Initially, the Train map was taken out of active rotation in CS2 in May 2021, to accommodate the Ancient map. For over three years, from then till November 2024, the Train map was absent in CS2 until a significant update or redesign was finally rolled out.
Lovers of the original map will spot that although Train maintains many of its distinctive features, some significant adjustments have been implemented. For example, the Pop Dog ladder is no longer there, and the route from Ivy to A has been redesigned slightly, offering new strategic possibilities and hurdles.
The “Smoke Dome” of Vertigo is gone!
Incorporating Train into the map rotation means saying goodbye to Vertigo, which has been divisive within the CS2 community since it was added to the active duty list in 2019, replacing Cache. Vertigo’s introduction sparked a mixed response from players, and despite Valve’s efforts to enhance gameplay balance and smoothness through updates and adjustments, it failed to win over everyone, particularly professional teams. Often, Vertigo was banned permanently in competitive matches, making its removal a notable change within the Tier 1 scene.
Valve broke the news in a single, succinct tweet:
Good morning. @BLASTtv Austin Major:
+Train
-Vertigo— CS2 (@CounterStrike) January 6, 2025
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve noticed a shift that isn’t exclusive to pro gamers. In CS2’s Premier Mode, which includes a real map veto system, only active duty maps can be played, so saying goodbye to Vertigo in it is inevitable. For those who still crave the skyscraper-themed action, the classic matchmaking queue is the place to go, where all maps are accessible one by one.
Apart from this, there hasn’t been any more information from the developer, causing the Counter-Strike community to buzz with speculation and excitement. Yet, professional players are already responding to the news. G2’s star AWPer, Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, announced on Telegram that the map is planned for play at the upcoming BLAST Bounty tournament, which begins next week. This event will give fans a sneak peek at how the revamped Train performs in competitive settings.
As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled about the return of Train in professional Counter-Strike tournaments! For years, teams have been using Vertigo as their go-to perma ban, allowing them to concentrate on other maps during preparation. Now that Train is back, it’s going to shake up the landscape. Teams will need to reassess their strategies and possibly invest more time practicing to become proficient in navigating this classic map.
A train map’s long-held reputation for being tactically challenging is expected to impact this process. With its complex chokepoints, emphasis on verticality, and requirement of coordinated utility usage, the train map has historically been a preferred choice for teams with deep strategic understanding and excellent execution skills. The recent changes in the rework, like the modified Pop Dog area and other adjusted paths, might introduce fresh dynamics that could test even veteran Train players.
The likely new G2 player Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko shared his thoughts on the shuffle:
I find it intriguing, but I’d appreciate if they could revamp the map a little more to avoid any intense dizzy spells. It can get quite wild!
— HeavyGod (@HeavyGodCS) January 6, 2025
M80’s Mason “Lake” Sanderson was less enthusiastic about the change:
Everyone appreciating trains greatly right now, as they are clearly not superior to feeling dizzy at the moment; they urgently require upgrades.
— M80 Lake (@LakeCS1) January 6, 2025
At present, teams should focus on mastering the current map, as there may be future adjustments by Valve. In the meantime, keep an eye on the BLAST.tv Austin Major set for June 2025, as that’s when we can expect Train to really shine.
In the meantime, everyone – from teams, experts, to enthusiasts – will keep a keen eye on how the revamped Train impacts gameplay and tactics. With its rich past and the buzz surrounding its return, this remake could breathe new life into the competitive map rotation while presenting new hurdles for players of all skill levels.
2025 finds me eagerly awaiting the CS2 map pool with renewed excitement as we bid adieu to Vertigo and welcome Train back into the limelight. Will the nostalgia of Train reignite the passion of players and spectators alike? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – Counter-Strike 2 keeps its community guessing with each passing moment.
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2025-01-07 20:09