10 Best Counter-Strike Maps Of All Time

Author Dalboyy 14 Nov 2024

Counter-Strike has 25 years of history behind it. At this point, it’s one of the longest-running FPS series that remains relevant today. Some maps that still feature in the game have been involved from the very start.

10. Office

best Counter-Strike maps — Screenshot by Destructoid

Game: Counter-Strike: Source

There’s something nostalgic about Office, and it’s not that Counter-Strike fans were all really into playing the Hostage Rescue game mode back in 2004.

Instead, you’re more likely to recognize Counter-Strike: Source‘s Office from Garry’s Mod, where it was repurposed for modes like Prop Hunt. Is it the best map for classic Counter-Strike gameplay? No. But it makes it onto this list for its iconic status alone.

9. Overpass

Game: Counter-Strike 2

While Overpass was first introduced in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it received a significant facelift with CS2‘s release, giving it a new lease of life. Despite its removal from the Active Duty map pool, the latest version of Overpass is the best so far.

The map is an AWPer’s paradise, with various long lanes to find impact. Overpass suits tactical players, with plenty of ways to execute utility into either bombsite. Sure, you can sometimes aim-duel your way to victory, but those with solid tactics will usually win on Overpass.

8. Anubis

Game: Counter-Strike 2

Anubis was first designed by community members Roald, jakuza, and jd40, before Valve purchased it for CS:GO. It required no fundamental changes during the move to Counter-Strike 2, such is the strength of its level design. After a shiny lighting overhaul, Anubis was good to go.

Although Anubis is one of the newest official maps to be added, it’s not too early to call it one of the best Counter-Strike maps ever. There’s much to consider in each area on the CT side, while T-side players have plenty of options for intricate mid-round decisions.

7. Cobblestone

Game: Counter-Strike 1.6

Cobblestone (or de_cbble, as it was known) had its best days in Counter-Strike 1.6. This map’s castle theme features a unique amount of verticality, resulting in unique gunfights you’d rarely be given on any other Counter-Strike map. Its rocky aesthetic was a fun escape from the typically sandy CS maps, too.

Newer versions of Cobblestone have undergone too many rough changes, contributing to a worse map overall. Still, we’ll always have the original.

6. Cache

Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Cache is mapmaker FMPONE’s masterpiece. It essentially perfects Counter-Strike‘s three-lane map formula, with a distinct Soviet style that sets it apart from the other maps. The best version of Cache arrived in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and we can only hope it returns in CS2.

Interestingly, Cache doesn’t require as much tactical nous as other maps to get the win. Pure aimgods can succeed here, which might be why it’s so popular with fans.

5. Train

Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Okay, I may have called Overpass an AWPer’s paradise earlier, but I lied. Train takes that title comfortably. Pick a lane on either side, hold it with an AWP, and win. Simple! Train has such a unique layout among the best Counter-Strike maps that it would be impossible to leave it out of any list like this.

Ever since Counter-Strike 1.6, Train has been a series staple. Slight improvements led to its best version in CS:GO, and I can’t wait to see how it plays in its eventual Counter-Strike 2 release.

4. Nuke

Game: Counter-Strike 2

If you like verticality in your Counter-Strike maps, you must love Nuke. There are three levels to worry about, all of which can be a threat at any given time. The bombsites are essentially on top of each other, ensuring Nuke plays differently from any other CS map.

The map was much larger in its CS 1.6 version and has slowly been streamlined over the years, such as the closing of the second vent or removing the railings around the building outside. These have been for the map’s good, with the CS2 iteration being the best to date.

3. Inferno

Game: Counter-Strike: Source

Inferno is a controversial pick for some. The map’s meta is very much figured out at high-level play nowadays, but back in Counter-Strike: Source, this wasn’t always the case. Inferno’s layout allows communicative teams to approach each round in several ways, making it one of the most fun maps to play with friends.

Maybe it’s nostalgia speaking, but the CS:S version clears the CS:GO and CS:GO reworks. Specifically, A-site and Banana feel much better when playing old iterations of Inferno.

2. Mirage

Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Mirage has something for everyone. Want to take every aim duel and win matches via pure skill? Go for it. Want to perform meticulously planned team tactics with complex utility usage? Mirage will let you. No matter what type of player you are, Mirage complements your style, which is why it has been the most popular Counter-Strike map ever since its official release in 2013.

While the CS2 version is shiny and pretty, we think the CS:GO version edges it out for a place on this list. The more washed-out colors in the CS:GO original add more to the atmosphere.

1. Dust2

Game: Counter-Strike 1.6

Dust2 and Counter-Strike are synonymous. There isn’t one without the other. It’s one of the most iconic FPS multiplayer maps ever, peaking with the CS 1.6 original. Despite numerous versions over the years, Dust2 has never undergone any significant changes to its layout. Why change perfection?

The map remains in Counter-Strike 2‘s Active Duty map pool. While it may be rotated occasionally to give it some time out, it’ll likely always be the best Counter-Strike map ever made. It’d take some beating.

Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike 2

First-person shooter

Valve

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