Mapcore Presents The 10 Finalists Of CS2’s First Community Mapping Contest

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The fan base of Counter-Strike is frequently lauded for its ingenuity and devotion, with custom maps significantly contributing to the game’s development over time. A significant platform for creators and enthusiasts, known as Mapcore, has consistently encouraged this creativity by hosting mapping competitions.

In the time of CS2, Mapcore carries on the custom by organizing the **”Great Expeditions” mapping competition”. The purpose is to uncover exceptional maps that will shine in the game.

A Legacy of Community Contributions

In the thrilling world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, I’ve been a part of an incredible journey where countless competitions have given birth to maps that resonated deeply within our gaming community and even caught the eye of Valve, the game’s developers. One such map, Anubis, started as a community creation in 2020 and ultimately found its way into the official active duty map pool. This legacy showcases the profound influence that passionate community mappers have had on shaping the game’s terrain.

Excitement built around CS2 as people looked forward to new user-generated content. Just recently, Valve introduced the initial community maps for CS2 – Mills and Thera – into the game, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to fostering community-created content.

Exciting news at last! After much anticipation, the judges have made their decisions and selected the top 10 maps to advance in the final round of the Mapcore @FACEIT 2025 Grand Adventure Contest. To view these amazing creations, follow this link: #CS2

— Mapcore (@Mapcore) February 23, 2025

Additionally, the verified CS2 Twitter page echoed similar excitement by posting about Mapcore’s reveal of the top 10 contenders in the “Big Adventures” competition. This could hint at a high likelihood that the victorious map design might be adopted within the game itself.

The Finalists: Showcasing Innovation and Design

Following thorough examination, Mapcore has revealed the top 10 contenders for the “Big Adventures” mapping competition. These maps are now open for playtesting on FACEIT’s Mapcore platform until April 20th. This allows players to enjoy and offer feedback on each submission. A prestigious panel of judges, including acclaimed mapper Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling, will then conduct the final round of evaluation.

In addition to exploring the maps within this hub, you also have the option to visit each one separately. Simply click on any of the images below, and it will lead you to the Steam workshop page for that specific map, allowing you to express your appreciation or constructive feedback to the creator if desired.

Here are the 10 finalists:

  • Alpine: Set in a snow-covered resort, “Alpine” offers a hostage rescue scenario reminiscent of the classic “Austria” map. Its unique setting and gameplay dynamics make it a strong contender. Created by Lukyvald, zavaro, Twinnie, and g3om.

  • Canopy: This map transports players to an abandoned resort in Southeast Asia, featuring lush environments and intricate pathways. The attention to detail and immersive atmosphere stand out. Crafted by ynel, Darivan, Ecsi, and Tollqnd.

  • Flick: Set within a sprawling Los Angeles film studio, “Flick” presents a bomb-defusal scenario amidst various movie sets and sound stages, offering diverse tactical opportunities. Developed by Gulfbones, Broken, Froddoyo, Jay from Chicago, Pooball, and Chimonahehe.

  • Golden: Located on a remote Pacific island centered around a gold mining facility, “Golden” draws inspiration from real-world locations like Hashima Island, providing a rich historical backdrop. Designed by vachinski and wavybby.

  • Grail: This map offers a whimsical experience set in a stylized fantasy mini-golf course, with varied lighting and creative design elements enhancing its charm. Brought to life by Lizard, Radu, and flowlee.

  • Jura: Players explore the ruins of a Jurassic-era castle in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, navigating towering limestone formations and dense nature. Its unique layout challenges traditional gameplay. Created by pav and vfxNev.

  • Palacio: Inspired by Portugal’s National Palace of Pena, “Palacio” features a blend of historical architectural styles. Players must thwart a group aiming to disrupt the palace’s tranquility. Crafted by Slimek, KlixX, and Coachi.

  • Stronghold: Set in Gibraltar, this map centers around the iconic Rock and its historic fortifications. Players navigate tunnels and bunkers to prevent the destruction of this strategic location. Made by T-Rexer, Squidski, Haaselh0ff, and Kale.

  • Warden: Set on a former prison island, “Warden” offers a unique environment for players to navigate. Developed by catfood, Thomas, and Almaas, this map stands out with its intricate design and atmospheric setting.

  • Wild: In this hostage rescue scenario, players venture into a natural reserve to rescue agents held by smugglers. The map’s dynamic environment and engaging narrative provide a fresh take on traditional gameplay. Created by tchick.

Engage and Playtest

Picking a top choice from these creative maps isn’t a walk in the park. We invite players to visit the FACEIT Mapcore hub, where they can personally explore each map. Your input is vital for fine-tuning these designs and identifying which one strikes a chord with the gaming community the most.

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2025-02-25 17:39