Cache is one of the most iconic maps in Counter-Strike history. It has been a fan favorite for years and remains the only community-made map to be part of the Active Duty Map Pool in CS:GO. Now, after years of waiting, Cache has been released for Counter-Strike 2 with a visual overhaul, bringing it back into the spotlight.
Origins – Cache in Counter-Strike: Source
Cache was first created in 2011 by Salvatore "Volcano" Garozzo as a custom map for Counter-Strike: Source. The map had a unique Eastern European industrial setting, featuring tight angles and fast-paced gameplay. However, it was initially T-sided, giving terrorists an advantage in most matches. Despite this, it gained popularity in custom servers and smaller tournaments.
FMPONE Joins – Cache Comes to CS:GO
With the release of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in 2012, many old maps were remade and balanced for the new game. However, Cache was not included. Instead, Shawn "FMPONE" Snelling, a well-known map creator, decided to redesign it for CS:GO.
FMPONE made several key changes to improve the map's balance:
- Tighter choke points to give CTs better chances on defense.
- Adjusted angles to create more fair duels.
- Improved cover to allow for better tactical play.
His version of Cache was added to Operation Bravo in 2013, a collection of community-made maps selected by Valve.
Cache Becomes an Official Competitive Map
Due to its massive popularity, Cache was officially added to competitive matchmaking in 2014 with Operation Breakout. This was a historic moment as Cache became the first and only community-made map to enter the Active Duty Map Pool.
From 2014 to 2019, Cache was played in every major CS:GO tournament. It became one of the most balanced maps, allowing for both tactical strategies and insane clutches. Some of the most memorable plays in CS history happened on this map.
Cache is Removed and Reworked
On March 28, 2019, Valve removed Cache from the Active Duty Pool, replacing it with Vertigo. Fans were disappointed, but FMPONE used this as an opportunity to update the map.
At ESL One New York 2019, FMPONE revealed a new version of Cache. The map had:
- Updated visuals for better clarity.
- New lighting and textures.
- Minor layout tweaks to balance gameplay.
Despite these improvements, Valve never added it back to the Active Duty Pool.
Cache Returns in Counter-Strike 2
On March 3, 2025, FMPONE officially released Cache for Counter-Strike 2 on the Steam Workshop. This version features:
- Completely new visuals built for Source 2.
- More natural lighting for better player visibility.
- Small layout changes, such as:
- The removal of the ladder in "Z" from the 2019 version.
- A new self-boost spot on the boxes at the back of Checkers.
FMPONE described Cache as “fair and balanced,” saying that major changes could hurt the gameplay rather than improve it.
Will Cache Return to Pro Play?
Since the 2025 release, many pro players and fans have called for Cache to return to the Active Duty Pool. However, Valve has not yet confirmed any plans.
Valve owns most competitive maps, but Cache remains unique—it is still owned by FMPONE. This makes it the longest-rented map in CS history, and Valve never fully bought it, unlike Anubis, which they acquired before adding it to the pool in 2022.
FMPONE has hinted that the community’s reaction could influence Valve’s decision.
Legendary Highlights on Cache
Cache has been the stage for some of the most memorable moments in Counter-Strike history. Over the years, players have delivered incredible plays that are still talked about today. Here are three of the most iconic highlights that showcase the skill, strategy, and insane mechanics that made Cache a fan-favorite.
s1mple’s insane AWP no-scope vs. fnatic at ESL Cologne 2016
One of the most legendary moments in CS:GO history happened on Cache when Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev pulled off an insane double no-scope against fnatic. Dropping from Heaven on B site, s1mple eliminated two opponents without even using his scope. The play was so unbelievable that Valve added a graffiti on the map, showing an AWP scope falling off mid-air.
Hiko’s 1v5 Tec-9 Clutch vs. Sponsorless
Clutch king Spencer "Hiko" Martin produced one of the best 1v5 plays ever seen on Cache. Armed with just a Tec-9, he outmaneuvered his opponents and picked them off one by one, showing insane composure and game sense. This moment perfectly demonstrated why he was one of the most feared clutch players of his era.
Nifty’s "VAC" AWP 3K vs. TYLOO
Conclusion
Cache is one of the most beloved maps in Counter-Strike history. From its humble beginnings in CS: Source to its return in CS2, it has remained a fan favorite.
Its unique status as a community map makes it special, and now, with its official release in CS2, fans hope to see it back in pro tournaments. Whether Valve decides to bring it back to the Active Duty Pool or not, Cache’s legacy will live on.
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