In Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the Active Duty maps are utilized in all esports tournaments, ranging from small LANs to Major Championships. These virtual battlefields are an integral part of the machine, and understanding how the CS2 Active Duty map pool works is essential for any serious player.

Let’s jump into the server and discuss how it all works, when Valve might make a change, the seasonal rotation pattern, and why changes occur.

What Is the CS2 Active Duty Map Pool?

For over a decade (since July 1, 2014, to be exact), the CS2 Active Duty map pool system has followed the same basic structure: a rotating lineup of seven maps at a time. Each map is specifically designed and balanced for the default 5v5 Bomb Defusal game mode in CS2.

This includes having both Terrorist (T) and Counter-Terrorist (CT) spawn sides, along with two bomb sites. Beyond that, the pool defines competitive Counter-Strike, acting as the standard in professional tournaments and Premier mode, with no maps outside the CS2 Active Duty rotation ever included.

Over the years, certain areas in these iconic maps have developed their own personalities, each steeped in esports history.

For example, Inferno’s Banana is an iconic area that features a small plaque (located on the right side as you enter Banana from the T-side spawn), which says “Via Adamo.” That’s Italian for “Adam Street,” celebrating the Swedish legend Adam “friberg” Friberg and his dominance on Banana.

When Does the CS2 Map Pool Change?

In CS2, Valve has followed a much more precise pattern in changing the Active Duty map pool than in CS:GO, which happened erratically on “Valve time.”

While there is no exact schedule for the next change, one thing is clear: Valve removes one map and adds another at the start of a new CS2 season, usually after a Major Championship concludes.

CS2 Seasons Change After Majors

Counter-Strike 2’s seasonal updates are closely tied to the Major cycle.

During Season One (September 2023 to January 2025), widely regarded as a public beta phase, Dust2 replaced Overpass on April 25, 2024—only weeks after PGL Major Copenhagen ended on March 31. Later that year, the Perfect World Shanghai Major concluded on December 15.

Season Two began on January 29, 2025, with Valve announcing Train as a replacement for Vertigo, signaling the end of the beta period. After the BLAST.tv Austin Major on June 22, Valve launched Season Three on July 16, removing Anubis and reintroducing Overpass to the Active Duty pool.

While a clear pattern is emerging, more data is needed to confirm whether every CS2 season will bring an Active Duty map pool change. Based on current trends, however, new seasons are expected to launch roughly three to four weeks after each Major Championship.

Past CS2 Map Pool Changes

The first-ever CS:GO Major Championship, DreamHack Winter 2013, featured only five maps (Dust2, Mirage, Train, Nuke, and Inferno). In the Winter Offensive update released on December 18, 2013, Cobblestone and Overpass were introduced to the game, but they were not immediately added to the Active Duty map pool.

With Operation Breakout (July 1, 2014), following the ESL Major Series One Katowice 2014, Valve officially added the seven-map Active Duty pool—a number that has stuck to this day. The developer removed Train and added Cache, Cobblestone, and Overpass, undoubtedly the most significant change ever.

So why the history lesson? To explain when the Active Duty map pool was established in its official capacity.

CS2 Active Duty Map Pool Rotations

In total, there have been nine maps in the CS2 Active Duty pool, and 11 in total since the CS:GO era. Let’s take a look at the historical map changes in CS2 since its official launch on September 27, 2023.

Date	Map(s) Added	Map Removed	Context
September 27, 2023	Mirage, Inferno, Nuke, Overpass, Vertigo, Ancient, and Anubis.	N/A	CS2 launches, officially replacing CS:GO.
April 25, 2024	Dust2	Overpass	A new and improved Dust2 returns, with various adjustments.
January 29, 2025	Train	Vertigo	The CS2 version of Train was released on November 14, 2024, and added to Active Duty over two months later.
July 16, 2025	Overpass	Anubis	At the start of Season 3, Overpass returned to the Active Duty pool.

How Does Valve Decide On CS2 Map Pool Rotations?

The inner workings of how Valve decides on the CS2 Active Duty map pool rotation aren’t public knowledge. However, several factors are likely considered when determining which maps are removed and which ones are returned. These include:

• Pro player and coach feedback.
• Tournament organizer and analyst feedback.
• Clear issues with map balance.
• Bugs that could damage the integrity of a match.
• Issues with visibility in specific areas of the map.

A prime example of changes made to a map before it is returned to the Active Duty pool is Dust2. Valve made significant improvements to player readability throughout the map, refined movement, and upgraded visuals. That said, not every change requires a map to be removed.

Valve has also introduced impactful updates while maps remain in the pool. Again, using Dust2 as an example, the developers added the ability to self-boost onto A Site from the crates outside CT Spawn, reshaping gameplay without pulling the map from rotation.

Before a map enters, or re-enters the CS2 Active Duty pool, it’s generally available for testing in modes such as Competitive, though not in Premier.

Release Notes for today are up. We're updating some maps and other miscellaneous items. Here's the change to Dust II: pic.twitter.com/pjWTfarxhm

— CS2 (@CounterStrike) July 23, 2024

FAQs

How many maps are in the CS2 Active Duty pool?

Since July 2014, there have been seven maps in the CS2 Active Duty pool at a time.

How often does the CS2 map pool change?

Valve doesn’t follow a fixed schedule for map pool updates. However, past updates suggest the CS2 map pool changes roughly twice a year, usually after Major Championships (which also mark the end of a season).

Which maps are currently in the CS2 Active Duty pool?

The current CS2 Active Duty map pool consists of Mirage, Overpass, Dust2, Nuke, Inferno, Train, and Ancient.

Why does Valve rotate maps in CS2?

Valve can rotate out maps for various reasons, including but not limited to removing a map from the Active Duty pool to perform updates or redesigns, and to keep the offerings fresh from Major to Major.

What map might return to CS2 next?

Valve keeps this information close to its chest. Based purely on our expert’s speculation, Cobblestone or Cache might be next.

References

1. Seasons Change (Counter-Strike)
2. CS:GO – The Return of Dust II (Counter-Strike)