Setting Up Map Rotation and Game Modes in IW4x

Setting Up Map Rotation and Game Modes in IW4x

Map rotation in IW4x is controlled by a single cvar: sv_maprotation. When the current match ends, the server reads the next entry in the rotation and loads it. This guide covers the syntax, all valid game mode codes, all built-in map names, and example rotations for common server types.

sv_maprotation Syntax

The rotation is a space-separated list of key value pairs. Two keys are supported:

• gametype — sets the game mode for subsequent maps
• map — loads a specific map

The gametype persists until it is explicitly changed. This means you can set gametype war once and list multiple maps without repeating it:

set sv_maprotation "gametype war map mp_rust map mp_highrise map mp_scrapyard gametype dom map mp_terminal map mp_favela"

In this example:

• mp_rust, mp_highrise, and mp_scrapyard play as Team Deathmatch (war)
• mp_terminal and mp_favela play as Domination (dom)

If you want every map to use a potentially different mode, specify gametype before each map:

set sv_maprotation "gametype war map mp_rust gametype dom map mp_terminal gametype sd map mp_skidrow"

Game Mode Reference

The most popular modes for public servers are war, dom, and sd. koth and sab see moderate play. gtnw and arena are niche but functional.

Base MW2 Map Names

These are the internal map names used in sv_maprotation. They are case-sensitive on Linux.

Stimulus DLC Map Names

The Stimulus DLC maps are included in most MW2 installs. They also include four classic CoD4 maps ported to the MW2 engine.

Example Rotations

Casual TDM Only

set sv_maprotation "gametype war map mp_rust map mp_highrise map mp_scrapyard map mp_terminal map mp_favela map mp_skidrow map mp_afghan map mp_invasion"

Mixed TDM and Domination

set sv_maprotation "gametype war map mp_rust gametype dom map mp_terminal gametype war map mp_highrise gametype dom map mp_favela gametype war map mp_scrapyard gametype dom map mp_estate"

Competitive Search & Destroy

For a competitive S&D server, you typically want only maps that are well-suited for the mode. Round limits and time limits for S&D are set in server.cfg:

set scr_sd_roundlimit "12"
set scr_sd_winlimit "7"
set scr_sd_numlives "1"
set scr_sd_timelimit "2"

set sv_maprotation "gametype sd map mp_skidrow map mp_terminal map mp_highrise map mp_estate map mp_quarry map mp_rundown"

All-Modes Variety Server

set sv_maprotation "gametype war map mp_rust gametype dom map mp_terminal gametype sd map mp_skidrow gametype koth map mp_highrise gametype sab map mp_favela gametype war map mp_scrapyard gametype dom map mp_estate gametype ctf map mp_afghan"

Changing the Map Mid-Game via RCON

You can force a map change at any time without restarting the server using RCON:

rcon map mp_rust          // Load a specific map with the current gametype
rcon g_gametype dom       // Change gametype (takes effect on next map load)
rcon map_rotate           // Skip to the next map in the rotation
rcon fast_restart         // Restart the current map without reloading

From in-game (using IW4MAdmin), admins can use !map mp_rust or !mr (map rotate).

Rotation Not Advancing?

If the server stays on the same map after a game ends:

1. Verify sv_maprotation is set correctly and has no typos in map names.
2. Check that +map_rotate is in your DedicatedServer.bat launch parameters. Without it, the server loads the first map and doesn't advance.
3. Make sure the score/time limits for your gametype are set to non-zero values — a timelimit "0" with scorelimit "0" means the match never ends.

Related

• IW4x server.cfg Complete Configuration Guide
• IW4x Server Types: Match, Party, and LAN Servers
• Host an IW4x (MW2) server with DustBowl.Games