Cache: A Legendary Counter-Strike Map Returned to CS2, But Unlikely to Be Added to the Official Pool
Counter-Strike has spawned many cult maps throughout its history, but not all of them managed to remain in the active map pool until today. Cache is one of the beloved locations that often fell out of not only the competitive but also the official map pool. Now, a year and a half after the CS2 release, the map has received a new life and was added to the Steam Workshop. Let’s understand what makes it so famous, what bright moments have occurred on it, why it was removed, and why we shouldn’t get too excited about its appearance too soon.
Creation History of Cache and Connection to Chernobyl
The Cache map was created by American level designer Michael “FMPONE” Vasilek in collaboration with Salem “Sal” Garcia. It first appeared in Counter-Strike: Source but gained popularity in 2013 when its updated version was released in CS:GO and added to the map pool of esports tournaments. On November 13, 2017, the map was officially included in the active tournament map pool.
One of the key features of the map was its atmosphere. The action takes place in an industrial area in Eastern Europe, strongly reminiscent of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Russian-language inscriptions, abandoned hangars, traces of radiation, and Soviet architecture all give the map a unique atmosphere. Fans even found similarities between Cache and the real Pripyat, such as the landscape with a Ferris wheel outside the game zone. The atmosphere of desolation is emphasized by rusty containers, peeling walls, and overgrown vegetation, which enhances the feeling of an abandoned facility.
In the updated version, everything became even more realistic, thanks not only to the author but also to the new Source 2 engine. However, the author made several changes that immediately caught the eye of many players.
Return of Cache to CS2 and Visual Changes
The map creator added an updated version of Cache for CS2 to the Steam Workshop and announced this on his X page. Improved lighting, reworked textures, and minor design changes made the map even more detailed and atmospheric. Visually, it remained true to its theme – an abandoned Soviet industrial facility with brick buildings, rusty containers, and peeling walls. Stained glass windows, old furniture, and an abundance of vegetation emphasize the desolation and create that recognizable atmosphere.
However, the updated Cache has its drawbacks. Lighting and improved textures can affect player visibility and performance. Some users report FPS drops of up to two times in certain areas of the map. Therefore, FMPONE continues to optimize the map, eliminating bugs and improving stability.
From the gameplay changes, the absence of a lamp on the B-plant immediately stood out, where the defense often took the terrorists’ approach to the point. Also, on the mid, the ability to climb into the window, which provided additional overview for the special forces, disappeared. Instead, a small gap remains, which allows safely throwing the necessary grenades. Perhaps the designer wanted to level the sides, as previously the defense was strongly prevalent on this map.
Legendary Moments. Why is s1mple's Famous Graffiti No Longer There?
Cache has repeatedly been the arena for incredible clutches and highlights. One of the most iconic moments occurred at the ESL One Cologne 2016 tournament in the quarter-final match between Fnatic and Team Liquid.
Alexander “s1mple” Kostylev single-handedly won the round by making an incredible double-kill with an AWP in mid-air, without aim (no-scope). This moment became so iconic that VALVE immortalized it with graffiti on the map, drawing a CT with wings and an AWP in hand.
However, in the CS2 version of Cache, this graffiti is no longer there. The disappearance of the cult drawing was an unpleasant surprise for fans, as it was part of CS history and a tribute to one of the most memorable moments of the esports scene. Perhaps Valve will return it in the future. FMPONE explained the absence of the graffiti with a desire to start from a clean slate and, despite community requests, is not going to bring it back.
Why Was Cache Removed from the Map Pool and Is There a Chance of Return?
Despite its popularity, Cache was removed from the competitive map pool in 2019. It was replaced by the reworked Vertigo, which caused an outcry among fans. The reason for removal was that the map required graphic and balance updates, as it had morally become outdated compared to new maps. Subsequently, it received an updated version but never returned to the main CS:GO map pool.
After the news of Cache’s appearance in the workshop, the community began to speculate which map might be replaced by this Chernobyl location. However, in our opinion, they are simply wasting time, as the reasons for the map’s absence since 2019 have not changed. The main takeaway is that VALVE wants to have complete control over the product and does not want to interact with authors as they did before. The developers want to obtain all rights to use the map, arguing this with the “ability to promptly eliminate various bugs and make necessary changes”. Even three years ago on Twitter (now X), the creator of Cache actively expressed dissatisfaction with this fact, but as we can see, VALVE’s course has not changed. The CEO of Complexity also did not remain on the sidelines and reminded the community of this nuance on his social networks and asked VALVE to openly give an answer to not play on users’ feelings.
The only thing we can count on is that VALVE will buy the map from FMPONE, and he will agree to give all rights to the developers. This was the case with maps like Anubis and Tuscan, and as a result of the deal, the authors received $150,000. Would such a sum satisfy the creator of Cache? The question is debatable. An even more controversial question is whether VALVE will want to buy the map from an author who has regularly expressed negativity towards the company.
The Coolest Skins from the Cache Collection
- Galil AR | Cerberus — $22.31-$114.70. Souvenir — $44.62-$1135.41
- MAC-10 | Nuclear Garden — $8.36-$14.45. Souvenir — $11.15-$43.66
- FAMAS | Styx — $5.07-$23.00. Souvenir — $38.00-$141.31
- Glock-18 | Reactor — $7.89-$18.07. Souvenir — $12.81-$15.75
- Tec-9 | Toxic — $10.60-$13.80. Souvenir — $11.40-$78.78
Since we started talking about the Cache map, it’s time to remember the items from this collection. Like on most removed maps – souvenir versions cost more than classic ones, but during the map’s time in the game, enough of them have dropped, and these prices are likely not going to change for a long time. It will not be possible to get a solid profit from crafting, which means the skins will not disappear from the trading platform and will at most be lost in the inventories of abandoned accounts.
The main theme of the design of this collection was the image of skulls with applied radiation hazard signs, which strongly resonates with the Nuke collection. The only unique art can be considered Galil AR | Cerberus, depicting three heads of Cerberus with burning eyes and bared teeth.
Conclusion
Cache is not just a map, but a real legend of Counter-Strike. Its rich history, connection to the tragic Chernobyl story, iconic moments, and community love make it unique. Returning to CS2 will allow us to play a few nostalgic matches in a private lobby, but dreams of seeing it in top tournaments are still far from reality. At the moment, the most realistic scenario is to see the map in various show matches from tournament operators.
