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On a Mordhau server the game mode is part of the map name: FL_Grad is Grad in Frontline, SKM_Grad is Grad in Skirmish. To choose the mode, set the first map in DEFAULT_MAP on Startup (default Grad/FL_Grad) and list maps with the prefix you want in the MapRotation= lines of Game.ini. Restart the server to apply.

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Which game modes does Mordhau have?

Mordhau also has Invasion (large attack and defend battles) and Battle Royale. Use the map names for those modes exactly as the game or the map’s author gives them.

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How to set the game mode of the first map

1

Open Startup

Open your server in the Game Panel and click Startup.
2

Edit DEFAULT_MAP

Enter the map in the format MAPNAME/TYPE_NAME (up to 40 characters). The panel adds /Game/Mordhau/Maps/ in front, so the default Grad/FL_Grad loads /Game/Mordhau/Maps/Grad/FL_Grad.
3

Restart

Restart the server and watch the console. If the console shows an error or the map doesn’t load, set DEFAULT_MAP back to Grad/FL_Grad and restart.

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How to run a server with only one game mode

Set the rotation to maps of one mode, so every match after the first stays in that mode. For a Skirmish-only server:
Edit Game.ini with the server stopped, click Save Content and start it. See map rotation for the full steps.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does my server always start in Frontline?

DEFAULT_MAP is Grad/FL_Grad by default, which is a Frontline map. The rotation (Free for All, Team Deathmatch and Skirmish by default) takes over after the first match.

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How many players does Mordhau support?

Mordhau supports battles of up to 64 players. Your server’s slots are shown in Max Players on Startup; for more slots, open a ticket.

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Can I change the game mode without restarting?

Yes, with RCON: ChangeLevel <map> loads a map, and with it that map’s mode. See RCON.

Mordhau server guide

Every Mordhau page in one place.

Map rotation

Edit MapRotation lines.

Custom maps

Add mod.io maps.

Tick rate and max players

Performance and slots.

Startup variables

Change DEFAULT_MAP.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Mordhau Release 26 dedicated server). Game modes checked against the Mordhau Wiki dedicated server guide and the MORDHAU Steam page on 3 November 2026. Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

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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: November 2026