It’s a fact that some of the most iconic maps in gaming history are CS:GO maps. Many are remakes from CS 1.6 and CS: Source, and their incredible map design has allowed them to still be played many years later.
The maps on this list are all Bomb Defusal maps, with the mode being by far the most popular in the game. All Wingman maps and Hostage Rescue maps, while usually well-designed, simply don’t have the staying power of the other maps on this list.
5. Overpass
Source: Valve
Some maps on our list earn their spots by being classics, maps that we’ve seen throughout more than 20 years of Counter-Strike history. By contrast, Overpass is practically a spring chicken, turning 10 years old in December 2023 along with Cobblestone. Picking between these 2 maps is a challenge, with both of them having some real iconic status as maps that represent the legacy of CS:GO in the franchise.
What puts Overpass slightly ahead in our opinion is the relationship it has had with pro play over the years. The Olofboost is a frontrunner for the most controversial highlight in all of CS:GO’s competitive history, and that alone places it squarely in the top 5.
4. Dust 2
Image source: Steam
Dust 2 is the ultimate iconic CS:GO map. A part of the map pool since CS 1.1, its core design has remained the same over the years. Though the map is the successor to the original Dust, it’s the sequel that has kept players engaged years later.
Dust 2’s popularity stems from its ease to play. The map is relatively balanced between T and CT sides, giving newer players the perfect learning grounds while they get to grips with the basics of the game. Make no mistake though – the map’s design allows for a more experienced player to dominate proceedings, meaning there’s something for everyone on Dust 2.
While Dust 2 is currently excluded from the Active Duty map pool, it’s only a matter of time before Valve brings the map back to the competitive scene.
3. Inferno
Source: Valve
Like Dust 2 before it, Inferno makes claim to a spot on the list thanks to undeniable iconic status; the map was released in 1.1 all the way back in 2001! Inferno is somewhat infamous for having that old-school Counter-Strike feel compared to the other maps that accompany it in the Active Duty group of maps.
Who hasn’t had a chicken mess up a clip-worthy headshot or choked trying to peek on Banana over the years? Inferno was recently revamped for CS2 and we can’t wait to try some of the changes that have come with the update!
2. Nuke
Image source: Steam
Alongside other classics like Inferno and Cobblestone CS:GO has another map that has stood the test of time. Nuke debuted prior to the release of the original Counter-Strike, and remains essential learning for players wanting to get better at CS:GO.
Nuke isn’t the most beginner-friendly of CS:GO maps, requiring great utility use on both CT and T sides to get solid results. Because of this, it has an extremely high skill ceiling, with its narrow hallways punishing even the best of players. But even if you’re a new player looking for a true baptism-of-fire, Nuke could still have plenty to offer you. The map has shown that it isn’t going anywhere, so you might as well learn it now.
1. Mirage
Image source: Steam
Mirage was first created as a fan-made map for CS 1.6 by community member Michael Hüll. The map was only made an official map post-release of CS:GO. The resulting 2013 Valve remake is the Mirage players see today, and its inclusion has been a resounding success, with the map currently standing as the most-played CS:GO map of all time.
Mirage works perfectly as an introduction to utility for new players. There are plenty of easy-to-use smoke and Molotov line-ups, that even the newest player could execute to good effect. It’s a map that truly helps players improve their game, and is a great launching pad to other maps.
Due to fan reverence for the map, any attempt from Valve to change it always hits front-page CS:GO news, although big updates to the map are rare. To date, it remains the only map to have featured in all 17 CS:GO Majors. In CS:GO Mirage truly is the King, and long may its reign continue.
There were so many CS:GO maps that we could have mentioned here. Map design is one of CS:GO’s highlights, with its tactical gameplay requiring inch-perfect design from the developers. With no new map for a while, we’re excited to see what Valve adds next.
FAQs
What CS:GO maps are missing from the Active Duty pool?
While the Active Duty map pool changes every few months, there are some fan favorites not currently involved. The most notable exclusion is Dust 2, which remains one of the most iconic maps from the Counter-Strike franchise. We don’t imagine it’ll remain gone for much longer. There’s also Train, which hasn’t been in Active Duty for a long time. The map is in need of a rework, and despite being a favorite from the 1.6 days, it just doesn’t appeal to many players anymore. Finally, there’s Cache, which remains popular in regular matchmaking. We imagine Valve will freshen up Cache for CS2 to make a triumphant return.
How many CS:GO maps are there?
Looking just at the Bomb Defusal game type, there are a total of ten CS:GO maps. These are:
Ancient
Anubis
Cache
Dust 2
Inferno
Mirage
Nuke
Overpass
Train
Vertigo
It’s a solid map pool, with no particularly poor maps. They’re meticulously chosen by Valve, with only the best making it into the game. When you take Hostage Rescue into account, there are five more maps in CS:GO.
Agency
Assault
Italy
Militia
Office
This mode isn’t as popular, so these maps get much fewer players.
Have there been any maps removed from CS:GO?
There have been a huge amount of maps added and removed from CS:GO. These maps were usually released as part of an Operation, and didn’t have the staying power to remain in CS:GO. The most notable include:
Aztec
Dust
Seaside
Zoo
Unfortunately, there’s currently no way to play these maps removed from CS:GO. However, CS2 offers hope that Valve may decide to rework some of these maps and bring them back, even for casual play.
Will more maps be added to CS:GO?
At this point, it’s unlikely. CS2 is almost upon us, and it’s unlikely that an Operation will launch prior to bring any new maps into CS:GO. Any new maps will likely be held for the release of the new game, so we could see some new maps in CS2 when it releases.
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