Counter-Strike 2 maps: Every confirmed map from CSGO in Source 2 update

Counter-Strike 2 is out as a limited-test beta, and it comes with totally updated maps. We have listed the confirmed maps in the new version, and what level of updates you can expect in each at launch.

The hype for Counter-Strike 2 continues to build, as many of the community’s wishes have been granted in the new version of CS:GO. But right now, only players with access to the limited-test beta can play.

Counter-Strike 2 brings massive changes to the fundamental gameplay of CS:GO. Namely, the physics of the smoke, server tick rates, and of course map upgrades.

This new game, therefore, also includes overhauls to Counter-Strike’s legacy maps, with varying levels of updates for each. In Valve’s announcement video for Counter-Strike 2, they grouped the new maps into three categories: Touchstone, Upgrades, and Overhauls. 

Touchstones are legacy maps that have not only been in Counter-Strike for the longest but also maps that are relatively unchanged in Counter-Strike 2. The changes these received in the new version are minimal with mostly just visual upgrades and lighting improvements.

Upgrades are maps from CS:GO that received major updates to lighting and textures, utilizing Source 2’s improved graphics as much as possible.

Overhauls are essentially complete rebuilds of CS’s oldest maps, be it from CS:GO or even older. These maps feature new textures, lighting, structures, and possibly updates for how the map plays. 

Here is the full list of maps that are confirmed for Counter-Strike 2 so far.

All Maps in Counter-Strike 2

• Active Duty Pool
  • Dust II
  • Mirage
  • Train
  • Nuke
  • Overpass
  • Inferno
  • Ancient
  • Vertigo
  • Anubis
• Deathmatch, Hostage, and Bomb Defusal maps
  • Italy
  • Baggage
  • Shoots
  • Office
  • Canals
  • Lake
  • Shortdust
• Maps in the Counter-Strike 2 limited test
  • Dust II
  • Mirage, Overpass, Nuke, and Ancient

Active Duty Pool

Maps in the Active Duty Pool are maps that at some point were available to play in the Competitive queue, and used in CS:GO tournaments. Some of them were moved to the Reserve Pool, but others are still playable today.

The only maps that were once in the Active Duty Pool which did not make an appearance are Cache and Anubis.

It is unknown at this stage if Valve will be remaking Cache for Counter-Strike 2. But, Anubis is the newest addition to the Pool, so it will most likely make an appearance.

Dust II

Counter-Strike and Dust II go hand in hand. When fans of FPS games think Counter-Strike, Dust 2 is most likely what they first think of, and of course, it is in the newest iteration of the game. 

Dust 2 is classified as a Touchstone map, where its biggest updates come in its lighting. Everything else stays the same. 

Mirage

A Counter-Strike Fan favorite, the map that was initially made for esports play in the Cyberathlete Professional League in CS 1.6, has become a mainstay in Counter-Strike. Being the only map to be played in every single CS major since its release. And of course, it makes a return in CS2. 

Mirage is classified as a Touchstone map, where its biggest updates come in its lighting. Everything else stays the same.

Train

Yes, the classic CS 1.6 map, created by one of Counter Strike’s creators, Train, is finally back since its demotion to the Reserve Map Pool in May 2021. 

Train is classified as a Touchstone map, where its biggest updates are just lighting. Everything else stays the same.

Nuke

Nuke has been a mainstay in competitive play since CS 1.6, and the move to Counter-Strike 2 has not changed that, as this classic remains as you know and love it. But, it has been brought in the new decade with a significant overhaul.

Nuke is classified as an Upgrade map, where its biggest update comes in the form of new lighting physics, as well as new textures made for the map.

Overpass 

One of the most unique maps in the pool, being one of the few maps in the Active Duty Pool which was specifically made in CSGO, it won’t be missing in the shift to Counter-Strike 2. 

Overpass is classified as an Overhaul map, where it received a complete rebuild from the ground up, from textures, lighting, structures, and even gameplay changes.

Inferno

One of the oldest maps in the game, making its first appearance in CS 1.1, it is an absolute classic when it comes to Counter-Strike, and yes, it’s coming along to Counter-Strike 2. More images of Inferno in the new game have been leaked.

Inferno is classified as an Overhaul map, receiving a complete rebuild from the ground up, from textures, lighting, structures, and some changes that will impact gameplay.

Ancient

One of the newest maps in the Active Duty Pool, the spiritual successor to Aztec, Ancient was inserted into the pool to much controversy and dismay from players at the time. But it will make another return with minimal changes.

Ancient is classified as an Upgrade map, where its biggest update comes in the form of new lighting physics and textures made for the map.

Vertigo

Valve

Vertigo is also confirmed for Counter-Strike 2, and was added into the limited-test beta alongside Overpass.

However, Vertigo is simply a Touchstone map, meaning it doesn’t have any changes except for lighting, just like Dust II. It is also not available in the competitive queue, perhaps indicating it will be moved out of the Active Map Pool and into the reserves.

Anubis

Valve

The most recent addition to the competitive map pool in CS:GO, Anubis now has a complete CS2 rebuild as well.

Although not specified by Valve, it appears to be an upgrade, thanks to new water effects, and there is now water in areas there wasn’t previously, such as near the pillar on A bombsite.

Deathmatch, Hostage, and Bomb Defusal maps

This section comprises a whole host of fan favorites, to infamous, maps. There are a lot of maps showcased, but there were a notable few which were a mainstay in CS’s history but did not appear. Here are some notable missing ones: 

Here are the ones that did appear in the reveal video. 

Italy

The fun, awkward, and classic hostage map which has been around since the game’s beta in 1999 has been shown with an entirely new look to it. Most likely never going to be put in the Active Duty Pool, it’s nice to see it updated for a new iteration once again. 

Italy is classified as an Overhaul map, so it too receives a complete rebuild, including new textures, lighting, structures, and gameplay changes. 

Baggage

Yep, it’s coming back. Arms Race (aka Gun Game) fans will be happy to see the classic return once again. It made its first appearance in CSGO specifically made for the Arms Race game mode. The teasing of this map possibly means Arms Race is coming with the port. 

Baggage is classified as an Upgrade map, so the changes are focused on new lighting physics and textures.

Other maps that didn’t appear in the teaser videos but have been found in the game files include:

Shoots

Valve

Office

Valve

Canals

Valve

Lake

Valve

Shortdust

Valve

Maps in the Counter-Strike 2 limited test

Maps in the Counter-Strike 2 limited test are maps currently available to play for players that made it into the beta of CS2 with all the graphical enchantments of Source 2.

The first map available at the beta’s launch was Dust 2, which was swapped out for Mirage, followed by Nuke. Now, Overpass is available to play, the first ‘Upgrade’ level map we’ve seen in the beta.

Office and Vertigo have also been playable, but not in competitive queues.

Mirage

Mirage is by far the most-played map in CS:GO, both for competitive and deathmatch games, so it makes sense that Valve has now added it to the beta, replacing Dust 2.

Mirage doesn’t have any major changes to the layout or lighting, except in Palace, which now has very reflective surfaces with light bouncing all around. A few small changes to the map have been found though, which have impacted some lines of sight.

Dust II

It came as no surprise that Counter-Strike 2’s beta launched with the most iconic map in the entire franchise. Players’ familiarity with the layout serves as a great benchmark for new gameplay additions and quirks of CS2.

On the other hand, some players noted that Dust 2 doesn’t feature many reflective surfaces or other areas that push the graphical capabilities of Source 2 to its limit, therefore more maps should join the testing pool to test the new build’s stability across different PCs.

Nuke

Nuke replaced Mirage in the playtest, as Valve move closer to the elusive CS2 release date. Nuke is not an overhauled map, just like Mirage and Dust 2, and instead only receives updates to its lighting.

But, the lighting upgrades are even more noticeable here. B Site for example now shines with a bright blue glow as the water reflects all around. And sunbeams onto the A Site really give it a more open feel.

Office

Our first non-bomb defusal map in the playtest is Office. One of the most legendary maps in CS:GO, it may be less familiar to newer players, given it is a hostage map. But, once upon a time, hostage was the go-to game mode in CS, before defusal took over.

Office has received a fresh lick of paint and lighting, but it’s also not an overhauled map like some others we’re expecting to see.

Overpass and Vertigo

Overpass is the first Upgrade-level map to be added to the beta, and gives us our first experience of a totally rebuilt map, from the ground up.

Perhaps the biggest highlight here are the new water physics, which are seen at the fountain, as well as in the sludgy water near B site, and short.

Vertigo has also been added at the same time, but there isn’t so much to be excited about here, as the map remains unchanged except lighting.

Ancient and Anubis

Replacing Overpass and Vertigo in the limited-test beta, Ancient and Anubis have now been added.

Both of these maps have some nice updates, although nothing we haven’t seen already with other maps, such as the new water effects and lighting.

If you don’t have access yet though, like most players, be sure to brush up on all things Counter-Strike 2 with our other guides here:

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