# A Step-By-Step Guide to Activating and Configuring Map Rotation on CS:2 Game Servers

If you’re eager to host your own CS:2 game server with custom map cycling, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to get your CS:2 server up and running, complete with the ability to cycle through your desired maps. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Order Your Server

Before you can configure map cycling, you need to order your CS:2 server from PingPlayers. Choose your server specifications based on your gaming needs, and complete the ordering process. Once you’ve received confirmation, you’re ready to move on.

Step 2: Access Basic Settings

After your server is set up:

1. Log into Your Player Account: Go to the PingPlayers portal and log into your account.
2. Navigate to My Servers: Hit the “My Servers” tab.
3. Select Your CS:2 Server: Click on your CS:2 Server and then tap on “Manage Server.”
4. Open Basic Settings: Now, go to the “Basic Settings” section.

Step 3: Set Your Game Mode

In the Basic Settings, you need to select the game mode you wish to run:

- For Competitive Mode, select `Competitive`.
- For Wingman Mode, select `Wingman`.
- For Deathmatch Mode, select `Deathmatch`.

Step 4: Configure the Map Group

Now it’s time to add the appropriate map group for cycling. Depending on the game mode you selected, enter the following in the 'Map Group' field:

- For Competitive: Enter `mg_comp`
- For Wingman: Enter `mg_wingman`
- For Deathmatch: Enter `mg_dm`

For example, if you've chosen Deathmatch mode, you would enter `mg_dm`.

Step 5: Update Changes and Restart Your Server

Once you have configured the map group, don’t forget to:

1. Update Changes: Click the “Update” button to save your selections.
2. Restart Your Server: Make sure to restart your server so the changes take effect.

Step 6: Modify Map Groups in the Config File (If Needed)

If you wish to change the set of maps in a particular group further, you can modify the configuration file.

1. Go to Config Manager: Navigate back to “Manage Server,” then to “Config Manager.”
2. Open GameModes_Server.txt: You’ll find a file named `GameModes_Server.txt`. Click to edit it.

In `GameModes_Server.txt`, you’ll see groups for each game mode along with their respective maps.

- To remove a map, find the line for that specific map (for example, `["de_mirage" ""]`), and delete the entire line.
- To add a map, paste a new line in the same format. For instance, to add the map `ar_shoots`, you would include `["ar_shoots" ""]`.

Step 7: Enable Override and Save Changes

After making your edits, ensure you:

1. Enable Override Boot Config: Check the box labeled “override Boot Config - Use as Default.”
2. Save Config Template: Click on “Save Config Template.”
3. Restart Your Server: Again, restart your server for the changes to take effect.

Now your server should be efficiently cycling through the selected maps!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, you may hit a few bumps along the way. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

- Wrong or Non-Existent Map: Ensure that the maps you are trying to add actually exist in CS:2. Adding a wrong or non-existent map will prevent the cycling from functioning correctly.
- Not Saving Changes: Double-check that you clicked the “Update” button after making changes or “Save Config Template” after modifying the config file.
- Not Restarting the Server: Always restart your server after making any updates; otherwise, the changes won’t take effect.
- Wrong Game Mode: Ensure you have selected the correct game mode in Basic Settings because the selected map group will only apply to the associated mode.

Final Thoughts

With this guide, you should have no trouble activating and configuring map cycling on your CS:2 game server! Enjoy your gaming experience and happy hosting with PingPlayers! If you encounter more specific issues or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team for assistance.