How to set a Workshop map or collection as the start map
Your Counter-Strike 2 server can start directly on a map from the Steam Workshop, or load a whole Workshop collection. In this guide we show you how to set it up in the panel.
Workshop map vs Workshop addon
Not everything in the Workshop is a map. Skins, sound packs, models and menus are addons, and they can't be used as a start map.
| Type | Where to set it |
|---|---|
| Map (you can play on it) | Workshop Map ID or Workshop Collection — this guide |
| Addon (sounds, models, MVP anthems, menus) | MultiAddonManager — see How to install and configure MultiAddonManager |
If you put the ID of an addon (for example a skin pack) in Workshop Map ID, the server will not start correctly. Always check on the Workshop page that the item is a map.
How to find the ID
Map: open the map in the Steam Workshop. The number at the end of the link is the ID, for example …/filedetails/?id=123456789 → 123456789.
Collection: open the collection in the Steam Workshop and copy the number at the end of its link in the same way.
How to set the start map
Step 1) Go to your console and stop your server using the "STOP" button.
Step 2) Go to "SETTINGS" and find these fields in the Variables section:
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Map | An official map, for example de_dust2. The server loads it first. |
| Workshop Map ID | The ID of the Workshop map to start on. |
| Workshop Collection | The ID of a Workshop collection. The server downloads all maps of the collection. |
Step 3) Enter the ID in Workshop Map ID (and/or Workshop Collection) and start the server.
The first start takes longer, because the server downloads the map from the Workshop.
If you only want official maps, leave Workshop Map ID and Workshop Collection empty.
Changing to a Workshop map from the console
You can change the map at any time with these console commands:
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
host_workshop_map 123456789 | Changes to the Workshop map with this ID. |
host_workshop_collection 123456789 | Loads a Workshop collection. |
map de_dust2 | Changes to an official map. |
Since the CS2 update of October 22, 2026, switching between Workshop content and other maps can break the players' voice chat. See Voice chat stops working after map change.
