Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools: which option to pick first, from Valve's documentation
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2026 9:14 pm
Valve's documentation for the Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools starts with a short introduction page, and it answers the question most new mappers ask first: which button do I press? This post summarizes that page so you can pick the right entry point before you open Hammer.
Before you start
The tools are a separate install. Valve describes CS2 Workshop Tools as a collection of tools for creating maps, mods and skins on Source 2 for Counter-Strike 2, and says they are currently freely available. The installation steps are on a separate page, linked in the sources below.
The four options in the main window
Valve notes that opening an addon with "Edit Addon Map" disables Path Traced Preview. Their recommendation is to open the addon with "Launch Tools" and start Hammer by hand from there. If your lighting preview looks different from what you expected, check how you opened the addon first.
Particle Editor
The Particle Editor is not currently enabled in the CS2 Workshop Tools, and the page says it is unknown whether it will come back. It can be re-enabled by editing two files under game/bin (sdkenginetools.txt and assettypes_common.txt), and the exact entries are listed on the Valve page. Edit game files only if you are comfortable undoing the change, and keep a backup of both files.
Which path fits which project
If you want a map, create an addon and work through Launch Tools into Hammer. If you want a weapon finish, sticker or graffiti, use Workshop Item Tools. The same page confirms that items made there are meant for Steam Workshop publishing.
If you have built a map with these tools, tell us which part of the workflow cost you the most time. Questions about Hammer setup are welcome in this forum.
Sources
[1] Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools: Introduction (Valve Developer Community)
[2] Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools documentation index (Valve Developer Community)
Before you start
The tools are a separate install. Valve describes CS2 Workshop Tools as a collection of tools for creating maps, mods and skins on Source 2 for Counter-Strike 2, and says they are currently freely available. The installation steps are on a separate page, linked in the sources below.
The four options in the main window
- Launch Workshop Item Tools opens the item editor. It lists example weapon finishes, stickers and graffiti. When you create a new finish it lands in the matching folder automatically, and from the same window you can inspect, preview and publish it.
- Create New Addon makes a new addon. Valve says you only need to give it a name.
- Edit Addon Map starts two programs at once, Hammer 5.x and the Asset Browser. You need both to build a map.
- Launch Tools opens the Asset Browser, and from there you can reach Hammer 5.x, the Material Editor, ModelDoc, the Image Subrect Editor and Source 2 Filmmaker.
Valve notes that opening an addon with "Edit Addon Map" disables Path Traced Preview. Their recommendation is to open the addon with "Launch Tools" and start Hammer by hand from there. If your lighting preview looks different from what you expected, check how you opened the addon first.
Particle Editor
The Particle Editor is not currently enabled in the CS2 Workshop Tools, and the page says it is unknown whether it will come back. It can be re-enabled by editing two files under game/bin (sdkenginetools.txt and assettypes_common.txt), and the exact entries are listed on the Valve page. Edit game files only if you are comfortable undoing the change, and keep a backup of both files.
Which path fits which project
If you want a map, create an addon and work through Launch Tools into Hammer. If you want a weapon finish, sticker or graffiti, use Workshop Item Tools. The same page confirms that items made there are meant for Steam Workshop publishing.
If you have built a map with these tools, tell us which part of the workflow cost you the most time. Questions about Hammer setup are welcome in this forum.
Sources
[1] Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools: Introduction (Valve Developer Community)
[2] Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools documentation index (Valve Developer Community)