Where Does Portal 2 Store Custom Maps?
Portal 2 community maps sit in the maps folder with workshop cache beside it. Source mods live one level up in sourcemods.
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Portal 2 splits community content by type: single maps as bsp files in the maps folder, full conversions as source mods in sourcemods. Workshop subscriptions feed the maps folder automatically, while manual downloads copy the same way. The community test chamber menu reads whatever lands there.
Custom campaigns with assets need their files alongside the map, which readme files always specify. Keep co-op maps in a separate mental pile from single player ones, since partner sync issues waste more time than any puzzle. Old maps occasionally need legacy lighting flags after engine updates.
Where Portal 2 stores this, by platform
[Steam]\steamapps\common\Portal 2\portal2\maps
Bsp files directly here for single maps. Full conversions go to sourcemods one level up instead. Workshop subscriptions and manual copies share the folder.
Frequently asked questions
A downloaded map never appears. What should I check?
Confirm the file is a bsp directly in maps and not still zipped. Workshop maps that stall leave partial files the menu skips. Single player campaigns sometimes need their assets in the matching game folder too.
Do custom maps work in co-op?
Yes, both players need identical map files for co-op. The host's map does not transfer automatically in most setups, so share the file first and confirm versions match.
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