How to Edit Mapgroups in CS2

What Are Mapgroups?

A mapgroup is a named list of maps that CS2 uses for map voting and auto-rotation. The default competitive mapgroup includes maps like de_dust2, de_mirage, etc. By editing gamemodes_server.txt, you can create a custom group with any combination of maps.

Step 1: Open gamemodes_server.txt

In your AMP or WISP panel, open the File Manager and navigate to the server root. Open gamemodes_server.txt — if it doesn't exist yet, create it (CS2 will merge it with the base file on startup).

The file contains nested blocks for each game mode. Find the mapgroups section — it looks like:

"mapgroups"
{
    "mg_active"
    {
        "maps"
        {
            "de_dust2"    ""
            "de_mirage"   ""
            "de_inferno"  ""
            ...
        }
    }
}

Step 2: Create a Custom Mapgroup

Add a new block under mapgroups:

"mg_custom"
{
    "maps"
    {
        "de_dust2"      ""
        "de_ancient"    ""
        "de_anubis"     ""
        "de_overpass"   ""
    }
}

Standard maps available without downloads:

For Workshop maps, use the Workshop ID as the map name — see Custom and Workshop Maps.

Step 3: Set Your Server to Use mg_custom

Pass +mapgroup mg_custom as a launch argument:

AMP: Add it under Configuration → Additional Arguments.

WISP / Pterodactyl: Add it to the Startup Parameters field.

Restart the server to apply.

Troubleshooting

Maps not cycling?

• Check that mg_custom is spelled exactly in both the config and the Settings field — it's case-sensitive
• Make sure the maps block inside your mapgroup is not empty

Server defaults back to the old mapgroup?

• If a startup parameter (e.g. +mapgroup mg_active) is set in your server's launch options, it will override the Settings field. Remove or update it.

Related

• How to Switch Game Modes
• Custom and Workshop Maps
• Change Max Players Per Game Mode