Cache in CS2: When could the map return?

Cache was as soon as Counter-Strike’s hottest map in matchmaking and professional lobbies, however it was eliminated in 2019 and was by no means seen once more within the lively obligation pool. 5 years later, a Cache remake was revealed for CS2 and is playable on the workshop. Nevertheless, it has been months, and there’s no official phrase but on its arrival.

However the beloved map could also be coming earlier than you suppose. Let’s check out all of the sources pinpointing its imminent arrivals, its historical past, and among the largest adjustments in its latest remake.

Cache, considered one of Counter-Strike’s most beloved maps, is poised to make its return to CS2 after Valve formally acquired the rights from creator Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling. Whereas no actual launch date has been confirmed, FMPONE revealed on X (previously Twitter) that Valve reached out to buy the map “on day one of release” of his CS2 remake, suggesting robust curiosity in reintegrating it into the official pool.

FMPONE has additionally said that Valve beforehand supplied to purchase the map round 2013-2015, however they selected to “trip out” operations due to their confidence within the map’s recognition.

Following a viral leak of the map’s remake, FMPONE launched the up to date model of Cache within the Steam workshop on March 4, 2025. Cache was missed and rapidly welcomed again by the group. FACEIT hosted a club challenge for enjoying the map with prize cash on the road. ESL celebrated with the first pro showmatch that includes NAVI vs. G2. Regardless of that, there was no announcement from both the creator or Valve on whether or not Cache will likely be formally added again into CS2.

Notable leaker Gabe Follower has additionally hinted at Cache’s return. On Might 6, he tweeted six cryptic emojis, which have been implied to be Grail, Dogtown, Brewery, Cache, and Company. Two days later, all maps besides Cache have been added to Counter-Strike 2’s map pool. Then, on Might 23, Gabe Follower shared that the brand new CS2 replace mentions Cache in the competitive pool. 

Lastly, FMPONE confirms that Valve has bought the rights to Cache by thanking the unique creator, Sal “Volcano” Garrozo, Counter-Strike, and the group for enjoying Cache. Within the replies, he additionally talked about that Valve owns the rights to the artwork of the well-known s1mple graffiti.

Neighborhood maps Anubis and Tuscan have been allegedly purchased by Valve for $150,000, based on datamining leaks by means of Steam’s API. It’s anticipated {that a} prolific map similar to Cache is price greater than that quantity.

Once more, no official launch date has been confirmed by both social gathering. It was thought-about that the Austin Main might the occasion it will return as that is without doubt one of the largest occasions on the Counter-Strike calendar. Nevertheless, as that’s already underway, we are going to all have to attend a little bit longer. 

A few extra strands to think about for its launch date is the Counter-Strike Twitter account modified its banner, a recognized behavior it does to tease upcoming updates. The opposite is that apart from optimisations and adjustments from Valve’s facet, Cache is a completed product that’s hidden in CS2’s information, which shouldn’t necessitate drastic adjustments.

Cache was initially created by Salvatore “Volcano” Garozzo as a customized map for Counter-Strike: Supply. Volcano is a retired Counter-Strike skilled who was lively from the primary iteration of the sport to the early days of CS:GO, even successful the World Cyber Video games again to again (2004 and 2005) beneath Crew 3D. He’s presently the co-lead recreation designer at Riot Video games for VALORANT.

Cache was first seen on the ESEA server community in April of 2010. Then, the map was added to the ninth Season of ESEA League and hosted its first match in July of 2011. Volcano additionally designed maps like Practice, Crown, Lite, and redesigned Nuke to make it extra aggressive.

Cache was remade for CS:GO in collaboration with FMPONE and Lenz ‘penE’ Monath. Leveraging the facility of the upgraded engine, they improved aesthetics, tweaked gameplay for aggressive gamers, and improved visleaf optimisation. Designed with a post-apocalyptic Chernobyl theme, the map was set in Pripyat, Ukraine, that includes deserted industrial zones and overgrown environments for its distinct visible identification.

Cache debuted in CS:GO throughout Operation Bravo (2013) as a part of the group map assortment, rapidly gaining recognition because the go-to pug map together with Dust 2. By June 2014, it achieved a historic milestone by turning into the primary and solely group map added to the Energetic Obligation aggressive pool on the time.

Cache was probably the most performed map in Operation Bravo, so it was set to return in Operation Phoenix (2014). The map was not solely standard in matchmaking, however it was additionally the most played map in Counter-Strike esports in 2015. It was the setting for therefore many iconic performs like s1mple’s no-scope AWP in ESL One Cologne 2016, NiKo’s 1v5 deagle ace throughout eco spherical, Shroud’s triple kill in a lift spot (later named after him) to convey Cloud9 to additional time.

All good issues should come to an finish, and Cache was faraway from the lively obligation pool in 2019 for Vertigo. Swapping a beloved map for a hated one continues to be some of the controversial selections from Counter-Strike to this present day. 

Regardless of its elimination, FMPONE continued to assist the map, releasing a visually reworked model in September 2019 at ESL One New York, that includes up to date textures, lighting, and minor structure tweaks. There was additionally an all-star showmatch that had nice performs from kennyS and Twistszz. Sadly, the group initially rejected the remake due to how inexperienced it was, mixing in with the newly launched agent skins on the time. 

The 2025 CS2 remake of Cache introduces important visible and gameplay adjustments whereas preserving the map’s core identification. Visually, the remake scales again the dense foliage from the 2019 rework, choosing a country, worn-down aesthetic with bolder colors and improved lighting to boost visibility. The brand new Cache feels prefer it’s straight out of an in depth movie set, with cinematic lighting, placing murals, and environmental storytelling.

Key structural changes embody the elimination of the CT-side mid window and ladder, changing the open window with a small crack within the wall for utility.

There’s additionally this ruined phase of the constructing on prime of Truck that’s an ideal spot to dump utility for retaking A bombsite. 

The enduring Squeaky Door at A-site is now destructible, permitting Ts to throw HE grenades for an explosive entrance. Earlier than, Squeaky opened at a clumsy angle and funnelled attackers making an attempt to enter A bombsite.

Hold a watch out for newly opened home windows and openings that may permit for brand spanking new utility setups within the new Cache. There are additionally these lit barrels that illuminate widespread tenting spots, like this one beneath Heaven in B bombsite and one other close to the Forklight in A.

There are a number of spots the place FPS can dip down, and the entire map is extra demanding to run in comparison with common maps like Mirage. Hopefully, Valve can iron out these technical points so extra individuals can get pleasure from this beautiful Cache remake. These adjustments are primarily based on FMPONE’s model out there on the workshop and are topic to Valve’s remaining design.

Cache’s journey from a customized map in Supply to some of the standard maps in CS:GO and at last probably the most anticipated return in CS2 highlights its enduring legacy for the sport. FMPONE’s tireless work on updating Volcano’s map paid off, creating a good looking and detailed snapshot wreck close to Chernobyl that’s additionally balanced for the aggressive group.

After lastly promoting the rights to Valve, it’s now as much as them to optimise and alter to their liking.