On Nov. 3, 2023, Valve opened the Map Workshop, making it much easier for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) fans to play fresh experiences from map makers. Since the Map Workshop’s release, we’ve seen hundreds, if not thousands, of custom maps in CS2.
If you want to know how you can play CS2 custom maps or want some suggestions for the best experiences possible, we’ve got you covered. Let’s rush B!
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What Are Custom Maps?
Custom maps are essential to the experience in any iteration of CS, offering fans new virtual playgrounds to explore. CS2 custom maps are creations from community map makers. Some “mappers” are super creative, inventing new experiences like horror-themed maps. Others let their technical side take over to create a custom map that helps players with their aiming or utility placements.
Even some of the most iconic maps in Counter-Strike’s history were created by dedicated map makers and were later adopted by Valve. A prime example is Cache (de_cache) from Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling, and fans eagerly await its remake in the Source 2 engine. Some custom maps have made it into official updates with matchmaking features. For example, Mills, Thera, Pool Day, Memento, and Assembly were added in The Real MVP update on June 26, 2024.
Think of the CS2 Maps Workshop as a bottomless pit of content you can dive into at any time, alone or with friends.
How To Play Custom Maps In CS2
To play custom maps, you’ll have to follow the steps below to first download them via the Steam Workshop and then start playing with friends.
- Get CS2 for free via Steam.
- Navigate to the CS2 Workshop page on Steam (You must be logged in).
- Search for the CS2 custom maps you want to play and subscribe.
- Via the in-game friend list on the right-hand side, invite some friends.
- Wait for your friend to accept the party invite.
- Launch CS2.
- Click the “Play” button and then “Workshop Maps.”
- Select a custom map.
- Click on the big green “GO” button at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
You can party with friends and play custom CS2 workshop maps, or you can play against bots. What if none of your friends are online and you don’t like playing against bots? In that case, we suggest using the Community Server Browser to look for a specific custom server and map you would like to play, entering the preferred parameters into the search bar.
The Best Custom Maps
Instead of focusing on just the aim or training maps in CS2, we’ve decided to go a different route with “real maps.” You’ll find the best custom CS2 maps created by community map makers below, mostly with official game modes such as Wingman, Deathmatch, or Classic in mind.
Beerhouse
Beerhouse offers incredibly fun and engaging action in Arms Race, Deathmatch, or Wingman, and it was primarily created for the latter. It is an unofficial map port of de_beerhouse, uploaded by Steam user Mark. The level of detail in this quaint country beer garden map is stunning both for the interior and exterior.
We suggest downloading and playing this custom map without delay. You can explore the restaurant, check out the indoor and outdoor bar areas, read the wine list, or wait for enemies at the glowing fireplace. You can even spot an office area with the original Counter-Strike running on a computer.
Rainfall
In our opinion, Rainfall is one of the most beautiful custom maps in CS2. Created by Rikuda (level art and 2D art) and Cheburek (3D models), Rainfall is set in a small, quiet village on the Faroe Islands.
The map was first posted on June 11, 2024, and is available to play with friends or bots in Classic and Wingman game modes. You’ll discover fauna and flora as you click heads and take in the breathtaking scenic areas.
Biome
Biome is a large greenhouse facility and research complex in West Africa. It was created for Mapcore’s CS:GO mapping contest and earned 1st place in 2017 for its creative design and layout.
The creator, jd40, uploaded a Source 2 upgraded version of their award-winning map on Nov. 7, 2023. The CS2 upgrade features better navigation, improved visibility, and new materials. Biome works well with Classic and Deathmatch game modes, so tell your friends!
Lake
The custom map Lake is a fan port of the original de_Lake from Valve. It supports Classic, Deathmatch, Arms Race, and Wingman game modes. Vaskem1ddel first posted the remaster on the CS2 Workshop in April 2024, and this version features improved reflections, textures, new Source 2 Engine water effects, and lighting.
Lake is an enjoyable map, especially in Deathmatch with frantic encounters in the boathouse. MarcusTheGamer54 created the inflatable model.
Akiba
Available to play in Classic, Wingman, and Deathmatch game modes, Akiba was added to the CS2 Steam Workshop on Dec. 8, 2023. Haaselhoff, Kale, Squidski, and Coachi created the map as a joint effort.
The setting is Tokyo, Japan. Players can put their skills to the test at the UPX Akiba Convention Center, where a tech expo is taking place, or they can take a little detour to a high-end restaurant.
Junction
Team Fortress fans rejoice! Junction is a comprehensive port of the classic Team Fortress 2 map created by Sean “Heyo” Cutino. The CS2 custom map version was made in Source 2 by LED (Ledari on Steam) and features a custom game mode, with Deathmatch possibly coming in an update.
Junction showcases how it is possible to create iconic maps from other games for CS2 with precision.
de-Legends
If you are looking for a unique and brilliant CS2 custom map experience while you look back at the history of Counter-Strike, then you should explore de-Legends from Mr.Max47.
de-Legends isn’t your average map. It takes the shape of a museum celebrating 25 years of Counter-Strike by highlighting legendary moments, personalities, and items such as trophies. We recommend experiencing de-Legends with your friends and reminiscing about the good old days.
Honorable mentions include de_vertigo 45°, which allows you to walk on the sides of the iconic map, and multiple “surf” maps, such as surf_utopia_njv, which can provide hours of fun. If you want to 1v1 with friends, we recommend Aim Blast [Stand-off].
Best CS2 Custom Maps For Training
You’ll see many Custom Maps created explicitly for training purposes, such as improving your aim or choosing the perfect CS2 crosshair. Check out the best CS2 custom Workshop Maps for practicing your skills below.
- crashz’ Crosshair Generator v4
- GGPredict Training Hub
- Aim Botz – Aim Training
- Refrag.gg Warmup Map
- Recoil Master – Spray Training
- DHL Skills Lab
Bonus tip: Use the best CS2 settings for a smooth experience on custom maps, and check out our guide to playing CS2 to improve on the basics.
Find Your Favorite New Maps In CS2
The custom maps we’ve chosen in this article open up a world of excitement for CS2 fans and creativity for those with a keen eye for innovative designs. From the intricate environments of Beerhouse to the beauty of Rainfall—and the game modes you can play them in—our picks have a little something for every type of player. Plus, we made sure to shout out the best maps for helping to improve your skills, so you can feel more confident the next time your buddies want to compete.
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