> ## 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 and Map Cycle on a KF2 Server

> Change the KF2 start map with the Map Name variable on Startup, edit the map rotation in GameMapCycles, or switch maps in game with the Admin Switch command.

To change the map a FREAKHOSTING Killing Floor 2 server starts on, enter the map in **Map Name** on **Startup** (the default is `kf-bioticslab`) and restart. The maps players can vote for come from `GameMapCycles` in `KFGame/Config/LinuxServer-KFGame.ini`. As an admin you can also switch the map in game with `Admin Switch KF-Outpost`.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Start map | **Map Name** on **Startup** |
| Default | `kf-bioticslab` |
| Map rotation | `GameMapCycles=` in `[KFGame.KFGameInfo]` of `LinuxServer-KFGame.ini` |
| In game | `Admin Switch <map>` after `AdminLogin` |

## How to change the start map

**1. Open Startup**

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

**2. Enter the map**

In **Map Name**, replace `kf-bioticslab` with the map, for example `KF-Outpost`. If **Map Name** also contains options such as `?Mutator=` or `?GameLength=`, keep them after the map.

**3. Restart the server**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). The server loads the new map.

## How to edit the KF2 map cycle

The map cycle is the list of maps players vote for at the end of a match. Your server already has a cycle with the stock maps.

**1. Stop the server**

Stop the server first, or the game can overwrite your edits when it shuts down.

**2. Open the file**

In **Files**, open `KFGame/Config/LinuxServer-KFGame.ini` and find `GameMapCycles=` in the `[KFGame.KFGameInfo]` section.

**3. Edit the list**

Each map is in quotes, separated by commas. Remove maps you don't want, or add maps:

```ini theme={null}
GameMapCycles=(Maps=("KF-BioticsLab","KF-Outpost","KF-MyMap"))
```

Every map in the list must exist on the server. For Workshop maps, see [Workshop maps](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/killing-floor-2/how-to-setup-custom-mapsworkshop-in-kf2.md).

**4. Save and start**

Save the file and start the server.

## How to change the map in game

**1. Log in as admin**

Open the game console and type `AdminLogin` followed by your **Admin Password** from **Startup**.

**2. Switch the map**

Type `Admin Switch` and the map name:

```text theme={null}
Admin Switch KF-Outpost
```

This change lasts until the server restarts. After a restart the server loads **Map Name** again.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does my server always start on Biotics Lab?

**Map Name** on **Startup** is still `kf-bioticslab`, or the map you entered doesn't exist on the server. Check the spelling of the map name.

### Can I use a Workshop map as the start map?

Yes, after the server has downloaded it once. Start on a stock map first, then change **Map Name**.

### How do I restart the current map?

Log in as admin and type `Admin RestartMap` in the console. See [admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/killing-floor-2/kf2-admin-commands-and-admin-login.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [KF2 server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/killing-floor-2/killing-floor-2-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Killing Floor 2 page in one place.

> [card] [Workshop maps](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/killing-floor-2/how-to-setup-custom-mapsworkshop-in-kf2.md)
>
> Add custom maps.

> [card] [Admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/killing-floor-2/kf2-admin-commands-and-admin-login.md)
>
> Switch, restart and kick.

> [card] [Difficulty and game modes](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/killing-floor-2/configuring-gamemodes-and-difficulty-in-kf2.md)
>
> More Map Name options.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Killing Floor 2 dedicated server, version 9189). 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


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.