The 7 Active Duty Maps
The CS2 competitive map pool consists of 7 carefully balanced maps. Mastering these maps is essential for climbing the ranks.
Dust2
The most iconic CS map ever made. Dust2's symmetrical design teaches fundamental CS concepts — mid control, long range angles, and site execution timing.
Key Angles: Long A Doors, Cat/Catwalk, B Tunnels, Mid-to-B, Upper Tunnel
CT Strategy: One player holds Long A, one holds B Short, and one plays aggressive mid. Rotations through mid are fastest.
T Strategy: Smoke Long A cross, take Catwalk control, split A with Long + Catwalk players. B execute through tunnels with 3+ players.
Mirage
The definitive balanced CS2 map. Every position has a counter, every execute has an answer. Mid control through Window/Connector is the decisive factor in most rounds.
Key Angles: Window, Connector, Top Mid, Jungle, Ramp, Palace, Apartments, Van
CT Strategy: Two players split A (CT + Jungle), one holds B Van/Short, one plays aggressive window or bench.
T Strategy: Full B through Apartments or A three-man split via Ramp and Palace. Mid connector control enables late rotations.
Inferno
Utility mastery separates good Inferno players from great ones. Banana control (B side) and A apartments both require precise smoke placements.
Key Angles: Banana, Car, Library, Apartments, CT, Arch, Pit
CT Strategy: Two CTs contest banana aggressively, one holds A apartments, one plays retake-oriented from CT.
T Strategy: Full banana control with 2-3 utility pieces, then full B execute. Or fake banana and rotate to A apartments split.
Nuke
The highest CT win rate map in the pool. Nuke's vertical design creates unique tactical possibilities that don't exist on any other map.
Key Angles: Ramp, Lobby, Outside, Heaven, Hut, Yellow, Mini, Squeaky
CT Strategy: Heaven control above upper site is critical. Rotate through vents using squeaky sound as timing reference.
T Strategy: Ramp room control enables upper or lower site takes. Full execute on upper with smokes on Heaven and CT is most reliable.
Anubis
The newest addition to the pool. Egyptian-themed with faster rotations than most maps, rewarding aggressive CTs.
Key Angles: Canal, A Main, CT Stairs, Mid Connector, B Connector, B Main
CT Strategy: Early canal aggression catches T players off-guard. Connector control enables quick rotations between sites.
T Strategy: Fast B executes use Anubis's quick timings effectively. Canal smokes open up A site approaches.
Ancient
Narrow jungle-themed corridors reward positioning and utility precision. Cave passage creates unique mid-round rotation opportunities.
Key Angles: A Main/Ramp, CT, Cave, B Short, B Main, Mid Door
CT Strategy: Cross-fire at A ramp with two CTs. Cave control prevents T mid rotations. B short aggression can yield early picks.
T Strategy: Cave mid control creates dual-site pressure. A main entry with cave support players is the most effective execute.
Vertigo
Set on a high-rise rooftop, Vertigo features tight corridors, massive headshot angles, and a high CT win rate in professional play.
Key Angles: A Ramp, T Side, A Site Box, Mid, B Scaffolding, B Site, Elevator
CT Strategy: Must play aggressive A ramp early. Box control at A site with cross-fire positions. B scaffolding timing is crucial.
T Strategy: A side rushes are historically strong on Vertigo. B execute needs scaffold takes and CT utility.