Which Map Will Cache Replace in CS2?

Cache is back in Counter-Strike. For now, the map has only been added to Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, and Retake modes. But almost nobody doubts that after the Cologne Major and the end of the current Premier season, Cache will return to the active map pool as well. The only question is: which map will it replace?

Valve rarely expands the active pool beyond seven maps, so the arrival of Cache will almost certainly mean someone has to leave. Let’s break down which maps are completely safe and which ones could be heading for a rework.

"1. Which Map Will Cache Replace in CS2?","1.1. Why Cache’s Return Feels Inevitable","1.2. Maps That Are Probably Safe","1.3. Maps at Risk","1.4. The Main Candidate: Overpass","1.5. The Second Candidate: Anubis","1.6. Which Map Will Leave?"

Why Cache’s Return Feels Inevitable

Cache is one of the most beloved maps in Counter-Strike history. Its simple layout, fast pace, and countless iconic moments made it perfect for both players and viewers.

After the transition to Source 2, the community constantly demanded Cache’s return. Valve did not immediately add it to Premier, but the fact that it already appeared in the main game modes is a clear sign that the map is in the final testing stage.

Especially since the current map pool has looked very stable for a long time and has not seen major changes recently.

Maps That Are Probably Safe

Dust2

Dust2 has been part of the active map pool since the launch of CS:GO. Over the last six months, the map has been played around 2400 times in professional matches, which is one of the highest numbers in the game.

Yes, the map was removed twice before, in 2017 and 2022. But each time it returned without losing popularity.

During the move to CS2, Valve barely changed Dust2 in any major way, which suggests that a large-scale rework is not needed right now. The chances of another removal are extremely low.

Mirage

Mirage is the definition of stability. The map has been in the pool since 2013 and has never been removed.

Over the last six months, it has been played more than 2300 times on the professional scene. That is no surprise because Mirage remains the most popular map among casual players, pro teams, and streamers.

Valve understands perfectly well how painful even a temporary removal of Mirage would be for the community. That is why it is almost impossible to imagine the map leaving right now.

Ancient

Ancient quickly transformed from a controversial new map into a true CS2 classic.

Since joining the map pool in 2021, the map has become firmly established on the professional scene. Its compact structure, simple layout, and fast gameplay make it extremely enjoyable to watch.

With more than 2150 professional games played over the last six months, Ancient now belongs among the top-tier maps. Removing such a successful map would make little sense.

Nuke

Nuke has always been unique.

Its two-level structure, vertical gameplay, doors, vents, and ladders create an experience unlike anything else in Counter-Strike. At one point, many believed such an unusual map would never become popular. Instead, Nuke carved out its own place in the game.

It may never reach the popularity of Dust2 or Mirage, but it consistently remains one of the most important maps in professional Counter-Strike.

Valve removed Nuke once in 2015, but today the map’s position looks strong.

Maps at Risk

Inferno is a complicated case.

When CS2 launched, many players criticized the map for narrow pathways, cramped spaces, and awkward gameplay. Valve slowly addressed those complaints by adjusting A site, reworking balcony and pit, and improving movement around the map.

That level of attention suggests the developers still value Inferno and do not want to abandon it.

However, there is one problem. Inferno is no longer as popular as it used to be. It appears less frequently on the professional scene compared to Dust2, Mirage, or Ancient. Because of that, its removal cannot be fully ruled out.

The Main Candidate: Overpass

Overpass looks like the most obvious map to leave the pool.

Despite being considered one of Valve’s flagship maps, it never truly became iconic over the last 13 years. Overpass has a dedicated fanbase, but it never reached the same level of universal popularity as other maps.

The statistics support that argument. Around 1300 professional games were played on Overpass in the last six months, far fewer than most other maps.

The map was also removed from the pool in 2024, which shows Valve is comfortable rotating it in and out of the active lineup.

If Cache really returns to Premier, Overpass feels like the most logical choice to replace.

The Second Candidate: Anubis

Anubis is another realistic option.

At first glance, removing a map only six months after bringing it back sounds strange. But Counter-Strike history already includes similar situations.

Train, for example, once stayed in the active map pool for only six months. Valve has shown many times that it is willing to make aggressive changes if a map fails to gain enough popularity.

And that is exactly Anubis’ problem. Over the last six months, the map has only been played around 700 times, which is the lowest number among all active maps.

Considering the massive hype surrounding Cache, replacing Anubis would make perfect sense. Valve would get a proven classic back instead of keeping a map that never fully connected with the player base.

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Which Map Will Leave?

If we evaluate the current situation right now, the ranking probably looks like this:

1. Overpass is the most likely map to be removed.

2. Anubis is the second most likely option.

3. Inferno remains an outside possibility.

All other maps seem too important to the current state of CS2.

Cache will almost certainly return to Premier within the next few months. And when it does, the Counter-Strike map pool could change once again in a major way.