Cache in CS2: When could the map return?

Cache was once Counter-Strike’s most popular map in matchmaking and pro lobbies, but it was removed in 2019 and was never seen again in the active duty pool. Five years later, a Cache remake was revealed for CS2 and is playable on the workshop. However, it has been months, and there’s no official word yet on its arrival.

But the beloved map may be coming sooner than you think. Let’s take a look at all the sources pinpointing its imminent arrivals, its history, and some of the biggest changes in its newest remake.

Cache, one of Counter-Strike’s most beloved maps, is poised to make its return to CS2 after Valve officially acquired the rights from creator Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling. While no exact release date has been confirmed, FMPONE revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Valve reached out to purchase the map “on day one of release” of his CS2 remake, suggesting strong interest in reintegrating it into the official pool.

FMPONE has also stated that Valve previously offered to buy the map around 2013-2015, but they chose to “ride out” operations because of their confidence in the map’s popularity.

Following a viral leak of the map’s remake, FMPONE released the updated version of Cache in the Steam workshop on March 4, 2025. Cache was missed and quickly welcomed back by the community. FACEIT hosted a club challenge for playing the map with prize money on the line. ESL celebrated with the first pro showmatch featuring NAVI vs. G2. Despite that, there was no announcement from either the creator or Valve on whether Cache will be officially added back into CS2.

Notable leaker Gabe Follower has also hinted at Cache’s return. On May 6, he tweeted six cryptic emojis, which were implied to be Grail, Dogtown, Brewery, Cache, and Agency. Two days later, all maps except Cache were added to Counter-Strike 2’s map pool. Then, on May 23, Gabe Follower shared that the new CS2 update mentions Cache in the competitive pool. 

Finally, FMPONE confirms that Valve has purchased the rights to Cache by thanking the original creator, Sal “Volcano” Garrozo, Counter-Strike, and the community for playing Cache. In the replies, he also mentioned that Valve owns the rights to the art of the famous s1mple graffiti.

Community maps Anubis and Tuscan were allegedly purchased by Valve for $150,000, according to datamining leaks through Steam’s API. It’s expected that a prolific map such as Cache is worth more than that amount.

Again, no official release date has been confirmed by either party. It was considered that the Austin Major could the event it would return as that is one of the biggest events on the Counter-Strike calendar. However, as that is already underway, we will all have to wait a little longer. 

A couple of additional strands to consider for its release date is the Counter-Strike Twitter account changed its banner, a known habit it does to tease upcoming updates. The other is that aside from optimisations and changes from Valve’s side, Cache is a finished product that’s hidden in CS2’s files, which shouldn’t necessitate drastic changes.

Cache was originally created by Salvatore “Volcano” Garozzo as a custom map for Counter-Strike: Source. Volcano is a retired Counter-Strike professional who was active from the first iteration of the game to the early days of CS:GO, even winning the World Cyber Games back to back (2004 and 2005) under Team 3D. He is currently the co-lead game designer at Riot Games for VALORANT.

Cache was first seen on the ESEA server network in April of 2010. Then, the map was added to the 9th Season of ESEA League and hosted its first match in July of 2011. Volcano also designed maps like Train, Crown, Lite, and redesigned Nuke to make it more competitive.

Cache was remade for CS:GO in collaboration with FMPONE and Lenz ‘penE’ Monath. Leveraging the power of the upgraded engine, they improved aesthetics, tweaked gameplay for competitive players, and improved visleaf optimisation. Designed with a post-apocalyptic Chernobyl theme, the map was set in Pripyat, Ukraine, featuring abandoned industrial zones and overgrown environments for its distinct visual identity.

Cache debuted in CS:GO during Operation Bravo (2013) as part of the community map collection, quickly gaining popularity as the go-to pug map along with Dust 2. By June 2014, it achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first and only community map added to the Active Duty competitive pool at the time.

Cache was the most played map in Operation Bravo, so it was set to return in Operation Phoenix (2014). The map was not only popular in matchmaking, but it was also the most played map in Counter-Strike esports in 2015. It was the setting for so many iconic plays like s1mple’s no-scope AWP in ESL One Cologne 2016, NiKo’s 1v5 deagle ace during eco round, Shroud’s triple kill in a boost spot (later named after him) to bring Cloud9 to overtime.

All good things must come to an end, and Cache was removed from the active duty pool in 2019 for Vertigo. Swapping a beloved map for a hated one is still one of the most controversial decisions from Counter-Strike to this day. 

Despite its removal, FMPONE continued to support the map, releasing a visually reworked version in September 2019 at ESL One New York, featuring updated textures, lighting, and minor layout tweaks. There was also an all-star showmatch that had great plays from kennyS and Twistszz. Unfortunately, the community initially rejected the remake because of how green it was, blending in with the newly released agent skins at the time. 

The 2025 CS2 remake of Cache introduces significant visual and gameplay changes while preserving the map’s core identity. Visually, the remake scales back the dense foliage from the 2019 rework, opting for a rustic, worn-down aesthetic with bolder colours and improved lighting to enhance visibility. The new Cache feels like it’s straight out of a detailed film set, with cinematic lighting, striking murals, and environmental storytelling.

Key structural adjustments include the removal of the CT-side mid window and ladder, replacing the open window with a small crack in the wall for utility.

There’s also this ruined segment of the building on top of Truck that’s a perfect spot to dump utility for retaking A bombsite. 

The iconic Squeaky Door at A-site is now destructible, allowing Ts to throw HE grenades for an explosive entrance. Before, Squeaky opened at an awkward angle and funnelled attackers trying to enter A bombsite.

Keep an eye out for newly opened windows and openings that will allow for new utility setups in the new Cache. There are also these lit barrels that illuminate common camping spots, like this one below Heaven in B bombsite and another near the Forklight in A.

There are a few spots where FPS can dip down, and the whole map is more demanding to run compared to regular maps like Mirage. Hopefully, Valve can iron out these technical issues so more people can enjoy this gorgeous Cache remake. These changes are based on FMPONE’s version available at the workshop and are subject to Valve’s final design.

Cache’s journey from a custom map in Source to one of the most popular maps in CS:GO and finally the most anticipated return in CS2 highlights its enduring legacy for the game. FMPONE’s tireless work on updating Volcano’s map paid off, creating a beautiful and detailed snapshot ruin near Chernobyl that’s also balanced for the competitive community.

After finally selling the rights to Valve, it’s now up to them to optimise and change to their liking.