> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Change the Map on Your CS:GO Server

> Change the map on a CS:GO server: set the Map variable on Startup for the start map, or type changelevel in the console. Upload custom .bsp maps to csgo/maps.

To change the map on a FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server, open **Startup** and set **Map** to the map's file name, for example `de_mirage`, then restart. The server loads that map every time it starts. To switch map while the server runs, type `changelevel de_inferno` in the panel console. For a custom map, upload its `.bsp` file to `csgo/maps` first.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 2 to 5 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING CS:GO server | **Startup**, **Console**, **Files** |

## How to set the start map

**1. Open Startup**

In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), open your server and click **Startup**.

**2. Enter the map name**

In **Map**, type the map's file name without `.bsp`, for example `de_mirage`. The field accepts letters, numbers, `-` and `_` only. The default is `de_dust2`. The value saves when you click away.

**3. Restart**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). Type `status` in the [console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) to check the `map` line.

## How to change map without a restart

Type this in the panel console, or with `rcon` in front from the game ([set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md)):

```cfg theme={null}
changelevel <map>
```

Example: `changelevel de_inferno`. Everyone on the server moves to the new map. The next restart goes back to the map in **Map**.

## Map name prefixes

CS:GO map file names start with a prefix that shows the map type:

| Prefix | Map type | Example |
| - | - | - |
| `de_` | Bomb defusal | `de_dust2` |
| `cs_` | Hostage rescue | `cs_office` |
| `ar_` | Arms Race | Use with Arms Race mode |

Match the map to your game mode. See [game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-game-modes-game-type-and-game-mode.md).

## How to add a custom map

**1. Get the .bsp file**

Download the custom map. You need its `.bsp` file.

**2. Upload it to csgo/maps**

Open **Files**, go to `csgo/maps/` and upload the `.bsp`. For large files, use [SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md).

**3. Load the map**

Type `changelevel` with the file name, or set it in **Map** and restart.

Players who don't have the custom map need to download it when they join. `sv_allowdownload "1"` in `server.cfg` lets them download it from your server.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why won't the Map field accept my map name?

**Map** takes letters, numbers, `-` and `_` only. Leave out `.bsp`, folders and spaces. Workshop map paths don't fit this field.

### Does changing the map change the game mode?

No. The mode comes from **Game Type** and **Game Mode** and the lines in `server.cfg`. See [game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-game-modes-game-type-and-game-mode.md).

### How do I restart the round on the current map?

Type `mp_restartgame 1` in the console. It restarts the match after one second without changing map.

## Related guides

> [card] [CS:GO server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every CS:GO page in one place.

> [card] [Game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-game-modes-game-type-and-game-mode.md)
>
> game\_type and game\_mode values.

> [card] [Set up RCON](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/how-to-set-up-rcon-on-your-csgo-server.md)
>
> Change maps from in game.

> [card] [server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/csgo/csgo-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Downloads and other settings.

> [card] [Connect via SFTP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-connect-via-sftp.md)
>
> Upload large maps.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive legacy, version 1.38.8.1). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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