CS2 Premier Season 3 Arrives – Overpass Replaces Anubis In Active Duty

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Unfortunately for admirers of ancient Egypt, the sandy temples of Anubis are no longer available in Counter-Strike 2’s Premier Season 3. Instead, the grungy Berlin underpass has made a return to gameplay rotation. This season not only brings changes to the map pool but also new gameplay adjustments and an innovative security feature for players who collect skins.

The official announcement was made today by Valve that Premier Season 3 has begun effective from July 16, 2025. As always, participants have the opportunity to compete for the sought-after Season 3 Medal, whose color corresponds to your highest CS Rating during the season. With every 25 victories in Premier, you’ll receive a glistening emblem on your medal, with a maximum of five possible accolades. Therefore, if you’ve been searching for a reason to forego your weekend activities, here it is!

To win your medal, you’ll need to have a clean account, secure at least 25 victories in the Premier section, and maintain an active Competitive Skill (CS) rating until the end of the season. In other words, keep focused, remain composed with your teammates – try not to get too frustrated or leave games prematurely… Typically, the season lasts around six months, if Valve continues their usual schedule.

Goodbye Anubis, Hello (Again) Overpass

For Season 3, the most notable announcement is the Active Duty Map Pool revision: Overpass returns, while Anubis is removed.

Since the Winter Offensive update was released in December 2013, Overpass has been a fundamental part of Counter-Strike. This map is notable because it was one of the initial ones designed specifically for CS:GO, not just a revamp from previous series versions. Its multi-level bombsites and focus on aggressive control have added a new twist to gameplay, significantly altering the competitive landscape.

Initially, Overpass wasn’t included in the Active Duty Map Pool as it required numerous adjustments and community feedback. However, by early 2014, Valve announced that Overpass was now an official part of the roster, sharing space with Cobblestone. Since then, it has been the setting for many memorable gaming moments, from the Olofmeister boost scandal to thrilling Major playoff matches marked by intense B-site defenses and last-minute A-site attacks under Berlin’s famous TV tower.

Following the introduction of CS2 Major in early 2024, Overpass was replaced by Dust II, bringing a wave of nostalgia for classic Counter-Strike players. Since the end of 2022, Anubis had been part of the active duty rotation, captivating players with its stunning Egyptian canals and stone archways. However, while Anubis excelled in visuals, it soon gained a notorious reputation as the map most favorable to the T-side team – its spacious mid-fights, swift rotations, and intricate angles provided the Ts with too much leeway, leaving CTs struggling to maintain control.

The overpass map in the game tends to favor the Counter-Terrorists (CTs) due to its design that encourages defenders who take control of key areas like mid and lock it down early. You can anticipate traditional boost spots reappearing, aggressive pushes towards B short, and the ongoing struggle for dominance over playground and long A. The latest changes in incendiary grenades offer additional weapons for CTs to hinder quick executes and penalize reckless charges.

Gameplay Tweaks: Fire, SMGs, And The CT Wallet

As a passionate fan, I’m thrilled about Season 3 because it’s not just where you play, but how you play that matters. Now, incendiary grenades burn faster, empowering defenders to effectively block early assaults and manage crucial passageways. Don’t be surprised if teams find themselves cornered by flames instead of blindly rushing through them – or suffer the consequences if they do so.

In the meantime, the MP9 – a popular budget submachine gun among Counter-Terrorists – has undergone some changes. The sprays are now harder to manage, making those run-and-gun fragging sprees more difficult for you. Jumping accuracy has been noticeably reduced, so if you’ve grown accustomed to leaping around corners and spraying opponents, it might be time to rethink your purchasing decisions or work on improving your burst fire skills.

In this revised version, the economy of Counter-Terrorists (CTs) has experienced an enhancement. Now, regardless of the outcome, CTs receive a collective reward for each Terrorist they eliminate during a round. This minor yet significant adjustment is expected to aid their competitiveness throughout extended halves and lessen the sting of close rounds that are narrowly lost. An increased earnings potential means fewer risky half-buys and a greater opportunity to maintain rifles and a full supply of utility equipment.

Your Skins Just Got Safer

Valve has introduced a novel safety measure to safeguard your treasured loadout. The recently added “Trade Protected Items” feature enables you to revert all Counter-Strike trades conducted over the past week if you fall victim to scams, phishing attacks, or lose control of your account. While it doesn’t solve every unfortunate trade or impulsive late-night decisions, it certainly provides a crucial layer of protection in a community where valuable skins are constantly traded.

On your Steam Account’s Trade History page, you will locate the Reversal Tool. Valve has provided a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for comprehensive information regarding what occurs when trades are reversed, how items are reinstated, and other related details following this update.

The Meta’s About To Shift

Revisiting and refining old strategies will be necessary as the Overpass map returns to competitive play. Attackers may find it more challenging now since the defense has improved firepower that spreads faster and a stronger economy, allowing them to initiate attacks rather than just defend. The once-explosive T-side on Anubis is no longer present; instead, defenders have taken control, making map control a crucial aspect of gameplay from Playground to Monster.

The adjustments to the MP9 and incendiary ammo might change how eco rounds and site takeovers are played, potentially leading to fewer reckless jumpsprays and more strategic pushes instead. For those who enjoy grinding, the new Premier season offers a great opportunity to focus, accumulate victories, and display your Season 3 Medal with all five bars – assuming you have the necessary skills (and endurance) to achieve that goal.

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2025-07-16 12:10