Hi folks! Is there any way to create and customize map list withoud using old-style config files in the classic Q3 (with no MODs)? Can I use external MAPNAME.arena or Arenas.txt files for that? Configs are great and handy, but each time when the game executes /map or /devmap command my manually balanced bot-teams kicked off.
Thanks for any advice and sorry for my bad english.

Sure, try the following at the console:

\callvote map <mapid>

For example, to load Lost World (q3dm13), you would type:

\callvote map q3dm13

The bots in the current map will come across with you.

Alternatively you could write your own "arenas.txt" and place it in a pk3 file (zip file renamed to have a .pk3 extension). Name your pk3 file something like "zzz-arenas.pk3" and it should load last and override the defaults.

Another option is to make your own basic mod. Check the ..::LvL map packs which include a "Single Player Tier" like: lvlworld.com/review/id:664

Just duplicate what is in the basic mod. No need to download the entire pack - just grab the script download here: lvlworld.com/dl.php

Thanks for answer, Tig. I'll definitely try both ways.