How do I add maps to my dedicated CS:GO server?

Table of Contents

How to Configure Mapcycle.txt for Custom Rotations?

Edit mapcycle.txt in the csgo/cfg folder, listing one map per line (e.g., de_custom). Remove default maps if needed. Set mapcyclefile "mapcycle.txt" in server.cfg. Use mp_mapcycle_override 1 to enforce the custom rotation. Test with mapcycle command in the server console.

Can Someone Hack My Server?

For complex rotations, consider grouping maps by game mode. Use comments starting with // to organize sections (e.g., // Competitive Maps). Server operators often prioritize balance by alternating between bomb defusal and hostage rescue maps. Below is a recommended structure for a 12-map cycle:

Map Type	Map Name	Max Rounds
Bomb Defusal	de_custom1	30
Hostage	cs_custom2	24

Always test rotations using mp_restartgame 1 between map changes to identify sequence errors. For community servers, combine this with SourceMod’s MapChooser plugin to let players vote on the next map while maintaining overall cycle balance.

Why Are Clients Unable to Download Custom Maps?

Clients may fail to download maps if the server lacks sv_allowdownload 1 or sv_allowupload 1. Ensure FastDL is configured correctly by uploading maps to a web server and adding sv_downloadurl "http://yourdomain.com/csgo" to server.cfg. Verify file permissions and anti-cheat plugin compatibility.

What Are the Benefits of Using AWS Managed Services?

Common FastDL failures occur when the file structure mismatches server directories. Your web host must mirror the server’s csgo folder hierarchy exactly. For Workshop maps, clients require the same subscription ID as the server. Below are frequent issues and solutions:

Error Message	Solution
Missing BSP File	Re-upload map to FastDL with lowercase filename
CRC Mismatch	Disable `sv_consistency` or fix file versions

For large maps exceeding 1GB, enable sv_downloadurl compression by adding .bz2 versions of files. Use tools like BSPSRC to decompress maps during testing. Always provide manual download links in server MOTD as a fallback.

“Always test custom maps in offline mode before deploying them on live servers. A single missing texture or oversized lightmap can crash the entire server. FastDL is non-negotiable for public servers—clients won’t wait 10 minutes to download a 500MB map.” — [Server Admin, CSGOHostPro]

FAQ

Can I use Workshop maps without SteamCMD?: No—SteamCMD is required to download Workshop content for dedicated servers.
Why does my server crash on map change?: Missing .nav files or plugin conflicts are common causes. Check logs and test with plugins disabled.
How to force clients to download maps faster?: Configure FastDL with a CDN and compress files using bz2 compression.