Map Updates in CS2: Key Takeaways
- There will be three types of map updates in CS2; Touchstones, Upgrades, and Overhauls.
- There are a total of 17 confirmed map updates in CS2.
- The main goal of the updates is to give visual retouches and make the maps feel more modernized without making them feel like completely new maps.
One of the games that most players are excited about in 2023 is CS2. CS2 is the highly anticipated sequel to CS:GO that is looking to improve gameplay mechanics, upgrade visuals, and update the game to make it feel more modern.
CS2 brings a ton of new features, some even inspired by Valorant. It’s also looking to bring much-needed updates to existing Counter-Strike maps. So for today, let’s take a look at all the map updates in CS2.
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Table of Contents
CS2 Map Updates
Valve has already confirmed a total of 17 existing Counter-Strike maps that will make their way to CS2. Some are actually already playable in the CS2 beta currently in progress.
Unfortunately, not all of us can access the CS2 beta since it’s an invite-only beta. For those of us who weren’t lucky enough to get access, all we can do is watch the CS:GO streamers and try to see what new features they test out.
It can be hard to keep track of how many changes each map will go through. This is why Valve has grouped the updated maps into categories. The map updates in CS2 are categorized into Touchstone, Upgrades, and Overhauls.
Each category will give the community a pretty solid idea about the changes that will occur on each map. Touchstone maps will offer basic updates. Upgrades will provide major updates. Finally, Overhauls are basically complete rebuilds.
Let’s take a closer look at the different map updates in CS2 and the categories they belong to.
Uncategorized Maps
These maps are confirmed to be in CS2 but aren’t available or categorized yet. It’s yet to be seen how big of an update Valve with do with these maps. For now, it’s also unknown whether they will be included at launch or will be released at a later date.
Judging by how slow CS2 has been pushing out map updates, I’ll say that most of these uncategorized maps will be introduced at a later date after launch. Luckily, most maps in the uncategorized list are for minor game modes like Deathmatch and Hostage.
It’s speculated that Cobblestone will be updated right before or when CS2 launches, so it might not be part of the uncategorized map list for long.
- Cobblestone
- Shoots
- Office
- Canals
- Lake
- Shortdust
Touchstone
Touchstone maps are the most basic updates that’ll happen in CS2. These maps will remain largely unchanged because of their already solid layout, designs, and required playstyles.
Overall, these maps will only receive minor visual upgrades, small updates to lighting and textures, and slight retouches. The main goal of Touchstones is to simply make the older maps look modernized and fit better with the new engine while sticking as close to the original material as possible.
Here are all the confirmed Touchstone map updates in CS2:
Upgrades
Next, we have the middle ground when it comes to map updates in CS2. These maps will receive major updates to lighting, better textures, and greatly improved graphics.
The overall goal for Upgrades is to utilize as much of the Source 2 engine as possible to improve visuals, while maintaining the core identity of the maps.
Here are all the confirmed Upgrade map updates in CS2:
- Nuke
- Ancient
- Baggage
Overhauls
Finally, we have Overhauls. Simply put, Overhauls are map reworks. This is mainly composed of some of the oldest maps in Counter-Strike. This is the category that most CS:GO players are excited about.
The overall goal for Overhauls is to rebuild the maps and include new textures, objects, structures, lighting, and even the layout in some cases.
Here are all the confirmed Overhaul map updates in CS2:
- Overpass
- Inferno
- Italy
- Tuscan
