Maps

Cache callouts in CS2: place names, smokes and map history

Cache callouts: the place names in the CS2 game files, the seven smokes in Valve's official guide in Valve's own words, and the map's history from 2013 to 2026.

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Since the July 8, 2026, update, Cache has been in the Active Duty map pool in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), where it replaced Overpass. The map returned to the game on April 28, 2026.

This guide lists the place names that Valve’s game files use for Cache, walks through the seven smokes in Valve’s official map guide, and follows the map’s history through Valve’s own posts.

Cache callouts: the game’s place names

The Cache section of the game’s English text file lists these names:

  • Outside A
  • Outside B
  • A Halls
  • B Halls
  • Sun Room
  • Checkers
  • Headshot
  • Tree Room
  • CT Lane
  • Bear
  • Bus Stop
  • Corner
  • A Boost
  • Highway
  • Sandbags
  • Cubby
  • Mid Roof
  • Lockers
  • A Stairs
  • T Truck
  • Useless
  • T Yard
  • Boost

Valve’s official smoke guide for Cache

Valve’s map guide for Cache contains seven smoke grenade lineups. Each one has a title, a spot to stand in, an aim point and a throw type. The table gives Valve’s descriptions of the stand spot and aim.

Smoke Where to stand Aim and throw
Cross Smoke Stand in this corner. Using grenade crosshair, aim where the corner meets the third pole, left click throw.
Connector Smoke Push into this corner. Aim at the dark spot, left click jump throw.
Tree Smoke Push into the center of the left post. Aim where the horizontal and vertical lines meet, left click throw.
Heaven Smoke Push into this corner. Aim left of the small white spot, left click throw.
B Main Smoke Stand in the middle of the panel. Aim at the middle of the column, left click throw.
White Box Smoke Push into the middle of the white column. Aim to the right of the joist, left click throw.
A Main Smoke Push into the truck. Aim at the middle of the windows, left click throw.

Cache history

CS:GO years

Cache was added on Sept. 19, 2013, when Operation Bravo went live in CS:GO. A pass gave unlimited access to a map group of eight top-voted Workshop maps, playable in casual, deathmatch and, for the first time, competitive mode. Cache was one of the seven new maps in the group, alongside Agency, Ali, Chinatown, Gwalior, Ruins and Siege. Seaside returned as the eighth.

The July 1, 2014, release notes divided maps into three groups: Active Duty, Reserves and Operation. Cache was on the Active Duty list with Dust II, Nuke, Mirage, Inferno, Cobblestone and Overpass. Valve wrote that the assignments “will be re-evaluated every Operation.”

On March 28, 2019, Valve moved Cache to the reserves “while it undergoes some renovations.” Vertigo was added to Active Duty in the same update.

The renovated map came back on Oct. 18, 2019. Valve wrote that Cache “has been updated by FMPONE and Volcano and is playable on official servers in Casual, Deathmatch, and Scrimmage.”

On Nov. 18, 2019, Valve wrote in the release notes: “Cache has been moved from Scrimmage to Competitive Matchmaking.”

Return in CS2

Valve’s April 28, 2026, announcement, published at 3:24 p.m. PDT, opened with “Today’s update features the return of a classic. Welcome back, Cache!” The post said veterans would feel at home in familiar locations. It described Cache as “a classic three lane map that rewards strategy and teamplay.”

The update notes from the same day list Cache in Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch and Retakes modes. In the announcement, Valve put “(for now)” after its list of modes.

Valve’s Season 5 post went up on July 8, 2026, at 3:50 p.m. PDT. It said Cache “has officially arrived, and replaces Overpass in the active duty map pool.” The post invited players to “rise through the Premier ranks in CS2’s newest battlefield.” Season 5 also brought a reworked bomb damage system, which the post said sends a wave of destruction from the bombsite through the map.

FAQ

Is Cache in the CS2 Active Duty map pool?

Yes. Valve’s July 8, 2026, post said Cache replaces Overpass in the Active Duty map pool.

When did Cache return to CS2?

Valve announced the return on April 28, 2026. The map was added to Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch and Retakes modes.

Who updated Cache in 2019?

Valve’s Oct. 18, 2019, post said Cache was updated by FMPONE and Volcano. It was playable on official servers in Casual, Deathmatch and Scrimmage.

Which smokes does Valve’s official Cache guide cover?

It covers Cross Smoke, Connector Smoke, Tree Smoke, Heaven Smoke, B Main Smoke, White Box Smoke and A Main Smoke.

Sources