How To Download And Play Custom Maps In CS2

Valve and the Counter-Strike team have created a handful of memorable and iconic maps, with Dust II and Mirage being some of the most popular names. However, the game’s official team aren’t the only people that have the talent to create fun and engaging maps.

In Counter-Strike 2, community members are able to create their own custom maps and release them to the public, where other players can download and play their creations. Custom maps uploaded to the game’s workshop are completely free to download and play. In this guide, we’re going to teach you how you can download and play custom maps in CS2.

As mentioned earlier, custom maps in Counter-Strike 2 are mostly known as “Workshop Maps.” These workshop maps are created by members of the community – not the Valve team. Once a creator finishes a map, the file can be uploaded to the Steam Workshop, where it becomes accessible to any player to download and play.

Various workshop maps serve different purposes, as map creators have complete freedom to enable game modes which allow players to take a break from the regular Competitive mode.

Playing on custom maps does not limit you to the regular bomb defusal scenario, as several creations allow players to try different mini games. Here are some examples of what to expect:

One of the most popular map types in the Steam Workshop falls under the “practice” category. As the name suggests, practice maps are created to help players train their fundamentals and mechanics, including aiming, spray control, and other aspects.

Having a good list of settings and key binds are essential to improving in Counter-Strike, but many players don’t know how to start. Fortunately, there are workshop maps that help players change and sort out their settings.

Counter-Strike also has other movement-related game modes, such as surfing, bunny hopping, and KZ. These maps place players in an obstacle course, where they must navigate  through it by using movement mechanics, from sliding on ramps and doing parkour.

The last category of workshop maps feature mini game maps, which can help players relax from a stressful session of Counter-Strike. Some mini games include zombie escape, party games, and unique mission experiences.

When looking to try out a workshop map, players must go through a three-step process, but we’ll break it down and make it extremely easy to understand. Follow the steps below to try workshop maps for yourself.

The first step to this entire process is to find the custom maps itself. Here is how you can search for custom maps through the Steam Workshop: 

1. Open your Steam desktop client.
2. At the top-right, hover over “Community” and click the “Workshop” button.
3. Using the search bar provided, search for “Counter-Strike 2.”
4. Now that we have made it to the CS2 Workshop section, you will see all available maps.

Once you have made it to the CS2 Steam Workshop section, you can now search for the appropriate map to download and play:

1. Search for the CS2 workshop map you find interesting. You can use keywords or search filters to have an easier time navigating.
2. Once you have found a map, click on it and go to the workshop map page.
3. Look for the green-colored “Subscribe” button and click it.
4. The map will automatically begin downloading. Wait until the download is completed.
5. You might have to restart your game for Steam to process it.

Once you have successfully downloaded the map, you will be able to find it in your CS2 client. Here is how you can load into the map and play it:

1. Launch your Counter-Strike 2 client.
2. Click on the “Play” button at the top of your screen.
3. Select the “Workshop Maps” option.
4. Choose the map you are looking to play.
5. Finally, hit the “Go” button which will load you into the map.

Remember that you can play these workshop maps with your friends, so you don’t have to play them alone. 

To invite your friends to play, you can follow the same procedure, except you’ll form a party before loading into the map. Simply invite your friend(s) to a party like you normally would, and the host of the party will select the map.

If you are clicking on this guide, there is a huge chance you’re new to workshop maps, so we’ll help you get started. Here are some highly-recommended custom maps that you must have. 

1. Aim Botz: Warming up and getting your reps in is crucial to become a consistent player. The Aim Botz map allows you to train your aim by shooting bots in an open arena.
2. Crashz Crosshair Generator: Having a well-designed crosshair is essential to improving your aim. The Crashz Crosshair Generator map helps you tweak your crosshair settings to perfection.
3. Aim Redline: If your friend has been talking smack about how he’ll beat you in a 1v1, put it to the test with the Aim Redline map. Players will be placed into a warehouse where they can duel each other on even grounds. 
4. Mirage Utility: Grenades win games. If you aren’t too proficient with your utility usage, download the Mirage Utility map to learn all the lineups you need to elevate your game.
5. Inferno Prefire: The Inferno Prefire map is created to help players train their crosshair placement and prefiring abilities on Inferno. The creator has also made a training course for other maps as well.
6. Surf Mesa: If you’d like to try gliding on ramps and working on your movement, you can download Surf Mesa, which is a popular and beginner-friendly surfing map.

And that’s everything you need to know about downloading and playing custom maps in CS2! All of these maps are completely free to use, and there are no limits to how many of them you can download.