The ESL Pro Tour posted a surprising update: Mirage was being removed from the official Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) map pool and replaced by Cache.
The announcement quickly gained attention across the community, sparking discussions and excitement among fans and pro players alike. However, it was later revealed to be an April Fools’ joke.
Despite being a prank, the idea of Cache returning to the active map pool struck a chord with many players.
Cache has been a fan-favorite map for years, known for its clean layout and fast-paced gameplay. It was removed from the competitive pool back in 2020, and players have been hoping for its return ever since.
Adding to the hype, a brand-new version of Cache was released on the Steam Workshop in early March 2025. The updated version was created by Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling, one of the original map designers.
This CS2 remake features upgraded visuals using the Source 2 engine and some minor gameplay changes. For example, the ladder and scaffolding in the Z connector were removed, and a new self-boost spot was added in the Checkers area near the B bombsite.
The new version of Cache has already been well-received by players. Many have downloaded it to play in custom matches, and it has sparked fresh interest in seeing the map return to pro play.
Some professional players, including ENCE’s Lotan “Spinx” Giladi and Vitality’s Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, have publicly said they’d love to see Cache make a comeback.
Currently, the official CS2 map pool includes Mirage, Inferno, Nuke, Dust II, Ancient, Anubis, and Train.
Train was added in January 2025, replacing Vertigo. Valve has not made any official statements about future changes to the map pool or the potential return of Cache.
Even though the April 1st announcement turned out to be a joke, the strong response from the community shows how much love there still is for Cache.
While fans wait for Valve’s next move, they can download the updated map from the Steam Workshop.
