Maps Counter Strike are a huge part of the entire game. The location of a match can be the deciding factor in whether or not you actually beat your opponents, so it’s important to know them all well. Only in this way will you be able to properly strategize and get the big win, no matter where you play. Today, in light of the game’s transfer to Source 2, we’ll talk about all the maps that have already been transferred to the CS2 beta version.
Maps in Counter Strike: Global Offensive
Global Offensive has seen some of the best maps in Counter Strike history. Fortunately, Valve quickly announced that most of them will be coming to Source 2 in a new, refreshed form that will take full advantage of the engine’s graphical capabilities. Not only the lighting is supposed to look much better, but entire environments are supposed to seem much more realistic. At least that’s what the developer has announced, but we have to admit that seeing what the transfer has done to games like Dota, we fully believe it.
What Types of Maps Are Available in CS:GO?
In CS:GO there are 7 types of maps in total. These are:
- Bomb Defusal Maps
- Hostage Rescue Maps
- Arms Race Maps
- Demolition Maps
- Escape Maps
- Danger Zone Maps
Which Maps Are Part of the Active Duty Pool?
However, it is worth noting that there are more ways to group maps, which appeared gradually as Valve introduced new updates to the game. We are talking, for example, about locations prepared specifically for operations or maps created by the community. In addition, a hot topic is the Active Duty Pool, used for competitive matchmaking. It includes 7 maps, which are recommended as locations to be used during major eSporting events. These are:
- Inferno
- Mirage
- Nuke
- Overpass
- Vertigo
- Ancient
- Anubis
Note that there are also 4 other maps used for competitive play that are not currently part of the Active Duty pool, namely:
- Cache
- Cobblestone
- Dust II
- Train
Maps in Counter Strike 2
As you know, at the end of March 2023, Valve confirmed that CS:GO will be ported to the new Source 2 engine, and thus will appear in a new updated version as early as this year. The refreshed version is known as Counter-Strike 2. Admittedly, it was supposed to happen already in the summer, but we are in mid-October and there is still no official release date. Nevertheless, the excitement level in the community is still very high. Everyone is waiting for more updates and confirmed features of the new game. Of course, we are talking not only about gameplay and weapons but also about maps.
In the official announcement of the new game, the developer did not forget to mention how the issue of arenas in CS2 will be solved. They have been divided into 3 categories:
- Full Overhaul Maps – maps known from previous editions of the game, which were rebuilt practically from scratch. The idea behind this effort is to take advantage of all the new capabilities of Source 2.
- Upgrade Maps – maps that have been revamped using mostly the improved lighting available in Source 2.
- Touchstone Maps – maps that have been changed the least, but still take advantage of Source 2’s graphic capabilities
In addition, the developers announced that the tools for creating maps by community members will be significantly improved, making it easier to design new locations. Players will be able to create natural environments, change buildings, and put up new and improved structures faster.
Unfortunately, as for the maps, it is unknown which arenas will fall into which category. We know, however, which ones are sure to appear in the new game.
Which CS:GO Maps Will Appear in Counter Strike 2?
These are maps that will definitely be ported to Source 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
Of course, few maps have already appeared in the beta limited-testing and players could get a foretaste of what awaits them in the official version of the game.
Maps Available in Counter Strike 2 Limited-Testing
But let’s not forget that the beta version was created for testing purposes so that Valve could get feedback from players and make improvements. It was not made for playing in the same way as you would play the final version. Therefore, the maps available in it are rotated and it’s never the case that all of them are accessible at the same time. The first one that was introduced was Dust 2 (obviously), and after that players were able to take on Mirage. Now Italy is the only one available.
Here are all the Counter Strike locations that have appeared in the testing phase so far:
- Dust II
- Mirage
- Nuke
- Overpass
- Office
- Vertigo
- Ancient
- Anubis
- Italy
We hope to see more maps in the beta soon, as we can’t wait to see what they will look like in the new version of the game.
Conclusions
Every day we wait for new news regarding the new version of Counter Strike. Since Valve announced that their most popular title would be completely revamped, the entire gaming community has been looking forward to the release of CS2 in its final version. If you, too, are waiting for the transition to Source 2, then be sure to keep checking the SkinsMonkey Blog in anticipation of any new news about this huge technical leap.
A true gaming enthusiast, especially Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rust. At SkinsMonkey, he is involved in creating game guides based on his own experience.
