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How to Open Ports for Counter-Strike Behind CGNAT  

  • 22 January 2025
  • 4 mins read

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Counter-Strike is a first-person tactical shooter game where network issues like high latency can negatively impact gameplay. By port forwarding Counter-Strike, you can connect to game servers directly, ensuring a smoother gaming experience. Let's discuss how to open ports on routers behind CGNAT with this easy-to-follow guide.

What is Port Forwarding? 

Port forwarding is a networking technique that directs incoming internet traffic to a specific device or application within a local network. This process enables external devices to access services on a private network.

Before You Forward a Port 

You need to know the following before opening ports for any game and application: 

  • The IP address of your router 
  • The IP address of your device (computer or console)
  • Port numbers (UDP and TCP)

Default Ports for Counter-Strike

To successfully port forward Counter-Strike, you'll need to configure your router to allow traffic through the following default ports:

Counter-Strike - PC

  • TCP: 27015
  • UDP: 27005, 27015

Counter-Strike - Steam

  • TCP: 27015, 27036
  • UDP: 27015, 27031-27036
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How to Port Forward Counter-Strike

Follow these steps for port forwarding Counter-Strike on your router:

  1. Open your favorite web browser and type your router’s IP address in the address bar.
  2. Log in using your router's admin username and password.
  3. Find the section called "Port Forwarding" in the router settings.
  4. Type in the IP address of your gaming console in the appropriate field.
  5. Add the TCP and UDP port numbers for the game counter strike in the provided boxes.
  6. When you're finished, restart your router.

Why Opening Ports Behind CGNAT is an Issue? 

Carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) is a technique used by ISPs (internet service providers) to conserve IPv4 addresses by allowing multiple users to share a single public IP address. While this approach helps manage the limited availability of IPv4 addresses, it introduces challenges for gamers who want to open ports on a router.

How to Open Ports on Routers Behind CGNAT

With PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and dedicated IP, you can easily bypass CGNAT for games like Minecraft, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Just follow the steps below:

  1. Login to the PureVPN member area.
  2. Click the subscription tab.
  3. Click Configure.
  4. Apply your desired port settings.
  5. Click Apply settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Will I need to reconfigure port forwarding if I change my router or internet provider?

    Plus

    Yes, changing your router or ISP may require reconfiguring port forwarding settings to ensure continued optimal performance in Counter-Strike.

  • Do I need to set up port forwarding for both TCP and UDP protocols?

    Plus

    Yes, Counter-Strike uses both TCP and UDP protocols, so it's essential to forward the specified ports for both.

  • Does port forwarding affect other devices on my network?

    Plus

    No, port forwarding directs specific traffic to designated devices and does not impact other devices on your private network.

  • What if I don't know my router's login credentials?

    Plus

    Check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website for default credentials. If previously changed, you may need to reset the router settings.

In Summary

Experience uninterrupted, high-intensity gaming sessions in Counter-Strike. Use PureVPN's Port Forwarding add-on and dedicated IP to seamlessly connect to external game servers, maintain stable connections, and configure port forwarding on routers behind CGNAT today!

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