Right now, Counter-Strike 2’s map pool has stirred up frustration among players. Some popular maps have gone stale, while others aren’t very popular with pros or fans. Dust2, a classic, has started to feel a bit repetitive, Vertigo remains divisive with mixed reviews, and Inferno’s Banana area often leads to early deaths without much interaction. Pros want some variety to keep things fresh and competitive, and several have suggested possible options for new maps.
So, what maps do the pros want to see added next? Here’s what a group of them had to say when we asked during IEM Cologne 2024.
NertZ
NertZ is hoping to see both Tuscan and Cache added to the map pool. Tuscan, a classic from the early days of Counter-Strike, has been in talks for a potential return for a long time, and many players feel that it’s long overdue. NertZ also mentions Cache, which has some similarities to Mirage in layout, providing options for aggressive play and quick kills, something he clearly enjoys. To make room for these, NertZ suggests that Valve should rotate out Vertigo and Anubis.
I would add two maps. The first would be Tuscan, I don't know why, but there's something about Tuscan. I hope they add it because they've been saying they would for two years. Then I would also add Cache, I like Cache because it's similar to Mirage, you can bring yourself into the game by killing everyone and I like that. I would remove Vertigo and Anubis to make room or them.
hallzerk
Hallzerk’s first choice is Train—a map, a complex strategic map. It’s also a nostalgic choice, reminding him of earlier days in Counter-Strike. He feels that too many maps in the current pool are less enjoyable, and that adding new options like Train and Cache would make competitive play feel exciting again.
Train, easily. The map pool is lacking, so I’d also bring in Cache. Partly for nostalgia, but also because we’re forced to play on maps that are just not fun. Bringing new maps in would add excitement, and starting fresh would be cool.
lux
Lux prefers modern maps over old ones like Train or Cobblestone, which he feels don’t suit CS2’s fast-paced style. He likes maps that reward players for controlling certain areas, rather than relying on narrow pathways like Train’s ladders.
A new map, I don't like Train or Cobblestone, I know it's nostalgic but I don't think it fits in the actual meta of CS. It just won't work, I like the maps where you need to get map control, Train just has the ladder and it's tiny. Something like Anubis that is new and fresh would be great. Tuscan is an old map, which I don't know too much and I've only played it in matchmaking, but it was cool when I played it, so maybe that.
VINI
For VINI, Cache holds sentimental value as it reminds him of watching Counter-Strike’s top players early in his career. Cache’s simple layout and clear sightlines make it easy to follow for viewers, while also being fun to play.
I would bring back Cache, it was a really simple map and a nice map to play. Even to watch, I remember watching s1mple and those guys on it seven or eight years ago and it was really fun. When I was starting my career and playing that map it was great, there's definitely space for it in the pool.
SunPayus
SunPayus would swap out Vertigo for Train, a map he finds both challenging and rewarding. He acknowledges that it’s tough for Terrorists, but once players learn its intricacies, it’s incredibly satisfying.
I would like to see Train instead of Vertigo, strategically it's a very hard map for Ts but when you are good and you understand it, it's really nice to play. Every position on both sides is also really fun to play.
mezii
mezii echoes the call for Cache to return, saying it was a map he enjoyed on his way up the ranks. Having never had the chance to play it professionally, he feels it would be interesting to explore its potential at a high level now. Overpass would be another good option, but Cache remains his top choice for its fun and accessible design.
I'd probably bring back Cache. I'd like to bring Overpass back because I think the map is fine as it is, but, if we're bringing a fresh map in then I would say Cache because I never got to play properly as a professional. I played it a lot coming up through the scene, but I think playing it professionally would be cool because it's a fun map to play.
Brollan
Brollan misses Train as well, saying it was one of his best maps back in CS:GO and has consistently worked well for his teams. He’s open to Cache and Overpass too, but if he had to choose, he’d bring back Train as a replacement for Dust2.
I would add Train for Dust2, Train is one of my best maps and it was really fun in CS:GO. It's always been good for my teams and it's been out of the map pool for a long time. I like Cache and Overpass as well, but I miss Train the most.
Train Must Return
The pros have spoken, and Train tops the list of maps they want to see make a comeback. Its absence from the competitive scene has left a void for players who enjoyed its unique tactical challenges. Removed from the active duty pool on May 3, 2021, and replaced with Ancient, Train’s return would be a welcome addition for fans and pros alike. Many players see it as a true classic that offers something no other map does: complex routes, high-risk plays, and intense battles on tight lines.
Whether Valve brings back Train, Cache, or both, it’s clear that players want new options to keep the CS2 map pool fresh and competitive. And while nostalgia drives some of these preferences, both Train and Cache have a proven track record that players believe could greatly benefit Counter-Strike’s next chapter.
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