Well, Valve has done it: it has brought back Cache to Counter-Strike 2. The update has been long-awaited by fans since its port to CS2, and the rebuilt map is now available in most queues.
According to Valve’s post, Cache is available in the following queue types: Casual, Competitive, Deathmatch, and Retakes (for now). It comes with some teasers that Cache was not far off release, especially with FMPONE dropping his newly made map on the workshop.
We also got to see Cache rejoin the FACEIT queues the other week or two, using the unofficial one that was bought from FMPONE on the Steam Workshop.
Valve adjusts CS2’s official Cache launch to be more like the original
If you do a walk around on Cache, you’ll find that the old layout pretty much remains intact. Albeit, it comes with a major texture overhaul, even undoing some of FMPONE’s updates when he launched and sold it on the workshop.
The map itself had a pretty good visual overhaul, with some of the old spawns reflecting a more Soviet-era architectural style around the site. B Site looks a little different too, with the windows no longer needing smashing, as there are giant holes in the wall this time around for retaking or flashing sites from the Sun room.
The map is largely based on the original versions of Cache, while stripping out some of FMPONE’s additions. It seems largely based around the old skeleton, with updated visuals and textures, and some new things, as mentioned.
There’s room for Valve to, of course, add some of FMPONE’s or their own additions to the map at some point, as CS2 is new for Cache, so we’ll likely see some new techniques, plants, and strategies develop on the map.
They also made the boost easier to do solo to the legendary Shroud play took place
The launch of Cache on CS2 also includes other balance updates. Dust II got an uncovered mid box to reveal a hidden jump spot. There are also updates to community maps, like Poseidon and Stronghold, and minor collision improvements at the Office with the tarps.
Some sound bugs were addressed, too, fixing C4 equip sounds and some first-person death noises that were bugging out with music kits. And some other visual bugs have been fixed on Mirage and elsewhere in the game. Oh, and Animgraph got some nice tune-ups too.
If you’re curious, fl0m has done a good overview of the new map checking sites out. Well worth a watch to see what’s changed and get a feel for things.