What are the CS2 maps? The arenas in which glory is earned. The crucible to which you and your rag-tag squad will attempt to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The lovely-looking maps where you’re bound to hit a few sick AWP shots, probably.
Counter-Strike 2 is a free upgrade to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, reusing a number of important elements that fans know and love such as CSGO console commands and the CSGO ranks system. While the free PC game retains the same competitive energy, Valve has put a fresh coat of paint on maps and visuals. Here is every confirmed Counter-Strike 2 map:
Valve has divided the new maps into three categories based on their design changes: Overhaul, Upgrade, and Touchstone. Overhaul are maps that have been revamped from top to bottom, Upgrades represent maps with improved lighting, and Touchstone maps fine-tuning to areas that need some attention.
Every CS2 map
Here are the competitive Counter-Strike 2 maps:
- Ancient
- Anubis
- Dust 2
- Inferno
- Mirage
- Nuke
- Overpass
- Office
- Vertigo
Ancient
Ancient was added to CSGO as a replacement for Train, and it’s going to be sticking around in Counter-Strike 2. The jungle aesthetic of Ancient was already a treat for the eyes, but it looks even better in Source 2.
Ancient is popular for its greenery and puddles. In Counter-Strike 2, the water appears more textured, adding a pleasant touch to the map scenery. Just like Abunis, Ancient was placed in the Touchstone category.
Anubis
It’s fair to say Anubis is one of the nicest-looking maps in CS2, though that may be because it uses brand-new textures and can utilize Source 2’s lighting system a lot better. Anubis did not receive an overhaul or upgrade, instead, it’s been placed in the Touchstone category.
Dust 2
Dust 2 is a Touchstone map in Counter-Strike 2, meaning Valve has kept the layout the exact same while improving the lighting in a few key areas. If you’re involved in the current Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test, you’ll be pleased to know Dust 2 has been replaced by a brightened version of Mirage.
The most noticeable lighting change is in CT-Spawn and Tunnels. Previously, both areas were lit with a dim silver light but that has been replaced with fresh yellow bulbs. Other areas of the maps are also much brighter to drastically improve character reading, making it easier to spot enemy models. Due to Source 2 rendering, Dust 2 looks much more spacious, even though the layout is the same.
Inferno
CSGO’s Inferno map has always been a feast for the eyes, but with the latest upgrade to the Source 2 engine, it’s nothing short of breathtaking. The overhauled Inferno has joined the list of competitive maps in Counter-Strike 2.
The cobbles are brighter, and due to light shifts, the alleys appear much wider than they actually are. Since Inferno is famous for its quirky chickens, it’d be interesting to see what Valve may have in store for these feathered friends in the latest iteration of the map.
Nuke
Nuke is in the Upgrade category due to its heavy enhancements. The location’s layout remains the same, but the textures and models used to build the maps have been through a transformation. There are rumors that the CS2 Limited Test is going to switch from Mirage to Nuke as the third beta map, but there’s no telling when this change is likely to take place.
The bulk of the upgrades seen on Nuke take place inside the main buildings – Valve has worked hard on improving the corridors and both bomb sites. The reflections on the floor and ramp are also very noticeable. The A site is basked in sunlight, whereas the underground B-area retains the gloomy blue but with better visuals. The reds and yellows are also much brighter, a detail that was missing in CSGO.
Mirage
Mirage in Counter-Strike 2 is a visual spectacle to behold. Compared to CSGO, the palace in Mirage glistens with expensive tiles. The reflections are so crisp it appears as though the tiles have just been meticulously polished to a mirror-like finish. As mentioned earlier, Mirage is currently the only map available in the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test right now.
Outside the palace, Mirage looks mostly similar to its CSGO counterpart, besides the colors. However, the reflections and rich color palette breathe new life into the dusty location, offering a stunning and immersive gameplay experience.
Overpass
Overpass has undergone a complete overhaul, as a result, the German park looks much fresher, with major visual tweaks in Counter-Strike 2. Visually, one of the biggest changes Valve made to Overpass was by upgrading its water effects. Don’t splash around too long in the fresh puddles as a a sniper typically overlooks B-site!
The changes made to Overpass are so drastic that players will find it hard to believe they ever played the map without them, particularly the underpass which was difficult to lock down for a long time due to poor lighting. The congested area looks much more spacious in decent light. The developer has also planted new balloons in the party benches, adding a pop of color to the bleak scenery.
Office
Another Touchstone update, this time for the classic hostage map, Office. The Source 2 engine has introduced upgrades to the way glass shatters in-game, which is perfect for Office as the building is surrounded by glass. This map is very difficult to win as the T-side due to the huge advantage CT has in terms of positioning with the hostages.
Vertigo
Finally, Vertigo rounds off the list of Counter-Strike 2 maps. It’s yet another Touchstone map – aside from a welcome lighting upgrade, it remains largely untouched. Given that it’s one of the less popular maps in CS:GO, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it leave the Active Duty pool in the future.
Every CS2 Premier map
As mentioned in our CS2 ranks and ratings guide, there’s a difference between competitive maps and the map pool in Premier. Players can vote between seven maps in Premier, forcing players to ban which maps they don’t want to fight on before the match takes place.
Here are the Counter-Strike 2 maps you can play in Premier:
- Anubis
- Dust 2
- Inferno
- Mirage
- Nuke
- Overpass
- Vertigo
CS2 Wingman maps
Wingman is a 2v2 competitive mode that shrinks regular maps down to just one bomb site. This is a great opportunity to practice your attacking and defending skills, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Here’s a list of the maps available in Wingman mode:
- Overpass
- Vertigo
- Inferno
- Nuke
Casual CS2 maps
There are a number of game modes and maps that were teased by Valve on the lead-up to Counter-Strike 2 but we’ve heard nothing about them since.
Here’s a list of the non-competitive and unreleased maps in Counter-Strike 2:
- Baggage
- Canals
- Italy
- Lake
- Short Dust
- Shoots
Now that you know the confirmed Counter-Strike 2 maps, you should have no trouble jumping into a match now that the Counter-Strike 2 release date is finally here. For those still unsure about the Counter-Strike 2 changes in the FPS game, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s in store – such as the Counter-Strike 2 binds and Counter-Strike 2 smokes. Be sure to check out the best Counter-Strike 2 settings, as well as the lowdown on Counter-Strike 2 skin transfers if you’re a returning player.
