Hey there!

This is a super common and frustrating error for anyone starting out with mapping in CS2, but the fix is usually pretty simple. The problem is almost certainly how your "addon" is configured.

In Source 2, Hammer doesn't save the compiled map directly into the main game folder. It uses an "addon" folder to keep all your custom files organized. If you don't have an addon created and selected, Hammer basically builds the map into a void, and the game will never find it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix this:

[] Inside the Hammer Editor, go to Tools > Configure Addons.[] A new window will pop up. Click Create to make a new addon. Give it a simple name, like
my_1v1_maps
.[] After creating it, make sure it's selected in the list and then close the window.[] Important: Restart the Hammer Editor so it can load your new addon correctly.

• With your map open in Hammer, look at the bottom-right corner of the window. It should display the name of the addon you just created. If it doesn't, you need to select it.

[] Instead of just "Build," use the File > Build and Run Map option (or just press
F9
).[] This option does the full process: it compiles the map and automatically moves the final
.vmap_c
file to the correct folder within your addon, which is where the game looks for it.

[] After compiling with F9, the game should launch automatically with your map.[] If it doesn't, you can open CS2, enable the console, and type:
map your_map_name

The final .vmap_c file should now be located in the following directory:
If you follow these steps, the "map is missing on your client" error should disappear. Good luck with your map!