> ## 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 Rotation on Your Squad Server

> Change your Squad server map rotation: set MapRotationMode in Server.cfg, list layers in LayerRotation.cfg, restart, or switch now with AdminChangeLayer.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Files |
| - | - | - | - |
| Intermediate | 10 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Squad server | `Server.cfg`, `LayerRotation.cfg` |

## Before you start

* [Stop the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md) before editing config files.
* Make a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) so you can undo changes.

## 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.

## 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`.

| Value | Uses |
| - | - |
| `LayerList_Vote` | Layer list with voting (your server's default) |
| `LayerList` | The layers in `LayerRotation.cfg` |
| `LayerList_Randomized` | The layers in `LayerRotation.cfg`, randomised |
| `LevelList` | The levels in `LevelRotation.cfg` |
| `LevelList_Randomized` | The levels in `LevelRotation.cfg`, randomised |

## 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md) for the line `Loading map with URL:` to see which layer loads.

Example `LayerRotation.cfg`:

```ini theme={null}
AlBasrah_AAS_v1
AlBasrah_AAS_v1 CAF RGF
```

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`.

## Voting and excluded layers

| File | What it does |
| - | - |
| `LayerVoting.cfg` | Layers and factions players can vote for |
| `LayerVotingLowPlayers.cfg` | The vote list used when few players are online |
| `VoteConfig.cfg` | General layer voting settings |
| `ExcludedLayers.cfg` | Layers the server never loads |
| `ExcludedLevels.cfg` | Levels the server never loads |
| `ExcludedFactions.cfg` | Factions that are never used. A layer can't run with an excluded faction. |

## How to change the map right now

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

| Command | Example | Result |
| - | - | - |
| `AdminChangeLayer <LayerName>` | `AdminChangeLayer AlBasrah_AAS_v1` | Changes layer now, no vote |
| `AdminSetNextLayer <LayerName>` | `AdminSetNextLayer AlBasrah_AAS_v1` | Sets the next layer; skips the end-of-match vote |
| `AdminClearNextLayer` | `AdminClearNextLayer` | Clears the next layer and turns voting back on |
| `ShowNextMap` | `ShowNextMap` | Shows the next map (any player) |

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does my Squad server start on a random map?

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

### 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.

### How long is the break between matches?

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

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Server.cfg explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-server-cfg-explained.md)
>
> Every key and default.

> [card] [Admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/squad-admin-commands-list.md)
>
> Change layer, end match and more.

> [card] [Add admins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/squad/how-to-add-admins-to-your-squad-server.md)
>
> Give the changemap access level.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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](https://squad.fandom.com/wiki/Server_Configuration).

> [!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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