Start here

Quick start

This page takes you from a Linux machine to your first lobby on ankor.sh.

Before you start

• A host that meets the requirements.
• A Steam account that can create Game Server Login Tokens, and its Steam Web API key.

1. Set up your account

1. Sign in to ankor.sh with Steam.
2. Under Settings → Steam key, save your key. Your Steam Web API key explains why ankor.sh needs it.

2. Install the node

1. Install the packages the host’s distribution needs.
2. Under Settings → Nodes → Add node, add the node. Copy its setup command and node token.
3. Run the setup command on the host and paste the token. The node shows as online under Settings → Nodes.
4. Under node options → Edit → Add server, add a slot for each game server. ankor.sh creates each slot’s login token. Then open the slot’s game port (UDP) to players.
5. Under node options → Install CS2, click Start install.

Set up the node has the details for each step.

3. Start a lobby

1. On the front page, click Create a lobby. A node of yours, or one shared with you, must be online.
2. Copy the Invite link and send it to the other players.
3. Once a second player has joined, start an Aim warmup server for anyone to practise on. It also tests your node.
4. Choose the match setup: how teams are picked, the map selection, sides, overtime and friendly fire.
5. Once the lobby is full, move it through Teams, Maps and Sides. The match starts on your node, and every player gets a Connect button.

Next

• Share your nodes so friends can start lobbies on them.
• ankor.sh lists where each node action is.
• Operating a node covers updates, restarts and demos.
• Troubleshooting helps when something does not connect.