Cache has finally returned to Counter-Strike following the latest patch of Counter-Strike 2, which saw the map added, alongside a change to X-box on Dust 2.
Cache can be played in Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, and Retakes following the update, which saw Cache officially debut in CS2.
Cache added to CS2 – What’s different?
While Cache’s return was expected following teasers from the Counter-Strike devs on X, no one knew precisely what the new map would look like and what alterations would be made.
Cache was added to CS2 as a community map by original creator Shawn ‘FMPONE’ Snelling in March 2025, before Valve purchased the map in May.
The version released by Valve, after almost a year of work, is expectedly very different.
The map returns Cache to the color tones of the original map, removing the orangey flavour of FMPONE’s most recent version, and the green nature of the 2019 rework. The sky is now clear, removing the previously overcast vibe of the map.
The bombsites have visually changed, but largely bear functional resemblance to the originals, with the B bombsite missing Oleksandr ‘s1mple’ Kostyliev’s graffiti but still featuring the same DNA.
Mid returns to its original composition, without the whole on the CT-side, which allowed CT boosts and T utility through it.
Overall, the map has returned to a classic state, with a few changes to help newer players, such as adding a self-boost for Shroud on the A bombsite.
Dust 2 also received a small change, with X-box now visually conveying that there is a small ledge on the Tunnels side of the box to jump on.
Again, the move seems to be to remove the more esoteric elements of CS so that it’s an even playing field for everyone, making the jump up visible for all players.
Let us know what you think of Cache on our community Discord!
For more CS news, see our interview with NAVI IGL aleksib.
Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
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