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The CS2 change map command is changelevel followed by the map name, for example changelevel de_mirage, typed in the server console. In the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel you can also open Server settings, pick a map in Start map and click Change now to switch while the server runs. The Start map is also the map the server loads after every restart.

How to change the map in the Game Panel

1

Start the server

Change now switches the map on a running server.
2

Open Server settings

Click Server settings under COUNTER-STRIKE 2 in the sidebar.
3

Pick a map

Under Game mode and map, choose a map in Start map, for example Dust II (de_dust2).
CS2 Server settings Game mode and map section with the Start map drop-down set to Dust II and a Change now button, below the game mode tiles

Start map with the Change now button

4

Change now or save

Click Change now to switch straight away. To make it the map after every restart too, click Review and save and Save changes.
The start map is saved to the Startup variable SRCDS_MAP, shown as Map on the Startup page.

How to change the map with the console

Open Console in the panel, or use RCON or an admin plugin, and type:
A console map change doesn’t change your Start map. After a restart the server goes back to it.

How to change the map in game as an admin

CS2 has no built-in in-game admin system. To change the map from chat, install CounterStrikeSharp and an admin plugin. With CS2-SimpleAdmin, admins type !map de_mirage in chat. See add admins.

Workshop maps and map rotation

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between changelevel and map?

changelevel switches the map and keeps players connected. map loads the map as a fresh start. Use changelevel on a server with players on it.

Why does my server go back to Dust II after a restart?

The server always starts on the Start map. Choose a new Start map in Server settings and save it.

Can I change the map without the console?

Yes. Use Start map and Change now in Server settings.

Can a workshop map be the start map?

No. Use Workshop map > Change now after each restart, or host a workshop collection.

CS2 server guide

Every Counter-Strike 2 page in one place.

Map rotation

Choose which maps come next.

Play workshop maps

Load a map from the Steam Workshop.

Change the game mode

Competitive, Wingman, Deathmatch and more.

CS2 console commands

The commands you use most.

Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 29 October 2026 (Counter-Strike 2 with CounterStrikeSharp 1.0.378 and Metamod:Source build 1483). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its plugins change.

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Last Updated: October 2026