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Automating Content Management

using Steam Workshop Collections is the most efficient strategy for hosting custom game modes such as Surf, Bhop, or specialized Aim training maps on your Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) server. By linking your server directly to a collection, you eliminate the need for manual file uploads and ensure that your server automatically synchronizes and updates assets directly from Valve’s official repositories whenever a map author releases a patch.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Time

5 Minutes

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Technical Prerequisites

To authorize your server’s communication with the Steam Workshop, you must provide a valid authentication token.
  • Web API Key: Generate your unique key at steamcommunity.com/dev/apikey. Ensure you associate it with your primary domain or use localhost for internal management.

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Setting Up Your Collection

Follow these steps to architect your custom content list on the Steam platform.
1

Initialize the Collection

Within the Steam Client or a web browser, create a new Workshop Collection specifically for Counter-Strike 2.
2

Populate Content

Search for your desired community maps and click the Add to Collection button for each entry.
3

Publish & Authorize

important: You must click the Publish button and ensure the visibility is set to Public. If the collection is private, your server will fail to retrieve the metadata.
4

Identify the Collection ID

Copy the numerical Collection ID situated at the conclusion of the URL (e.g., ?id=123456789).

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Server Deployment

Apply your collection details to your FREAKHOSTING instance via the Startup parameters.
1

Access Startup Settings

Log in to the Game Panel and navigate to the Startup tab.
2

Configure Command Line

Update the following fields with your specific data:
  • Workshop Collection ID: Enter your copied numerical ID.
  • Workshop Start Map: Enter the unique ID of the map you wish to load upon server initialization.
  • Steam Web API Key: Paste your private API key string.
3

Initialize Sync

Restart your server. Monitor the Console tab; you will observe the engine downloading and verifying each map within the collection.

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Startup Map Logic

When using Workshop Collections, the engine ignores the traditional +map command. You must use the +workshop_start_map parameter to ensure the workshop engine initializes correctly during the boot sequence.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: January 2026 | CS2: Workshop integration complete.