Resolving 'The map specified on the commandline {path} could not be found'

I’m trying to run instances of my game outside of the editor to test multiplayer. When running it from the command line I get “the map specified on the commandline “Game/Maps/Test_Desert” Could not be found.” Exiting.

I have read a few questions on this issue here. The issue is definitely not a matter of setting the default scene in the Maps and Modes menu. I have changed this value to a few alternatives and although the path requested changes in the error message, the failed outcome is the same.

I have tried adding these maps to “Maps to include in a packaged build” in the project settings as well to no avail.

How can I address this?

(Probably not relevant but I can’t help but notice the message is looking for Game/Maps/Test_Desert when the actual path is Content/Maps/Test_Desert.)

edit: removed references to trying package things. issues there turned out to be irrelevant