"a reliable command was cycled out" This is due to lag, caused as it is by downloading maps from the server. After redirection for downloads, the server will try to send each client a packet of data called "gamestate" (literally "the state of the game"). Without this, the game cannot inform a newly connected client what the state of gameplay is. Hence, it is absoulutely vital that all clients get it. The server waits for the client to return an acknowledgment of that request (called an echo), before it can commence transmitting it. If it doesn't get it (i.e. if it times out for any reason), you get this error: "CL_CGameNeedsServerCommand: a reliable command was cycled out" You probably have many players downloading the maps at the same time or something similar. It can also happen when the map is changed during the downloading time.