The Cache map has returned to Counter-Strike

Credit: Valve

One of the most iconic maps in Counter-Strike history has made its return to the series, with a new version of Cache being added to Counter-Strike 2 in the latest patch.

Launched last night, the new version of Cache brings the iconic map into CS2 for the first time, or at least officially from Valve. The updated map features the same iconic layout fans are used to, but with updated visuals for the new CS2 engine and a few small tweaks here and there.

The visual style of the new cache is very different to the old CS:GO version that many fans will be used to. It feels much brighter and has a lot more color to what was previously quite a bland looking map. This initially is a bit confusing as you run around Cache, but after a few minutes it becomes clear this is essentially the same map many players will be familiar with.

The Counter-Strike 2 patch notes for the return of Cache reveal that the map is now available in Casual, Competitive, Deathmatch and Retakes modes. But in a blog post announcing the launch of the new map, the developers strongly hinted that Cache will make its way into the Premier map pool in the near future.

It appears that the launch of the Cache map has been very well received with fans, with matchmaking times for the map being as low as 12 seconds shortly after it launched. Even now during a quieter time for the game you can get into a match in less than 40 seconds, a full minute less than the other most popular maps such as Dust 2 and Mirage.

As a massive fan of the Cache map myself, it has even made me boot up CS2 for the first time in well over a year, and I am excited to jump in properly and grind a few matches on the new map to see if it still has the same feel. I will also be trying and failing to hit the iconic cross map wall bang, which is still possible in the new version.

Unfortunately it’s not entirely smooth sailing in the world of CS2, as the patch that delivered the new Cache map also seems to have introduced a new bug where all sound from the game stops at random points. Relaunching Counter-Strike 2, or switching your audio device, seems to fix the issue, but it's very annoying nonetheless. Hopefully a fix will be launched sometime soon.