Your knowledge of the CS2 map hierarchy is just as important as your aim. Knowing which maps are in the current rotation determines what you should practice, which utility lineups to memorize, and how to prepare for Premier matchmaking.
This guide covers the complete 2026 CS2 map pool, the difference between active and reserve maps, and the latest community additions.
The Active Duty Map Pool in CS2 (Premier)
The Active Duty pool consists of the seven maps currently used in the professional circuit (Majors) and Premier mode. These are the maps you must master to climb the ranks.
As of early 2026, the CS2 Premier map pool has seen significant changes to keep the meta fresh, most notably with the return of Anubis.
Current Competitive Rotation
- Anubis: Recently returned to the active pool in January 2026, replacing Train. It remains the most T-sided map due to its complex connector and water control.
- Mirage: The staple of the map pool CS2 players know best. It remains the most popular pug map due to its balanced, three-lane layout.
- Inferno: Famous for its narrow choke points and utility-heavy gameplay, specifically around “Banana” control.
- Nuke: A vertical, tactical map that heavily favors the CT side. Rotations here are faster than any other map.
- Dust II: The classic aim map returned to the pool in 2025, offering long sightlines and raw aim duels.
- Ancient: A jungle-themed map that emphasizes mid-control and close-quarters combat in the cave and temple areas.
- Overpass: Having replaced Anubis briefly in 2025, it remains in the pool with its unique multi-layered bombsites and long rotation times.
Note: The CS2 map rotation is fluid. Always check patch notes, as Valve frequently swaps maps after Major tournaments.
2026 Map Meta: Win Rates & Statistics
Knowing the math behind the maps can save your ELO. In the current patch, Anubis remains the outlier as the only map where Terrorists statistically dominate, largely due to the difficulty CTs face in holding the mid-connector area.
Conversely, Overpass and Nuke are statistically the safest picks for defensive-minded teams.
| Map | CT Win % | T Win % | Bias | Strategy Note |
| Anubis | 44.7% | 55.3% | Heavy T-Sided | Pick if you start T-side to build momentum. |
| Overpass | 56.3% | 43.7% | Heavy CT-Sided | Ideal pick if you have strong defensive setups. |
| Nuke | 54.1% | 45.9% | CT-Sided | Avoid starting T-sided unless you have coordinated team. |
| Mirage | 52.3% | 47.7% | Slighty CT-Sided | The most balanced “pug” map, though CTs hold the edge. |
| Ancient | 51.8% | 48.2% | Balanced | Often decided by who wins the pistol rounds. |
| Dust II | 49.2% | 50.8% | Balanced | Pure aim map; utility usage matters less here. |
| Inferno | 49.7% | 50.3% | Balanced | Heavily dependent on “Banana” control. |
Reserve and Casual Map Pool
Not every map CS2 offers is in the Premier rotation. The Reserve Pool contains classic maps and new community favorites available for Competitive (standard), casual, and Deathmatch modes.
Notable Reserve Maps
- Train: After a year in the active pool (2025), the reworked Train has moved to the reserve pool. It is still excellent for practicing long-range AWPing.
- Vertigo: Currently out of the active duty rotation, this map is known for its verticality and unique sound cues.
- Office & Italy: The premier Hostage Rescue maps, perfect for a change of pace from standard defusal gameplay.
New Community Maps
Valve regularly introduces a new CS2 map from the community Workshop to keep casual play exciting.
- Golden: A stunning map set in a gold mining village, added to the competitive and casual modes in late 2025.
- Palacio: A vibrant, colorful map that offers excellent visibility and classic gameplay flow.
Wingman and Arms Race Maps
For shorter play sessions, the CS2 competitive map pool adapts for 2v2 Wingman and the fast-paced Arms Race mode.
Wingman Map Pool
Wingman maps are either compact versions of active duty maps (using a single bombsite) or dedicated smaller maps.
- Overpass (B-site): Focuses on short-rage combat and ‘Monster’ tunnel control.
- Vertigo (A-site): Vertical gameplay centered around the ramp and site boxes.
- Nuke (B-site): Fast-paced, close-quarters combat on the lower site.
- Rooftop: A dedicated Wingman map set on a skyscraper, introduced recently.
- Transit: Another dedicated 2v2 map focused on rapid engagement.
Arms Race Map Pool
- Baggage: The classic multi-level map returns with improved Source 2 lighting.
- Shoots: A jungle-themed map perfect for quick weapons progression.
- Shoots (Night): A visually striking night version of the map that showcases the engine’s lighting capabilities.
- Pool Day: The legendary community favorite (currently unofficial/community server only).
CS2 Map Pick & Ban Strategy (Premier Mode)
Winning starts before the match begins. Understanding the veto phase is crucial for CS2 map success.
- Ban Your Weakness First: Always ban the map you have the least practice on. For many solo players, this is often Nuke or Anubis due to their reliance on team coordination.
- Target the Opponent’s Weakness: If you see the enemy team has a low win rate on Ancient (visible in the Premier pre-match screen), try to steer the veto towards it.
- Pick for Side Advantage:
- If you are good at T-side aggression, aim for Anubis.
- If you prefer a defensive setup, Nuke or Overpass are statistically better choice.
Best CS2 Warmup Map and Practice Settings
Before jumping into a match, you need to prepare. Using a dedicated CS2 warmup map is the most efficient way to build muscle memory.
Essential Workshop Maps
- CS2_Aim: A clean, texture-less environment purely for training flick shots and tracking.
- Crashz’ Crosshair Generator v4: This is the essential crosshair map CS2 players use to customize their settings and test new codes instantly.
- Refrag.gg (or similar prefires): These maps help you learn to clear angles without needing to memorize every CS2 map callouts list immediately—you learn by doing.
Optimized CS2 Map Settings
To ensure you aren’t at a disadvantage, tweak your settings for maximum visibility on every CS2 new map.
- Radar Scale: Set cl_radar_scale 0.4 in the console to see the entire map layout at a glance.
- Player Contrast: Enable “Boost Player Contrast” in Video Settings to make enemies pop against the background of darker maps like Ancient.
- Jump Throw Bind: Essential for smoke lineups. While CS2 has a consistent jump throw, using an alias ensures perfection:
- alias “+jumpaction” “+jump;” alias “+throwaction” “-attack; -attack2” alias “-jumpaction” “-jump” bind “v” “+jumpaction; +throwaction;”
Frequently Asked Questions
The current active duty pool includes Mirage, Inferno, Nuke, Dust II, Ancient, Overpass, and Anubis. Train was removed in January 2026.
Rumors and Workshop updates heavily suggest a Cache remake is in development and may arrive later in 2026, but it is not currently in the official active pool.
Despite its visual rework, Train was removed in early 2026 to make room for the returning Anubis. Valve rotates maps to keep the professional meta from becoming stale.
Mirage and Dust II are the best starting points. They rely on straightforward aim duels and have simple layouts that don’t require complex utility knowledge to play at a basic level.
Anubis is currently considered the most T-sided map in the active pool largely because the connector area allows Terrorists to split defenses effectively.