In a recent update from Valve, the map Cache was mentioned among other maps in the general pool, immediately drawing the community’s attention. This has sparked a new wave of speculation about the possible return of one of the most beloved maps in Counter-Strike history. Adding fuel to the rumors are recent changes in the activity of its co-creator, FMPONE, and the prolonged lack of updates to the map on his part.
Update: After much discussion within the community, official confirmation has finally arrived: Valve has acquired the rights to the iconic Cache map from its creator, FMPONE. This move opens the door for the possible return of one of the most beloved arenas in CS history to the competitive map pool in CS2. Although no exact rotation date has been announced, fans are already eagerly anticipating its official comeback.
The History of Cache
Cache was removed from the active CS:GO tournament map pool on March 28, 2019. It was replaced by Vertigo — a decision aimed at refreshing the competitive map rotation. An updated version of Cache was revealed at ESL One New York 2019 and later added to the Steam Workshop, but it never made its way back into the official map pool.
The map also became iconic thanks to one of the most famous highlights in CS:GO history. During the MLG Major Championship: Columbus 2016, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev pulled off an incredible double no-scope AWP kill against Fnatic on the B site. The play became so legendary that Valve immortalized it with graffiti on the map itself.
Valve May Have Acquired the Map
Since FMPONE hasn’t updated the map since March 2024, speculation has grown that the rights to Cache may have transferred to Valve. This opens up the possibility of an official return of the map to the game, fully supported by the Source 2 engine and reintroduced to the professional scene. The map’s developer himself hinted at stepping away from the project with the following comment on his X profile:
“Thank you for playing Cache.
Thank you to SalGarozzo for allowing me to work on his original creation for so many years.
Thank you to CounterStrike for being CounterStrike!”
Time for Change: Is Mirage Next?
Many fans hope the return of Cache will mark the beginning of a broader map pool refresh. In particular, players are calling for changes to Mirage — a map that has remained untouched in the active pool for nearly 12 years.
On social media platform X, community opinions are divided: some want to see Inferno removed, calling it too repetitive and predictable, while others point to Anubis due to its controversial balance and complex layout. Either way, anticipation for map rotation changes is growing, and Valve has a perfect opportunity to reinvigorate the competitive landscape.
Cache Could Signal a New Era in the CS2 Map Pool
Cache is more than just a map — it’s a piece of CS:GO history. If it returns to CS2 in a new form, it could be a major step forward for the game’s evolution. Valve has a chance not only to bring back a classic but to set a new standard for future map updates in CS2.
