Ranking every Premier map in Counter-Strike 2 (October 2024)

Counter-Strike 2, like most other competitive FPS games, has multiple maps players can play on. While some are loved unanimously by fans, others are seen as a waste of space, and players always let out that familiar sound of disappointment when the screen shows the map. This is even more true for competitive modes where winning and losing actually matter.

Naturally, the same thing applies to CS2’s Premier Mode. Fortunately, the game doesn’t really have too many maps players unanimously hate, since even if there are picks like Anubis and Ancient, a decent percentage of the player base still enjoys playing on those maps. However, to help newcomers brace themselves and realize which maps are the “good ones,” we thought we’d go through our list of every single Premier map in the current CS2 map pool.

So, without any more delay, here is how we’d rank every Premier map in CS2’s Premier map pool from worst to best.

What are the worst to best Premier maps in Counter-Strike 2

The Active Duty map pool or the Premier map pool in Counter-Strike 2 changes, with multiple changes in the maps. Recently, Valve removed Overpass from the map pool in favor of the fan-favorite map Dust 2. With so many maps in Premier mode, selecting the best ones is hard. Here is every map in Premier ranked from worst to best:

7: Anubis

Starting our list is the divisive map, Anubis. Set in Egypt, this map is like a maze, with every bombsite having multiple angles and entries. Not only that, but Anubis has a multi-level map, so players need to juggle upper and lower areas, making the map needlessly complicated despite its classic three-lane structure.

The problem with Anubis is that it feels like a T-sided map because there are so many entry points for every site, and bombsite B is closer to the Terrorist's spawn than other maps. Most conflicts occur in the central area, with players using pillars and other objects as cover. It's an okay map but the weakest one in the Premier map pool.

6: Ancient

Next, we have Ancient. It's one of the more thematically different maps in the game, taking place on an archaeological site with ruins everywhere, unlike other ones in Counter-Strike 2. It's a big map with a vast open area in the middle, where both teams often fight against each other for control. 

The issue with Ancient is the opposite of what's wrong with Anubis. Ancient feels like a CT-sided map because of how close CTs spawn to both bombsites, allowing them to set up and hold angles without any rush, and that there aren't a lot of angles and entries to come from, so they only have to look at a few places to defend their sites.

5: Vertigo

As the name suggests, Vertigo's main gimmick is its verticality. CTs and Ts fight against each other in an under-construction building, where they can go up and down floors. Since the fight occurs on the roof, players can jump off and die instantly.

Luckily, Vertigo is a balanced map. CTs make it to the sites a bit before the Ts so they can set up while not having too much time to hide in intricate areas. One of the best parts about the map is its multiple angles and windows through which players can throw grenades and flashbangs, making utility usage important.

4: Nuke

Nuke is one of the older maps in the Premier map pool. It takes place in a nuclear power plant, with stunning visuals and a bright aesthetic. It's the only map in the pool where the bomb sites are on different floors. It's a balanced map where CTs can win rounds by correctly positioning themselves and taking control of Outside, and Ts can win by doing the same thing.

While it's a great map, the only problem is that it can be hard to figure out which floor the Ts planted the bomb on because both sites are close to each other. Besides that, it's a beautiful map that helps immensely improve game sense.

3: Mirage

Possibly one of the most iconic Counter-Strike maps. Mirage has been in the Premier map pool since the mode's launch and has been in the game since Counter-Strike 2's predecessor's launch. It has a desert-ish vibe to it.

There are no downsides to Mirage. It's a well-balanced map where either team can win with better game sense and aim. With the launch of Counter-Strike 2, Mirage got a slight graphical update where the lighting is much prettier, like the floors of Palace. If someone looks at the map long enough, they can realize it's almost symmetrical.

2: Inferno

Having Inferno this high might be a hot take, but the Italian village deserves to be in this spot, especially after the visual overhaul it got with Counter-Strike 2. While Ts have numerous routes to enter each bombsite, there are few points where they can enter, so the attacking side always has to be coordinated to win.

On the other hand, CTs have to communicate to win because of the amount of routes in Inferno. The combination of tiny alleyways, gutters, apartments, and more makes it one of the best maps in the game.

1: Dust 2

Everyone knew that Dust 2 was going to be number 1. It's unarguably the most popular map in the game, and for good reason. This dusty place is timeless, with a few routes and few entries but endless possibilities. There's enough deviation in routes that any team can change direction and go for another play whenever they want.

Dust 2 is the most balanced map in the game, with both sides having an equal chance of winning. The map has something for everybody, like if someone wants to snipe. They can go A Long or Mid. Does someone prefer playing up close? Just play around Tunnels or B site.

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FAQs

Does it matter which map you play on in CS2’s Premier mode?

This question is a little difficult to answer. While some players play very well on specific maps, others are all-rounders and have memorized every map’s callouts. Therefore, while the map does matter for some players, it doesn’t for others.

Naturally, those looking to memorize the callouts and peeking spots can always buy a CS2 boost from Eloking. Our professional players are the best at teaching others how to play like a pro, and with the code “BoostToday” you can also get a 20% discount on your order.

Which CS2 map is the most popular?

Dust 2 is easily the most popular map in CS2. Since the map has been in the game since the previous games, it’s also one of the most popular Counter-Strike maps of all time. Naturally, that doesn’t mean it’s the most loved map, as some players prefer to play on other maps, although even non-CS players will likely be able to identify Dust 2 at a single glance.