Valve unleashed CS2 Premier Season 4 on January 22, 2026, without mentioning Cache in the patch notes. But it didn’t take long for news to come out.

Let’s backtrack a bit: In May 2025, we reported that Valve purchased the rights to Cache from the original creator, Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling. At the time, there were high hopes that Cache would officially come to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) soon, possibly replacing Mirage. Fast-forward 9 months, and Cache is still in the oven… slowly roasting.

Fans have been reassured that Valve is actively working on an official CS2 version of Cache, with the official G2 Esports’ CS2 account replying, “We’re so hungry, boss,” and many other organizations celebrating — but celebrations could be a bit premature.

When Will Cache Officially Release in CS2?

The most popular answer is simply: When it’s ready. 

Our best guesstimate is that Cache could release either at the start of Season 5 (most likely) or at the start of Season 6. Season 5 is expected to begin a few weeks after the IEM Cologne Major, with the Grand Final scheduled for June 21, 2026. The alternative release date would be sometime in early January 2027, when Season 6 is expected to begin.

At the time of writing, Valve has not revealed a date for the official return of Cache.

With the community on the edge of their seats, famed esports organization NAVI replied to the Season 4 post on X, asking, “No Cache?” The developer responded very positively, simply saying, “It’s cooking.”

It's cooking.

— CS2 (@CounterStrike) January 21, 2026

If you are really jonesing for Cache, you can always play FMPONE’s by downloading it via the CS2 Workshop.

CS2 Premier Season 4 Map Changes

With the start of Premier Season 4, Valve has made several map changes. Most importantly, Train has been officially removed from the Active Duty Map Pool used in CS Premier mode and esports tournaments, with Anubis returning.

Anubis received the following updates:

• Bridge drop moved near Mid Doors.
• Mid doors orientation reversed.
• Hole added between E-box and Back of B.
• Bombsite A crates moved up steps on to Walkway.
• Scaffolding added to pillar on Bombsite A.

Valve also removed community maps Agency, Rooftop, Palacio, and Golden from all game modes. In their place come Warden, Stronghold, and Alpine, which you’ll now find in the Competitive, Casual, and Deathmatch game modes. Further, Sanctum and Poseidon were added to the Wingman game mode.

What’s Inside CS2 Premier Season 4?

Alongside the map changes, Valve has added two new collections to the Weekly Care Package system, namely the colorful Harlequin and the clean Achroma. The armory also has a new entry, the limited edition AK-47 | Aphrodit, for players to pick up.

There are some gameplay changes you can view via the official patch notes. Highlights include adjustments to the MP7 and MP5-SD guns:

• Slightly increased damage
• Slightly reduced damage fall-off
• Reduced price by $100.

The cost of the PP-Bizon has also been reduced by $100. There are also sound adjustments, minor fixes, an increased material fidelity on some of the base guns, and jump mechanic changes.