There are two ways maps change on a Counter-Strike: Source (CS:S) server. You can either force a map change using the RCON console, or set a map rotation file for it to change automatically once the map ends.
In this guide we will help you set an automatic map rotation either with default or custom maps.

Steps:

The automatic rotation is read from the file: Server/cstrike/cfg/mapcycle.txt. Do not confuse this with mapcycle_default.txt — that is a fallback file the server can use if it encounters an error reading your main mapcycle.txt.

1. Open the server configuration panel at My Servers > Manage Server.

2. Shut down the server by clicking on the Actions option on the left panel.

   

    

3. Acess the server files either using our File Manager panel or connecting using SFTP.

4. Locate the mapcycle.txt file in Server/cstrike/cfg/mapcycle.txt.

   

    

5. Verify the loaded maps in Server/cstrike/maps/
   In here you can upload your custom maps using the .bsp file. Simply drag the file from your PC into the server panel.

   

    

6. Edit or add your desired maps to the cycle in mapcycle.txt. Each map should be on its own line, using the map's short name (for example de_dust2, cs_office, etc.). You can list your custom maps here.
   Do not add file extensions.

   

    

7. Save the changes and restart the server. Click on the Actions option on the left panel to restart.

   

Change a map immediately (RCON / Console):

If you want to change maps immediately without editing files or restarting, you can use the live RCON console.

1. Open the server configuration panel at My Servers > Manage Server.

2. Click on the Console option on the left panel.

   

    

3. Select the RCON option from the dropdown menu.

   

    

4. Enter your desired map command, for example: changelevel de_dust2
   Make sure to use a map from your Server/cstrike/maps/ folder, otherwise the command won't be executed.

   

    

If the map exists based on your server maps, the map will be loaded accordingly.

Tips while editing

• Make sure each map name is spelled exactly as it appears on the server (wrong names will be skipped).
• Avoid extra characters or formatting — just plain map names, one per line.
• If you use SFTP, make sure the file saved correctly (no temporary file left behind).

Troubleshooting

• Changes I made don't apply: 
  There might be some syntax error or the wrong file was modified. Make sure it's not mapcycle_default.txt.
• I changed it but rotation hasn't changed: 
  Make sure to restart the server, It will only apply it on server restart.
• If a map in the list doesn't exist on the server (custom map not uploaded), the server will skip it. Upload custom maps to Server/cstrike/maps/ if needed.

If you still see problems, check server logs for map-loading errors or contact support with a copy of your mapcycle.txt.
 

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our customer care agents through our live chat or email at [email protected]. Happy gaming!