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Top 5 Most Iconic Maps In CS2

Within the world of CS2, every match must have a map. The map can decide whether a team dominates or surrenders. Popular maps can constantly be in competitive pools, while others sit unused forever. The most popular maps are pretty often bomb-defusal map layouts. The maps became far better as CS2 progressed from the early twenty-first century.

For complete guides on how to master all CS2's maps, check out our map guides!

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What Makes A Map Good?

The best map is a well-balanced map. Good maps inspire strategic gameplay dynamics through bomb sites and unique middle ground to fight within. Balanced maps create intense combat scenarios as there is no inherent advantage to Counter-Terrorists or Terrorists, allowing for proper skill to be showcased. If the map is a bomb defusal game mode, it displays unique tactical advantages to A and B sites.

What Are The Most Iconic Maps In CS2?

5. Office

Office rewards creative strategies through a unique map layout. First featured in Beta 7.0 Office, it quickly became a fan favorite among the CS2 community. Now, being the only active duty hostage map within the competitive pool, Office is an example of many iconic rescue maps. Known for its unique subgroup of fans, Office offers a unique CS2 experience as one can explore a map type long left behind. Recently being used for an armory star glitch, this map becomes increasingly iconic as it ages.

4. Nuke

One of the oldest maps within CS2, Nuke, was released in Beta 4.0; shockingly, it still holds onto legend status more than two decades later. Nuke is set in a nuclear power plant and offers a unique setting that other maps couldn’t imagine. Its unique tactical advantages, such as heaven, secret, and vents, allow players to roam the map openly and skillfully. Covered in many particular movement locations, Nuke is famously known for all the movement possible within its fences. One of the driving factors of this map’s popularity is the content creator FranzJ; Franz prioritizes this map above all others, showcasing hundreds of amazing clips to his thousands of fans. With its recent rise in popularity, this iconic nuclear power plant has earned the support of every one of its fans.

3. Inferno

Inferno is undoubtedly a quintessential part of CS2’s legacy. Being such a classic map, individuals outside the CS2 community can name it off the site. Some of the earliest iconic competitive match moments occurred on this map. Known for its famous mid and banana calls, calls from this map are engraved in any CS2 player’s brain. Inferno recently rose in popularity after the release of CS2, which received massive map and graphic improvements, making it just that much more of a map.

2. Mirage

Mirage is a map first added to Counterstrike: Global Offensive; upon its release, it quickly became one of the most popular competitive maps within the game. Based on a Morrocan town, this map is exquisite, especially following the significant graphics upgrades added upon CS2’s release. Put simply, Mirage is a masterpiece of strategic design. The developers created one of the most successful competitive map layouts. Still one of the best maps in today’s competitive pool, Mirage earns its spot on this amazing list without a doubt.

1. Dust 2

On March 13th, 2001, the developers of Counterstrike unknowingly released one of the best maps of all time. This bomb defusal map was groundbreaking above all other maps of its generation. It is inclusive of all skill sets and is a must-have for all competitive queuing! Featuring one of the most balanced maps in a Middle Eastern town setting and dynamic bomb sites, what else could one ask for? CS devs haven’t ignored this map either, as it has gained a ton of new changes in the past couple of years, including changed site layouts and graphic improvements! Playing a game on Dust 2 is the only proper way to play the purest form of CS2, undoubtedly one of the best maps of all time.

As you can see, CS2 has just so many unique maps to offer, and these five are not the only ones! There are tons of Counter Strike maps to explore! Check out guides for every single one of these maps and more on our blog.