How to Play CS2 Workshop Maps on a Server (IDs and Collections)

To play CS2 Workshop maps on a server, copy the map's ID from its Steam Workshop page and run host_workshop_map followed by that ID in the server console. The server downloads the map and loads it, and players download it automatically when they connect, with nothing to subscribe to first. For several maps, put them in a Workshop collection and load it with host_workshop_collection. This guide covers both, plus changing maps inside a collection and fixing the usual errors.

Step 1: Find the Workshop ID

Open the map on the Steam Workshop, in the Steam client or a browser. The ID is the number at the end of the page address:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1234567890

Here the ID is 1234567890. In the Steam client, right click the page and choose Copy Page URL to see it.

Step 2: Load a single map

In the server console, run:

host_workshop_map 1234567890

Use your own ID. The server downloads the map (large maps take a moment) and switches to it. Anyone connected is moved to the new map, downloading it first if they do not have it.

On a GamezServers CS2 server, type it in the Console tab of the panel. Self hosting? You can also put it in the launch line, for example +map de_dust2 +host_workshop_map 1234567890. The server starts on Dust2 and then switches to the Workshop map.

map_workshop is a command for your own offline game. On a dedicated server, always use host_workshop_map.

Step 3: Use a collection for several maps

For a community night or a rotation, a collection is easier than loading maps one by one.

1. On the Steam Workshop for Counter-Strike 2, click Collections, then Create Collection.
2. Give it a name, set visibility to Public, and add the maps you want.
3. Copy the collection's ID from its page address, the same way as a map.

Then start the server with the collection:

+map de_dust2 +host_workshop_collection 2345678901

On a self hosted server this goes in the launch line. The server downloads every map in the collection and uses it as the map list.

Switching maps inside a collection

With a collection loaded, two console commands handle map changes:

ds_workshop_listmaps
ds_workshop_changelevel mapname

ds_workshop_listmaps prints the maps the server has from the collection, and ds_workshop_changelevel switches to one by the name in that list.

Step 4: Pick the right game mode

A Workshop map loads in whatever mode the server is set to. Many maps expect a specific one:

Set the mode first, then load the map. Surf and bhop maps usually need extra movement settings or a CounterStrikeSharp plugin to feel right, and the map's Workshop page normally lists what it needs.

Workshop maps with bots

Bots need navigation data to move. Official maps have it, but many Workshop maps do not, so bots stand still. Check the map page before planning a bot night. Our guide on how to play CS2 with friends and bots covers bot settings.

How players join a Workshop map

Nothing changes for players. They connect as usual from the console:

connect 203.0.113.10:27015

The game downloads the map on the loading screen. On a slow connection a big map can take a minute, so tell friends to wait instead of retrying.

Common problems

• Nothing happens after host_workshop_map: the ID is wrong, or it is a collection ID. Collection IDs only work with host_workshop_collection, and map IDs only with host_workshop_map.
• Map will not download: the item is private or friends only. The server downloads anonymously, so maps and collections should be public.
• Players stuck on the loading screen: the map is still downloading on their side. Large maps take a while the first time.
• Map loads but plays wrong: wrong game mode. Set game_type and game_mode, then load it again.
• Map broke after a CS2 update: the author has to update it. Pick another map until they do.
• Server went back to a normal map after a restart: a single host_workshop_map from the console is not remembered. Put the map or collection in your launch line or run the command again after restarts.

Practice and aim maps

Workshop aim, prefire and utility maps are some of the best reasons to run your own server. Combine them with our CS2 practice server config for infinite ammo and grenade trajectories. With a small CS2 server on the 4 GB plan, the maps are ready whenever your team is, and Sleep when empty stops it after 90 minutes without players so you are not running it all week.

FAQ

Do players need to subscribe to Workshop maps?

No. The server hosts the map and players download it automatically when they connect.

What is the difference between host_workshop_map and map_workshop?

host_workshop_map is for dedicated servers. map_workshop loads a Workshop map in your own offline game and does not work in a server console.

Can I play Workshop maps in competitive mode?

Yes. Set game_type 0; game_mode 1 and load a defuse Workshop map. It plays with competitive rules on your server, not in Valve matchmaking.

How do I change maps in a Workshop collection?

Run ds_workshop_listmaps to see the names, then ds_workshop_changelevel followed by the map name.