CS2 Map Scripting Update: Hostage, Console and GameRules APIs (October 2026)

By SteamReport Team · · 6 min read · Back to Blog

Short version: The 22 October 2026 CS2 update is mostly for Workshop map makers. It adds a Precache API, Hostage objects and events, new top-level Console and GameRules exports, extra HUD and radar options, and better warnings. Old method names still work, but are deprecated.

What was added

If you do not make maps, you can skip this one. If you do, the notes are long. The big pieces:

  • Precache: Instance.Precache, returning a CSPrecache object with server and client loading checks (IsServerLoading, IsServerLoaded, IsClientLoading, IsClientLoaded, IsLoadedForAll) and a Release method.
  • Hostages: a CSHostage object (pick up, carry, rescue state and timing), CSPlayerPawn.GetHostage, and instance events for pick up start, abort, pick up, drop, rescue and kill.
  • Console: a new top-level export with convar getters for boolean, number, string, vector, QAngle and colour values, plus SetConvar. Valve notes that SetConvar is not restricted by sv_cheats and runs synchronously.
  • GameRules: a new top-level export with StartWarmup, EndWarmup, GetTeamScore, AddTeamScore and TerminateRound.

Renames and moved methods

Instance.Msg is now Console.Log. Instance.ClientCommand, ServerCommand and RegisterCheatCommand moved to Console. Several round and money methods moved to GameRules, including IsWarmupPeriod, IsFreezePeriod, GetRoundsPlayed and AddTeamMoney. Valve says moved and renamed methods are still available in their original location, deprecated, so existing maps should keep working while you migrate.

HUD and radar

Two new top-level custom_hud_layout classes, HUD_TEAMMENU_VISIBLE and HUD_CHAT_VISIBLE, were added. radar_element can now appear on the radar in every game mode, not just Rush.

Bug fixes worth knowing

  • A crash in GameRules.AddTeamMoney with CSTeamMoneyReason.NONE was fixed, and AddTeamMoney now supports that reason with an amount.
  • CSTeamMoneyReason and CSWeaponAttackType enum values now match point_script.d.ts.
  • CSRadarPoint.IsVisibleToTeam and CSObservablePoint.IsObservableForTeam now return a boolean instead of a number.

Easier debugging

Logged warnings now include the JavaScript call stack and details about bad argument values, and they count arguments from 0 instead of 1. Auto complete for the map_workshop command also improved.

Other Workshop changes this month

  • 5 October: new play menu buttons to manage downloaded Workshop maps.
  • 14 October: a toolsskybox_occluder tool material for CS2 Workshop Tools.

Looking for the player-facing changes instead? Start with the crosshair update or the silent reload changes.

FAQ

Do old CS2 map scripts still work after the 22 October update?

According to Valve’s notes, moved and renamed methods are still available in their original location but are deprecated, so existing scripts should keep working while you migrate.

What replaced Instance.Msg?

Valve renamed Instance.Msg to Console.Log in the 22 October 2026 update.

Is Console.SetConvar limited by sv_cheats?

No. Valve’s notes say Console.SetConvar is not restricted by sv_cheats and executes synchronously.

Want to check a player while you are at it? Look up a SteamID or open the CS2 stats dashboard.