Best CS: Source Maps: Ranking the Top 10 Classics

Counter-Strike: Source may have been released over two decades ago now, but its legacy in keeping CS alive at a pivotal time remains integral to the series. Like its predecessor CS 1.6, the maps were a big factor in why CS: Source had the type of staying power that it did, with tons of maps available for late-night battles on the server. Good times. So, of them all, which are the best CS: Source maps?

It’s time to take a trip down memory lane at the 10 best Counter-Strike: Source maps, to see which ones have left behind the strongest legacy in the modern day.

10. Assault (cs_assault)

• Game Mode: Hostage Rescue
• Release Date: July 6th, 2005

While Assault (cs_assault) removed the security cameras that made the original CS 1.6 map so unique, it remains one of the best CS: Source maps ever. This Hostage Rescue map sees players clear their way through a giant warehouse, and it’s got a rather open design compared to most CS:S maps. Love it or hate it, Assault certainly has a standout design.

9. Piranesi (de_piranesi)

• Game Mode: Bomb Defusal
• Release Date: October 7th, 2004

Piranesi (de_piranesi) is almost forgotten among the best CS: Source maps. That’s okay – we remember it, and its interesting museum theme was enough to net Piranesi 9th place on this list. Counter-Strike: Source was Piranesi’s last appearance, hence why many players may have forgotten about its existence nowadays.

8. Dust (de_dust)

• Game Mode: Bomb Defusal
• Release Date: October 7th, 2004

Before Dust2, there was Dust (de_dust). Not quite as impressive as its successor, nor has it had the staying power. But back in the day, Dust reigned supreme as one of the best Counter-Strike: Source maps ever. Half a legacy of anything is what comes after, and Dust laid some pretty great foundations.

7. Cobblestone (de_cbble)

• Game Mode: Bomb Defusal
• Release Date: October 7th, 2004

Cobblestone (de_cbble) has always had an unorthodox layout for a Counter-Strike map. Its maze-like layout and castle theme set it apart from the crowd, making Cobblestone one that players either really love or really hate. But being controversial is no disqualifier to be considered among the best CS: Source maps, and there’s a reason many players still want to see it return in Counter-Strike 2.

6. Italy (cs_italy)

• Game Mode: Hostage Rescue
• Release Date: October 7th, 2004

Italy (cs_italy) is Hostage Rescue perfection. Set in the narrow streets of an Italian town, it massively plays to the strengths of the game type by ensuring almost all gunfights are close-quarters engagements. Each round is a war of attrition to rescue the hostages, which is why Italy is so compelling among the best CS: Source maps. It has been a staple since 1.6 and remains popular for Hostage Rescue in CS2, but I’d argue this Counter-Strike: Source version is Italy at its peak.

5. Train (de_train)

• Game Mode: Bomb Defusal
• Release Date: February 24th, 2005

Train (de_train) has to be among the best CS: Source maps, but it’s absolutely a very “love it or hate it” type of map for many players. This is entirely down to the layout of its bombsites, which feature narrow sightlines that are an AWPer’s paradise. This has always been the case with Train, though, so that won’t come as new information to many players.

4. Dust2 (de_dust2)

• Game Mode: Bomb Defusal
• Release Date: October 7th, 2004

Dust2 (de_dust2) is a classic in every version of Counter-Strike, so it should come as no surprise to see it among the best CS: Source maps. Its relevance extends beyond CS – Dust2 is simply one of the most iconic FPS maps in history, with unrivaled longevity in the genre. Many would have this right at the top of their own lists, and I wouldn’t argue with those who feel that way.

3. Inferno (de_inferno)

• Game Mode: Bomb Defusal
• Release Date: May 13th, 2005

Inferno (de_inferno) has always been a classic, and while the newer version in CS2 isn’t as popular, it was always considered to be among the best CS: Source maps. It strips Counter-Strike back to basics in terms of its map layout, but with an extremely high skill ceiling that makes it easy to learn and difficult to master. Inferno isn’t just among the best Counter-Strike: Source maps, but the best CS maps of all time.

2. Office (cs_office)

• Game Mode: Hostage Rescue
• Release Date: October 7th, 2004

Office (cs_office) immediately stands out as one of the best CS: Source maps ever, and it’s not even really thanks to Counter-Strike. Rather, its iconic status derives more from its frequent appearance in Garry’s Mod. We all remember playing Prop Hunt on Office – happy days. It’s for this alone that it ranks among the best Counter-Strike: Source maps.

1. Nuke (de_nuke)

• Game Mode: Bomb Defusal
• Release Date: December 1st, 2005

Of all the best CS: Source maps, Nuke (de_nuke) stands alone at the top. There are some tweaks from the modern version you see in the game today, but broadly, it’s the same map you know and love, albeit with an admittedly drab coat of paint. It doesn’t need to look pretty, though – its unique vertical design, with one bomb site on top of the other, makes Nuke distinctly unique to play, and the best Counter-Strike: Source map of all.