Cache Returns to CS2 Premier Map Pool for Season 5
Valve has officially confirmed Cache will rejoin the competitive map pool when Premier Season 5 begins following the conclusion of Season 4 on July 6. The classic map replaces Overpass in the seven-map rotation, marking the end of Overpass’s two-season run. The announcement arrived just a day after Falcons captured the IEM Cologne 2026 Major title, securing Nikola “NiKo” Kovač’s first Major championship, and gives professional teams ample preparation time before tournament play resumes.
Cache has been absent from the Active Duty pool since 2019 when Vertigo took its place. Though creator FMPONE produced several versions during the hiatus, none replicated the original’s feel or met performance standards for competitive play. Valve acquired the map ahead of its Counter-Strike 2 rework, implementing extensive changes and optimizations that restored it to its former glory after its April addition to the game files.
The decision to remove Overpass rather than Ancient or a staple like Mirage suggests Valve may be implementing a 5+2 rotation system first proposed by analyst Jason “moses” O’Toole. Under this framework, five core maps — likely Dust2, Mirage, Inferno, Nuke, and Ancient — would remain permanent fixtures while two slots rotate each season. Those five maps have consistently dominated tournament play, with four appearing at the inaugural Major at DreamHack Winter 2013.
Players have until July 6 to secure the 25 Premier wins and visible CSR required for the Season 4 medal. Valve typically deploys the Season 5 update within a day or two of the season’s conclusion, bringing the map pool change alongside additional updates and potential new skin collections.