How to Add Steam Workshop Maps to a CS2 Dedicated Server

Counter-Strike 2 servers can run community maps from the Steam Workshop. The server downloads the map by its Workshop ID, so you do not upload files by hand. This guide covers the basic method and what to check when it fails.

What you need

• The Workshop ID of the map. It is the number at the end of the Workshop page URL.
• A Steam Web API key, passed to the server as a launch option named authkey, which lets the server download Workshop content. Use your own key and keep it private.

Changing to a Workshop map

From the Console tab or RCON, use the host_workshop_map command followed by the map ID:

• host_workshop_map 123456789

Replace the number with the real ID. The server downloads the map on first use, then loads it.

Workshop collections

You can load a whole collection with host_workshop_collection followed by the collection ID. This is useful for a community map rotation. Maps in the collection are then available to change to. The command ds_workshop_listmaps lists what the server has available.

Setting it at startup

If your panel exposes the startup command, you can include a Workshop map in the launch line instead of typing it each time. Ask us on Discord if you do not see that option.

Common problems

1. The map downloads but never loads: confirm the ID is correct and that the map is public.
2. Nothing downloads: check the Web API key is present and valid.
3. Players get stuck connecting: they may need to download the map first, so give them time.
4. A map works in the client but not the server: some maps are built for one game mode only. Check the map description for the intended mode.

Tips

• Keep a short list of IDs and map names in a note so you can rotate quickly.
• Test every new map yourself before announcing it.
• Do not use maps from unknown authors without checking comments.

If an ID will not load, try another known good map to confirm your key and setup work before blaming the server.