract its contents directly on the server.

Method B: Using an SFTP Client (Recommended for larger files or many files)

SFTP offers more control and faster transfers for multiple files or larger plugins.

1. In your Pterodactyl panel, go to the "SFTP Settings" tab (sometimes found under "Settings").
2. Note down your SFTP Address, Username, and Password. If you don't see a password, you might need to set one in your Pterodactyl user settings.
3. Download and install an SFTP client like FileZilla (if you don't have one).
4. Open your SFTP client and connect to your server using the credentials obtained in step 2.
5. Navigate to your CS2 server's `csgo` directory (e.g., `/home/container/csgo/`).
6. Upload the `addons` folder (containing your `my_plugin` folder) from your local plugin extraction into the `csgo` directory. When prompted to merge folders, confirm.
7. Ensure the resulting structure on your server is:

   csgo/
   └── addons/
       ├── metamod/ (Pre-installed)
       │   └── ...
       └── my_plugin/ (your plugin folder)
           ├── bin/
           └── ...

Step 5: Configure Your Plugin (If Necessary)

Some plugins require specific server configurations or startup parameters.

1. Configuration Files: If the plugin provides `.cfg` files, ensure they are correctly placed (e.g., `csgo/cfg/` or within the plugin's own folder) and, if required, loaded via your `server.cfg` or another executive command. You can edit existing files or create new ones using the Pterodactyl File Manager's "Create File" option.
2. Startup Parameters: While Metamod itself is loaded, some plugins might require additional flags in your server's "Startup" tab. Always consult the specific plugin's documentation for any such requirements.

Step 6: Start Your CS2 Server and Verify Installation

Once all files are uploaded and configurations are set, it's time to start your server.

1. Go back to the "Console" tab.
2. Click the "Start" button.
3. Check Plugin Load: Monitor the server console for messages related to your specific plugin loading. Many Metamod plugins will announce their presence. You can also type `meta list` in the server console (once fully started) to see a list of loaded Metamod plugins.
4. Join your CS2 server to test if the plugin is functioning as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Server Won't Start or Crashes: Check the "Console" tab for error messages. This is often due to an incompatible plugin, incorrect file paths for the plugin, or missing plugin dependencies. Review your steps and the plugin's documentation carefully.
• Plugin Not Loading:
  • Double-check plugin file placement against its documentation. Most Metamod plugins go into their own folder within `csgo/addons/`.
  • Look for specific error messages related to the plugin in the server console logs (e.g., missing dependencies for the plugin itself).
  • Type `meta list` in the server console to see if the plugin is listed as loaded. If Metamod isn't listed, there might be a deeper server issue.
• Plugin Not Working In-Game:
  • Verify any in-game commands or console commands associated with the plugin.
  • Check for conflicting plugins if you have multiple installed.
  • Ensure any required configuration files are correctly set up and loaded.
• CloudNord Support: If you're still facing issues, CloudNord support might be able to assist with general server setup and Pterodactyl panel usage, but remember they may not provide direct support for specific third-party Metamod plugins.

Conclusion

Thanks to CloudNord's pre-installed Metamod, adding plugins to your CS2 server is a streamlined process. By carefully following these steps for file upload and configuration, you can easily customize and enhance your Counter-Strike 2 server experience with a variety of Metamod-compatible plugins.