The CS2 map pool changed a lot in 2026. Here is the current Active Duty pool, how it got here, and the new way Premier picks maps.
Key takeaways
- The Active Duty pool is Ancient, Anubis, Cache, Dust II, Inferno, Mirage and Nuke.
- Anubis replaced Train in January 2026; Cache returned and Overpass left with Premier Season 5.
- Since September 22, 2026, Premier uses a pick system: T1 picks 1, T2 picks 2, T1 picks 1, then one of the four is chosen at random.
The Active Duty pool
As confirmed by Valve's posts and Wikipedia, the pool is: Ancient, Anubis, Cache, Dust II, Inferno, Mirage and Nuke.
How the pool changed
- January 2026: Anubis replaced Train, according to Wikipedia.
- July 6, 2026: Premier Season 5 began. Valve's post from July 8 says Cache was added and Overpass was removed. The same update redesigned C4 explosion damage using a precomputed simulation per map, with a shockwave that spreads from the center.
TechTimes reported that Overpass left after having the lowest pick rate at the Cologne Major, and that Cache was rebuilt, with a new boost, changes to the CT mid window and the B site, and a return to its original industrial look.
The new Premier pick system
On September 22, 2026, Valve changed how Premier chooses maps. The order is:
- Team 1 picks one map.
- Team 2 picks two maps.
- Team 1 picks one map.
- One of the remaining four maps is chosen at random.
Ghacks reports that Valve has not yet decided whether the new pick system will apply to best-of-one matches at the PGL Major in Singapore.
Key callouts to learn
According to csdb.gg, here are some of the callouts you should know on each map (the lists there are partial):
- Mirage: Tetris, Sandwich, Firebox, Stairs
- Inferno: Banana, Logs, New Box
- Dust II: Goose, Barrels, Elevator, A Ramp
- Anubis: Alley, Ruins, Top Mid, Bridge
- Ancient: Split, Elbow, Mid, A Halls
- Nuke: Lobby, Radio, Trophy, Control, T Roof
- Cache: Garage, T Truck, A Long
Practice the maps
You can warm up on your own server with bots. See CS2 practice commands and aim training.
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Vedi tutti →How to prepare for the new pick system
- Know your best two maps. When you can pick, you want maps your team knows.
- Know your worst map. If it is in the pool, learn its basics. A random final map can land on anything.
- Talk before the pick. Agree in the lobby chat which maps you are comfortable with.
- Learn the callouts. Short, shared names for places save seconds in every round.
Practice a map without queueing
Use a community server or an offline practice setup to run through each spot. Our practice commands guide shows how to reset a round, give yourself grenades and replay a smoke as many times as you need.
The pool can change with each season, so check Valve's update notes.
