Workshop Integration and Map Pool Management

Workshop integration and map pool management are crucial aspects of running a CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) server. Workshop integration allows you to easily add custom maps, while map pool management ensures a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience for your players. This documentation will guide you through the process of workshop integration and map pool management on your CS:GO server.

Workshop Integration #

Workshop integration enables you to add and manage custom maps from the Steam Workshop. This allows you to introduce new gameplay experiences and keep your server fresh. Follow these steps to integrate the Steam Workshop with your CS:GO server:

1. Launch SteamCMD (Steam Console Client).
2. Login to your Steam account by entering the following command:
   login anonymous
3. After successful login, download and update the workshop content by entering the following command:
   
   workshop_download_item 730 <workshop_item_id> validate
   
   Replace <workshop_item_id> with the unique ID of the desired workshop item. You can find this ID in the URL of the workshop item’s page on the Steam Workshop.
4. SteamCMD will download and install the workshop content to the appropriate directories on your server.
5. Once the download is complete, exit SteamCMD.

The custom map will now be available on your CS:GO server. Players can download the map from the workshop when they connect to the server.

Map Pool Management #

Managing the map pool on your CS:GO server is crucial for providing a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience. The map pool refers to the set of maps that are available for players to vote on or select during gameplay. Follow these steps to manage your map pool effectively:

1. Open the server.cfg file located in the csgo/cfg directory.
2. Locate the mapcycle.txt file entry or create one if it doesn’t exist.
3. Edit the mapcycle.txt file to define the map rotation. Each line in the file represents a map in the pool.
4. Specify the maps you want to include in the rotation. You can add custom maps downloaded from the workshop or official maps provided by Valve.
5. Save the changes to the server.cfg file.

Example mapcycle.txt entry:

de_dust2
workshop/123456789/de_custom_map
de_mirage

By defining the map pool in the mapcycle.txt file, you ensure that only the specified maps are included in the rotation.

Additionally, you can use other server commands and plugins to control the map pool and map selection process. For example, plugins like “MapChooser” and “Rock The Vote” provide enhanced map selection capabilities, allowing players to vote for the next map or specifying map nomination periods.

Map Workshop ID and Directory #

To obtain the Workshop ID and directory of a custom map, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Steam Workshop page of the desired map.
2. Look at the URL of the workshop item page. The Workshop ID is the numerical value at the end of the URL (e.g., https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=<workshop_item_id>).
3. The directory path for the downloaded workshop map will be csgo/maps/workshop/<workshop_item_id>.

Regular Map Pool Updates #

To keep your map pool fresh and engaging, it’s important to regularly update it with new maps or remove less popular ones. Consider gathering feedback from your community to understand their preferences and adjust the map pool accordingly. This ensures a diverse and enjoyable map rotation for your players.

Remember to regularly review and update your server configurations and map pool settings to maintain an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.

Note: This documentation provides a general overview of workshop integration and map pool management in CS:GO. For more detailed information, refer to official CS:GO documentation, community forums, or online tutorials that cater to your specific requirements.