The wait is over! Cache has officially been remade for Counter-Strike 2! The beloved map, known for its distinct Chernobyl-inspired aesthetic and fast-paced gameplay, has been fully reworked by renowned map creator Shawn "FMPONE" Snelling.
The remake brings Cache into the Source 2 era, enhancing its visuals, while preserving the balanced and tactical gameplay that made it a fan favorite.
A Complete Visual Overhaul
This remake is a total visual transformation of the Cache version first released in 2019, which was reworked by FMPONE and the map’s original creator, Salvatore "Volcano" Garozzo. That version made it back into CS:GO, but despite widespread support, it was never reintroduced into the active duty competitive rotation for the remainder of CS:GO.
The original CS:GO iteration of Cache was a staple of professional play from June 2014 until March 2019, when it was removed from the active duty pool and replaced by Vertigo. Notably, it remains the only community-made map to have ever been included in CS:GO's active-duty rotation. Anubis doesn't count, by the way, since it was already Valve owned, when added in late 2022.
Gameplay Adjustments? Minimal but Meaningful
While the new Cache features a stunning visual redesign, there are few immediately noticeable gameplay changes. FMPONE has opted to respect the map’s classic layout, as making major changes would risk disrupting the balance that made it a competitive favorite.
"Cache is fair and balanced, so changes come with more risk than reward for the most part," he told HLTV.
This suggests that players will be able to rely on their well-established strategies from CS:GO while experiencing the map with a fresh new-look in CS2. Some boxes and clipping elements are missing, whilst others are new. Once he gets enough community feedback, FMPONE will likely adjust more stuff.
Will Cache Return to the Competitive Pool?
Ever since FMPONE teased the remake back in February 2024, fans and professional players alike have been vocal in their hopes that Cache will make its way back into Counter-Strike's active duty rotation. He shared more pictures as the year went on, and the anticipation kept growing. However, its return to the highest level of competition is still uncertain.
In 2022, Valve took the unusual step of outright purchasing Anubis before adding it to the competitive map pool. As of now, FMPONE has not shown much interest in selling Cache to Valve, which could be a key factor in whether it ever becomes a mainstay in professional play again.
Cache marks FMPONE's second map release for CS2, following his 2023 creation of Thera, which also was a remake of its CS:GO Version, being called Santorini back then.
For now, Cache however is just a workshop map which, undoubtedly, sooner or later will get added into the game as a normal matchmaking map. It has been this way ever since it got dropped for Vertigo in 2019, until the transition from CS:GO to CS2 in 2023.
However, besides jumping into the workshop map, you can actually play it on FACEIT's Mapcore hub. Something you definitely should try out!
Cache has returned for @CounterStrike on the Mapcore @FACEITcs club! a dedicated NA + EU queue for trying out the return of a classic https://t.co/TYTdZFesyS
— Mapcore Hub (@MapcoreHub) March 3, 2025
The Missing s1mple Graffiti
One of Cache's most legendary moments in CS:GO came when Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyljev hit an incredible no-scope while falling from the B-Heaven position, securing one of the most jaw-dropping frags in Counter-Strike history. This moment was commemorated with a special graffiti on the wall in CS:GO, but that tribute is now absent in CS2.
6 years ago today! S1mple hit his famous noscope on cache after dropping down from heaven during the 2016 Cologne Major!'You can't do that s1mple, that's not allowed, this is not fpl, this is a major!' - @jamesbardolph ESL#CSGO #ESLOne #esports pic.twitter.com/FeFYKZUVFO
— On this day in CSGO history (@CSonthisday) July 9, 2022
Whether the graffiti will be restored remains unknown. Fans can only wait and see. When Cache got its CS:GO remake in 2019, the graffiti was initially missing as well.
. @s1mpleO 's graffiti is currently not available on the new de_cache Do you think he is gonna tweet this again, after 6 years? pic.twitter.com/VejdK4SBst
— CS2 NEWS (@CS2News_EN) March 3, 2025
With FMPONE's Cache remake now complete, attention turns to Valve and whether they will consider adding it back into the game. Whether it remains a beloved community map, or even earns a spot in professional tournaments once more, one thing is certain: Cache is back, and CS2 players are eager to battle on its iconic grounds once again.
Try out the new Cache yourself, and feel free to share your experiences with us!