Counter-Strike 2 Map Changes: Mirage, Dust 2, Overpass & More

After years of speculation and anticipation, Valve has officially announced Counter-Strike 2. If you weren't aware, CS:GO 2 is a major update to Counter Strike Global Offensive featuring enhanced maps, graphics, and new features. Although the official release date has not been announced yet, Valve has revealed some of the key updates, including significant changes to CS:GO maps.

As speculated, Counter-Strike 2 inherits the whole set of maps from its prequel with major graphics improvements. So without any further ado, here's everything we know so far about Counter-Strike 2 map changes.

Counter-Strike 2 Map Changes, Explained

Valve has explained Counter-Strike 2 map changes into three different categories - Overhaul, Upgrade, and Touchstone.

Location, location, location. Maps in Counter-Strike are core to the game, and maps in Counter-Strike 2 are being improved in every way: pic.twitter.com/P4oMQslaKB

— CS:GO (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023

Full Overhaul Maps

The oldest maps that have been wholly rebuilt from the ground up, leveraging all of the Source 2 tools and rendering features, have been classified under the Overhaul maps category. Maps like Italy and Overpass are part of the Overhaul maps. These tools will be available for community map makers to make it easier to build, experiment and iterate.

Upgrade Maps

These maps use new Source 2 lighting, including a physically based rendering system that produces realistic materials, lighting, and reflections. This technology incorporates a system for rendering materials, lighting, and reflections that are physically based, meaning that they are designed to mimic the way these elements behave in the real world. Overall, this new technology makes the maps look and feel more like the real thing.

Touchstone Maps

This category includes classic maps with solid foundations for players to evaluate gameplay changes from CS:GO to Counter-Strike 2. These have improved lighting and character reading but otherwise haven't been changed. Classic Maps like Dust 2 and Mirage are part of the Touchstone maps in order to maintain their legacy.

Overall, maps will be cleaner, brighter, and better in Counter-Strike 2. So there you have it. That's everything we know so far about Counter-Strike 2 map changes.