Custom maps from the Workshop

There are two ways to get custom maps onto your CS2 server: point it at a Steam Workshop collection (the server downloads maps automatically), or upload map files manually to the server.

Pick the method that fits how hands-on you want to be.

Method 1 — Workshop collection (automatic)

A Workshop collection is a single ID that bundles many maps. The server downloads every map in the collection on boot and keeps them in sync when you update the collection on Steam.

1. Build (or find) a collection

1. Go to the CS2 Workshop.
2. Either find an existing collection, or open your own profile → Workshop → Create Collection and add the maps you want.
3. Open the collection page. The URL ends in ?id=<number> — that number is your collection ID.

A single map also has an ?id= number. To load just one map instead of a collection, give support that map ID and ask for host_workshop_map instead of host_workshop_collection.

2. Ask support to set the startup command

The collection ID has to go into the server's startup command (+host_workshop_collection <id>). For security reasons the startup command is locked — you can't edit it from the panel.

Open a ticket with:

• Your server ID / name
• The collection ID (or single map ID)

We'll update the startup command and restart the server for you. This is usually a quick turnaround.

3. Set the starting map

Once support has set the collection, set which map the server boots into. In the panel's startup variables set the starting map to the Workshop map's ID, e.g. de_yourmap or the numeric Workshop ID, then restart.

Keeping it updated

When you add or remove maps in the collection on Steam, the server picks up the changes on its next restart — no new ticket needed. Players download new maps on first join.

Method 2 — Manual upload

If you'd rather not use the Workshop, you can drop map files straight onto the server. This is fully self-service — no ticket required.

1. Get the map files

A CS2 map is a .vpk (or a .bsp for older formats). Download it from the Workshop, a community site, or your own export from the Hammer editor.

2. Upload them

1. Open your server's File Manager in the panel (or connect over SFTP — credentials are on the server's connection page).

2. Upload the map file(s) to:

   /cs2/game/csgo/maps/
   

3. Make sure the filename matches the map name you'll load (e.g. de_yourmap.vpk → de_yourmap).

3. Load the map

• Set the starting map startup variable to the map name (without the extension), then restart, or

• Change maps live from RCON / console:

  changelevel de_yourmap
  

Map cycle

To rotate through your uploaded maps, list them in mapgroups.txt (in /cs2/game/csgo/) or your server.cfg, then reference that group. See Game modes + maps for how map groups work.

Which method should I use?

	Workshop collection	Manual upload
Setup	Needs a support ticket (startup command)	Self-service
Updates	Automatic on restart	Re-upload by hand
Player downloads	Automatic via Steam	Automatic via fast download/server
Best for	Rotating community map packs	One-off or private maps

Troubleshooting

• Map not loading — confirm the filename matches the map name exactly, and that it's in /cs2/game/csgo/maps/.
• Collection not downloading — the startup command may not be set, or the collection ID is wrong. Reply on your ticket and we'll check it.
• Players stuck on download — large maps take time on first join; that's normal. A valid GSLT helps Workshop downloads work reliably.