The iconic Train map has returned after being removed from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) over three years ago. Train has been completely rebuilt in the Source 2 engine for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), boasting a visual overhaul and massive layout changes.
Get your ticket stamped for an informative ride in our complete guide to Train in CS2, covering the most significant changes, map callouts, and player strategies.
Want to bet on Counter-Strike? Check out the latest CS2 odds at Thunderpick!
CS2 Train Map
CS2 Train Overview
Train, known by old-school fans as de_Train, is almost as old as the original Counter-Strike. It first appeared in Beta 5.0 at the end of 1999 and was part of the CS:GO Active Duty Map Pool for quite some time before being removed in May 2021. But now it’s back following a major CS2 update on Nov. 13, 2024.
When you load into the Counter-Strike 2 version of Train for the first time, you’ll notice that it’s raining and that there are beautiful water effects even on your weapons and equipment. You’ll also notice that the map’s lighting is a bit darker due to the weather. The image above showcases some water effects on a standard knife alongside the Pigeon Easter Egg.
There are tons of other Easter Eggs to find. For example, when you scan the QR code on the Schedule Board at T Spawn, you’ll end up on the Steam page for CS2.
While the visual overhaul and little secrets are fantastic ways to showcase the incredible detail the Source 2 engine can provide, the map balance changes are the biggest difference for CS2 esports fans.
CS2 vs CS:GO Train Map Balance Changes
The CS2 version of Train brings substantial balance changes that will shake up team strategies and potentially create a more balanced experience.
Once Train appeared in CS2, we jumped onto the server and studied the new environment to bring you an in-depth look at the biggest changes. We’ve outlined them all below and provided screenshots of the areas we’re discussing so you know exactly where to find them.
If you want to get more information on the other maps or the four new community maps that were recently added, check out our CS2 maps article.
CT Spawn Loading Dock
The area now resembles a checkpoint, and the big gameplay change involves a loading dock area you can jump on and shoot from.
We’ve named it “CT Dock” in the callouts section.
B Site Overhaul
The B Site has undergone a few significant changes. First, you’ll notice that the big yellow train has been completely removed.
To compensate for the open nature of B Site, Catwalk is now split in half, with a new room blocking the line of sight from the Headshot and B Upper areas. We’re calling the little room on Catwalk “B Control” because it resembles a control room and features a monitor with old train images flashing on the screen. The B Control room is inaccessible.
A new blue shipping container (we’re standing on it in the image above) holds the B Ladder to B Upper. The platform for B-Site Bomb is now a single unit instead of two, but you can still play from the top of it.
A Site Overhaul
The A Site is much more open thanks to the removal of some train cars. Valve did tilt A Red, so you can now surf on it a bit. Plus, Olof is a less potent position to play around, though it remains effective.
You’ll also notice that Valve added elements of roof construction from the A Site. The viewpoint in the image above showcases the A Site just as you come out of the Pop Dog door.
The iconic Heaven position is now completely blocked off. You cannot get up there anymore, which means there’s one less position for the Ts to worry about when pushing the A Site.
Valve has closed the left entrance from A1 and opened up the middle gate, which we’re calling the “A Door.”
A1 and A2 also now connect, and Valve added a small entrance to Hell.
Pop Dog Ladder Removal
One of the biggest changes to the Train map in CS2 is the removal of the ladder down to Pop Dog. As you can see from the image below, it’s completely blocked off.
Instead, there’s a path to your right as you go through the hole in the wall. Some early names for this hallway are Underpass and RIP Pop, and we’re referring to it as “B Corridor.”
The previous version of Train was not ideal for the Terrorist side. In fact, according to HLTV data, the all-time stats on Train indicate 54.7% round wins on the CT side, compared to 45.3% T-side round wins. That nearly 10% difference is incredibly high for a competitive CS map.
With the map layout changes in the CS2 version of Train, Valve hit the nail on the head, making this iconic map more balanced and shortening rotation times. This means potential gameplay changes which brings us to the following sections of our CS2 Train guide: the callouts and the map strategies for both the T and CT sides!
All CS2 Train Callouts
With the reworked Train map, a few old callouts have disappeared, and the community is still vigorously discussing what a few new areas should be called and how some callouts should be renamed. For example, should “Heaven” now be “Old Heaven” since it is no longer accessible?
With that in mind, our resident CS2 expert has provided a list of CS2 Train callouts for you to devour, most of which should be easily recognizable, especially when combined with our previous section on the map changes from CS:GO to CS2. Check out the Train callouts below.
- T Spawn
- CT Spawn
- A Site
- B Site
- Dumpster
- T Alley
- Pigeons
- Shutters
- Ivy
- Olof
- Hell
- Lockers
- Showers
- Pop Dog
- Yellow
- A Red
- B Red
- B Blue
- B Halls
- Electrical
- B Orange
- CT Stairs
- CT Short
- Connector
- CT Dock
- A1
- A2
- CT Tunnel
- Sandwich
- B Ramp
- B Upper
- B Ladder
- Back Site (B)
- Catwalk
- Headshot
- Control Catwalk
- Old Ladder
- Rip Pop / Underpass?
- A Door / A Main
- Old Heaven
Please note: We’ll update this section when professional players establish callouts for Train.
Best Strategy For Terrorists On Train
At the time of writing, the CS2 version of Train is still very fresh, and no esports events have taken place on the map, nor has the map entered the Active Duty Map Pool. With that disclaimer out of the way, we have some general tactics to share for the T side attacking the A Site or the B Site.
Attacking A Site
For a successful attack and plant on the A Site, the Ts must use every utility available, spending all their flashes as they pour in and smoking the Connector and A Doors at a minimum. We suggest using one player (the Lurker) as a misdirect, making as much noise at the end of B Halls close to B Upper, and one using some early utility in Ivy.
When your team can pull away one of the A Site defenders (there should be three) for a B Site rotation, it’s time to execute. You need at least 30 seconds, so be mindful of the clock. Three go through A Main, and the B Halls player joins the other to move through the new Underpass corridor.
Attacking B Site
The T side can use the B Upper path much more effectively now. The Control Catwalk structure blocks line of sight from Headshot, which results in fewer angles to worry about. Plus, the new B Ladder doesn’t allow for a cheesy top-of-ladder position, making B Upper the best new path to attacking the B Site.
For Ts pushing for a B Site execute, we recommend a three-pronged attack, with two or three players going B Upper and one on B Ramp. Then, one Lurker should put pressure on Connector and possibly allow site access for the B Ramp player if the Connector player gets a pick. Pop flashes after faking a possible A Site execute, and smoke off Back Site and CT Spawn angles.
Best Strategy For Counter-Terrorists On Train
We’ve outlined some initial, general tactics for the CT side to defend the A Site and the B Site below. Remember that no strategies are perfect and that, as a CT, you should always react to where the Ts decide to push. Communicate consistently with your team and keep tabs on enemy positions, switching up your defense when necessary.
Defending A Site
Defending the A Site on Train isn’t as easy as securing the Old Ladder position down to Pop Dog. Instead, the CT must now keep an eye on the Underpass corridor and use utility to block off any Ts advancing through. We suggest using three defenders on the A Site unless there’s a strong indication the Ts will hit B.
A Site position to defend includes one player positioning around Hell, covering A2 and enemies from Ivy. The second player should act as the site’s anchor, ensuring no one makes it out of Pop Dog without a fight. The third CT could play around Olof, keeping an eye on A Main while providing additional utility for the Hell or Pop Dog players.
Defending B Site
Two of the most vital positions on the new CS2 Train are around the Back Site of B and playing behind the elevation from the Back Site to the Connector’s ramp. There’s more wiggle room now, which means players can hold angles to cover Ts who push the B Ramp.
We strongly recommend using these two positions in your B Site defense, covering B Ladder and B Ramp angles. Another player should then roam the CT Stairs and CT Tunnels area, rotating between the A and B Sites.
Once an incoming attack is confirmed, A Site defenders can move through Connector to meet up at the B Site (or through CT Tunnels if Connector is lost). At this point, the CT can use utility at B Ramp and any other avenues of attack to slow down the push, either running out the clock or forcing the Ts into angles.
All Aboard!
With Train back and more balanced than ever, we can’t wait to see if the map makes its way into the Active Duty Map Pool for competitive play. We get the feeling that esports pros will love the changes Valve has made, and we know esports fans (like us!) are ready to see how the pros tackle this new version of Train.
Want to jump into the CS2 esports betting action? Visit our CS2 betting page to place live wagers on your favorite teams and players as they battle it out in the latest tournament. Good luck!
Always practice Responsible Gambling and check out our latest promo offers and boosts. T&Cs apply. 18+ to play.
