Is Cache Coming to CS2 in 2026

The Return of a Legend: Cache’s Journey Through Counter-Strike

Cache, one of the most iconic maps in Counter-Strike history, has had a long and emotional journey — from community favourite to competitive staple, to removal, and now back into the spotlight with Counter-Strike 2.

Origins and Competitive Debut

Cache originally began life as a custom map for Counter-Strike: Source, created by Salvatore “Volcano” Garozzo and later updated with Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling. It was officially introduced into the CS:GO competitive map pool in 2014 as part of Operation Breakout — marking a milestone as the first community-made map to enter Active Duty rotation.

Removal from Competitive Rotation (2019)

Despite its popularity among players and pros alike, Cache was removed from the official Active Duty competitive map pool on March 28, 2019. Valve replaced it with Vertigo in CS:GO’s lineup — a decision that sparked disappointment but eventually led to a full rework of the map.

Reworks and Continued Life

After its removal, FMPONE continued developing Cache. A reworked version was first shown at ESL One New York 2019 and released later that year, though it never regained its Active Duty status.

Cache Returns in Counter-Strike 2

Fast forward to March 3, 2025 — Shockwaves ran through the Counter-Strike community when FMPONE released a fully remade version of Cache for Counter-Strike 2 on the Steam Workshop. Players can now download and play this rebuilt version with updated visuals and Source 2 enhancements.

Official Reintroduction Timeline

While the map’s Workshop release marks its playable return, Cache was also acquired by Valve in 2025 and is expected to be officially added back into CS2’s competitive rotation soon. Speculation from dataminers and community sources suggests Cache could join the official map pool following the BLAST.tv Austin Major in June 2025, bringing it back to premier matchmaking and esports stages after almost six years.