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To change the map rotation on your Squad server, stop the server and edit two files in SquadGame/ServerConfig/: set MapRotationMode in Server.cfg, then list one layer per line in LayerRotation.cfg, for example AlBasrah_AAS_v1. Start the server to apply it. To switch map straight away, admins with the changemap access level use AdminChangeLayer <LayerName> in game.

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Before you start

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Levels, layers and factions

A level is a map, such as Al Basrah. A layer is a level with a game mode and version, such as AlBasrah_AAS_v1. Squad rotates layers. You can also pick the two factions after the layer name.

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Which map rotation mode should I use?

MapRotationMode in Server.cfg sets how the next map is chosen. Your server starts with MapRotationMode=LayerList_Vote and RandomizeAtStart=true.

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How to set a fixed layer rotation

1

Set the mode

In Files, open SquadGame/ServerConfig/Server.cfg and set MapRotationMode=LayerList. Set RandomizeAtStart=false if you want the server to start on the first layer in your list.
2

List your layers

Open LayerRotation.cfg. The file ships with comments only. Add one layer per line, in the order you want them played.
3

Save and start

Save both files and start the server. Watch the console for the line Loading map with URL: to see which layer loads.
Example LayerRotation.cfg:
The second line sets the factions for team 1 and team 2. A layer name must match the game exactly. The layer ID of the current map appears in the console when it loads, for example Gameplay_Layers/AlBasrah_AAS_v1.

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Voting and excluded layers

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How to change the map right now

Admins with changemap can type these in the in-game admin console (double-tap ~):

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does my Squad server start on a random map?

RandomizeAtStart=true is the default. Set it to false in Server.cfg and restart.

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Why is a layer in my rotation skipped?

Check the spelling against the game’s layer ID, and make sure the layer and its factions aren’t listed in an Excluded file. Layers that were removed from the game are also skipped.

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How long is the break between matches?

TimeBetweenMatches=60 in Server.cfg sets the end-of-round time in seconds when voting is off.

Squad server guide

Every Squad page in one place.

Server.cfg explained

Every key and default.

Admin commands

Change layer, end match and more.

Add admins

Give the changemap access level.
Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team on our Game Panel on 3 November 2026 (Squad dedicated server v10.6.3). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. Rotation modes checked against the official Squad Wiki.

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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