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# How to Change Maps And Create A Map Rotation in TF2

Knowing how to change maps and create a map rotation in TF2 keeps your Team Fortress 2 server fresh, since players can cycle through default and custom maps without anyone having to switch them by hand. A map rotation is simply a list of map names your server plays in order, and it works with both the maps that ship with the game and custom map files you add yourself.

---

All the TF2 maps can be found in the directory: \`tf/maps\`

## Changing Default Map

* Access the [Apollo Panel](https://control.sparkedhost.us/).
* Go to the **Startup** tab.
* Adjust the **Default Map** field.

  ![](https://images.surferseo.art/65ac659c-2320-4474-a770-5b3273bbea0a.png)

## Changing the Map Right Now

* Access the [Apollo Panel](https://control.sparkedhost.us/).
* In the console, type \`changelevel <mapname>\`
* For example, for the map **cp_dustbowl**, type \`changelevel cp_dustbowl\`

  ![](https://images.surferseo.art/2596d1f4-8129-4b90-9d54-e84434aeb701.png)

## Creating Map Rotation

* Access the [Apollo Panel](https://control.sparkedhost.us/).
* Stop the server.
* Go to the **Files** tab.
* Navigate to the following directory: \`tf/cfg\`
* Click on **New File**.
* Add one map name per line as shown in the example below:

```
   cp_dustbowl
   pl_badwater
   koth_harvest_final
   ctf_2fort
   cp_process_final
```

* Name it \`mapcycle.txt\`
* Click **Save Content**.
* Head back to the \`cfg\`
* Open the \`server.cfg\` file. If it doesn't exist, create it.
* Inside, type \`mapcyclefile "mapcycle.txt"\`

  ![](https://images.surferseo.art/978a3fc0-b18d-4f34-a1d1-bf14f9700bb2.png)
* Start the server.

## Adding Custom Maps

* [Download](https://tf2maps.net/home/) the custom map file ending in \`.bsp\`.
* Access the [Apollo Panel](https://control.sparkedhost.us/).
* Stop the server.
* Navigate to the following directory: \`tf/maps\`
* Upload the map.
* Add the exact map name (without .bsp) to your \`mapcycle.txt\`
* Start the server.