What map will Cache replace in CS2?

Cache is coming to CS2. Valve’s recent tease on X has revealed the undeniable truth that the classic Counter-Strike map is finally on the way, after over two years of waiting. Yes, we have the FMPONE remake, but it’s not the same as having it back in the Active Duty map pool.

Indeed, there is no guarantee that when Cache is added to CS2, it will arrive straight back into Active Duty. It’s more likely that it will be tested in Competitive first, and balanced properly for its long-awaited comeback. However, the conversation among players right now is clear: What map will Cache replace in CS2?

Mirage is a contender, but it’s unlikely

After twelve years in the competitive Counter-Strike map pool, many players would kill to see –Mirage become a reality. At this point, it feels stale, even to many casual players, and there’s no doubt that Valve should be looking to make some changes to arguably its most iconic map. It’s risky stuff, and any changes would likely see the map take a spell out of the map pool.

Mirage is a super puggy map. Everyone above a certain ELO knows the strats and can play the map on autopilot, and Cache is very much of that same mold. Removing Mirage for Cache in CS2 would be a solid change in terms of the maps’ respective playstyles.

But it’s just not going to happen. Mirage isn’t going anywhere. Why? The sheer popularity of the map makes its removal pretty much impossible for Valve. As frustrating as it is, there are still many CS2 players who just play Mirage, and for obvious reasons, Valve doesn’t want to alienate those gamers. It’s perhaps the change most needed right now, but equally, it’s the one least likely to happen. In the pro scene, Mirage keeps delivering classic matches, too, which is just another reason for it to stick around.

Inferno is the most realistic option

Even as an Inferno fan, even I can admit it’s living on borrowed time at the moment. Ever since the transition to CS2 over two years ago, players have complained about the new version of the iconic map. Valve is clearly aware, too, with numerous changes made already to tinker with the balance of CS2 Inferno. It did the exact same to Vertigo, before its removal from the map pool at the start of 2025.

Inferno is undoubtedly a classic Counter-Strike map, but the game’s success doesn’t hinge on it being in the pool. If Valve really want to make it work, it needs another big overhaul, one that can only happen if it spends some time out of Active Duty.

When Cache comes into CS2, the map pool will get another iconic map. This will make the removal of Inferno a little easier to swallow for those who love the map, and give Valve the time to perform open-heart surgery on Inferno. If I had to bet on what map Cache will replace in CS2, it’d be Inferno.

Don’t rule out Ancient

Hear me out: –Ancient isn’t the change I want to see, but I think it’s a sleeper option that many aren’t considering. Ancient has been a map pool staple since 2021, and in just a few months, it will mark five months in Active Duty. That’s a long time. But it’s not just that – there are other factors that could come into play when Cache is finally added to CS2.

In terms of layout, Cache and Ancient play very similarly, and Valve wants as diverse a map pool as possible. Each map should offer its own unique gameplay style – not everything needs to be Mirage v2, v3, and so on. Because of this, there’s definitely a world in which, when the time comes, the developer decides the two maps are too similar to coexist in the map pool at the same time.

Another thing to note is popularity. Among pros and good players, Ancient is a very popular map. However, low ELO Premier players may find that Ancient is almost non-existent, and is a permaban for many who opt against trying it. And as much as Valve likes to appeal to the hardcore players, it also makes choices to appease the casuals, too. Don’t rule out the possibility that Cache replaces Ancient in CS2, even if Inferno feels like the more obvious choice right now. If CS2 has taught us anything, it’s that Valve doesn’t always make the most straightforward choices in matters like this.