CS2 Map Pool 2025: Active Duty Maps

The active duty map pool is the set of maps available in Competitive and Premier matchmaking. These are also the maps used in professional tournaments and CS2 Majors. As of the latest CS2 updates, the active duty pool includes the following seven maps.

• Mirage: A classic three-lane map set in Morocco. Known for its balanced layout and accessible callouts, Mirage is one of the most played maps at all skill levels.
• Inferno: Set in an Italian village, Inferno features tight chokepoints and heavy utility usage. The Banana and Apartments areas are iconic battlegrounds for both casual and professional play.
• Dust2: The most recognizable Counter-Strike map in history. Dust2's simple layout and long sightlines make it a favourite for aim-focused players.
• Nuke: A vertically-oriented map set in a nuclear facility. Nuke's two-floor design and complex rotation paths make it one of the more tactical maps in the pool.
• Ancient: A relatively newer addition to the active duty pool. Ancient features Aztec-inspired architecture and a layout that rewards coordinated team play.
• Anubis: An Egyptian-themed map added to active duty in CS2. Anubis has quickly become a competitive staple with its unique mid-control dynamics.
• Vertigo: A skyscraper map with unconventional vertical gameplay. Vertigo's compact layout leads to fast rotations and aggressive play styles.

Note that this pool can change at any time through CS2 updates. Always check the game client for the most current active duty rotation. You can explore callouts and details for each map on our CS2 maps page.

Valve makes periodic adjustments to the active duty pool, adding new maps, removing underperforming ones, or swapping maps that need rework time. These changes are announced through CS2 game updates and blog posts on the official Counter-Strike website.

The transition from CS:GO to CS2 brought significant map pool changes. Not all CS:GO maps made the jump to CS2 at launch, as each map needed to be rebuilt or updated for the Source 2 engine. Some maps like Overpass and Train that were previously in the active duty pool have seen various changes in their availability.

When Valve adds or removes a map, it typically takes effect immediately in matchmaking. Professional tournament organizers usually adopt the new pool for their next scheduled event, though some may complete ongoing tournaments with the previous pool to avoid mid-event disruption.

The concept of an active duty map pool was introduced during CS:GO's competitive evolution. Before this system, players could queue for any available map, leading to inconsistent competitive experiences. The active duty system standardizes which maps are used in ranked play and professional competition.

Over the years, the active duty pool has seen numerous changes. Iconic maps like Cobblestone, Cache, and Train have all rotated in and out. Each change sparks community discussion and requires professional teams to adapt their strategies and map pools.

Some of the most notable historical changes include the addition of Vertigo (which was controversial at first but has since become a competitive mainstay), the introduction of Ancient as a replacement for Train, and the addition of Anubis during the CS2 era. Each change reflects Valve's ongoing effort to balance competitive freshness with map quality.

Beyond the active duty pool, CS2 supports additional maps through the reserve group and the Steam Workshop. Reserve maps are Valve-made maps that are not part of competitive matchmaking but may appear in casual playlists or can be played on community servers.

The Steam Workshop hosts thousands of community-created maps ranging from faithful recreations of classic maps to entirely original designs. Workshop maps can be used for practice, custom game modes, and casual play. See our CS2 workshop maps guide for instructions on finding and loading them.

Some of the most requested maps that are currently not in CS2 include Cache, Cobblestone, and Season. Community members have created workshop versions of these maps, though they are unofficial. For the latest on Cache specifically, see our Cache in CS2 guide.

Valve has never published an official set of criteria for active duty map selection, but patterns from past decisions reveal several factors that influence their choices.

Competitive balance is paramount. Maps that consistently produce one-sided results (where one side wins far more rounds than the other) are candidates for removal or rework. Valve monitors win rate data across all skill levels and from professional play to evaluate map balance.

Community feedback also plays a role. Maps that are broadly unpopular with the player base may be cycled out, while highly requested maps may be fast-tracked for addition. However, Valve also considers map diversity -- they want each map in the pool to offer a distinct tactical experience rather than feeling redundant.

Technical quality and visual standards matter as well. As CS2 evolves, maps need to meet current engine capabilities and performance benchmarks. Maps that cause frame rate issues or have unresolved visual bugs may be pulled from rotation until they are fixed. Valve occasionally partners with community mappers who have created standout workshop maps, bringing polished community work into the official game.