Cache makes proper CS2 debut ahead of new season

At long last, beloved map Cache has returned to Counter-Strike, properly debuting this week as Valve ramps up for the new season following the IEM Cologne Major.

Valve dropped the CS2 update on April 29 but gave away the update a week prior with a compilation of some of the best pro plays on Cache over the years.

Cache was introduced well over a decade ago, but was replaced in CS:GO by the remake of Vertigo in early 2019. Six months later, Cache co-creator FMPONE released a new version of Cache, with several big gameplay and visual changes to the map.

The 2019 Cache update was polarising with many unhappy with FMPONE's decision to change the visual style of the map; the lush, green overgrowth that FMPONE had added looked great, but players struggled with model visibility.

Ultimately, the map was shelved with FMPONE taking Cache back into the shop for another pass. FMPONE posted several screenshots of his work over the next few years, but upon CS2's release in 2023, Cache was notably absent from the map pool.

Valve bought the map from FMPONE in 2025, and today, it's back. Much of it highly resembles the pre-2019 version; gone is the window and ladder in CT mid, while the green overgrowth has been scaled back in most places.

As with any new or remade maps, Cache won't be available in Premier matchmaking just yet. Right now you'll be able to play Cache in Competitive and Casual modes, but we're expecting the map to be added to the Premier map pool when the new season kicks off later in July. As to what map it'll replace? Only time will tell!

Below we've included the full patch notes for today's Cache update, including minor changes to Dust II and improvements to the new Animgraph 2 system.

CS2 Cache update: April 28 patch notes

• Maps
  • Cache
    • Added Cache to Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, and Retakes modes.
  • Dust II
    • Uncovered Mid Box (Xbox) to reveal a previously hidden jump spot.
  • Office
    • Enabled collision on tarp on boxes used around CT spawn.\
  • Stronghold, Poseidon
    • Updated to the latest version from the Community Workshop.
• Animgraph 2
  • Minor adjustments to viewmodel animations.
  • Talon and Karambit knives are now held correctly while defusing.
• Sound
  • Minor mix changes and adjustments.
  • Fixed issue where C4 equip sound was not getting interrupted by other equip sounds.
  • Removed first-person death sound effect that played in the case of music kit death cue being inaudible.
• Miscellaneous
  • Shader fix for AO while using alpha test causing overly dark and chunky silhouettes, as seen on railings in Mirage.
  • Fixed a case where it was possible to hold no weapon by requesting a hand switch after throwing a grenade.