Community Demands Cache as Anubis Replaces Train in CS2 Active Duty Map Pool

As we approach Season 4, CS2 Anubis replaces Train in the active duty map pool. Valve has announced that the Egypt-based map will be scheduled to enter the pool post January 19, 2026. Following a six-month-long hiatus since July, it's coming back to life once again. It's somewhat of a surprise, as the community speculated that Cache might be next.

It has been almost a year since the remade Cache circulated over the internet. Valve even bought it from its creator, FMPONE. Therefore, it's surely an element of surprise for the Counter-Strike 2 enthusiasts. On that note, let's discuss a few community reactions to this.

Valve Announced Anubis Will Replace Train in Active Duty Map Pool

As mentioned earlier, Valve has announced that CS2 Anubis replaces Train following the arrival of Premier Season 4. For context, Train only lasted a year, replacing Vertigo in 2025. Anubis, on the other hand, is coming back to life after almost a six-month-long hiatus. Overpass replaced the map in July 2025.

Following the changes in the active duty maps, the tournament organisers are expected to implement the new pool for professionals. The changes are likely to begin with the start of BLAST Bounty on January 13, 2026. Meanwhile, a S-Tier IEM Krakow 2026 is also expected to see sufficient changes.

CS2 Active Duty Pool for Premier Season 4

With Anubis entering the map pool, we say goodbye to Train. That being said, here's the Active Duty map pool for CS2 Premier Season 4:

• Mirage
• Inferno
• Dust 2
• Nuke
• Ancient
• Overpass
• Anubis

When does Season 3 of Premier End?

Based on official sources, the CS2 Premier Season 3 is scheduled to conclude on January 19, 2026. Following the arrival of the next season, Anubis is all set to replace Train in the official active duty map pool.

How the Community Reacted to Valve Skipping Cache for Active Duty Pool

While there were major speculations regarding the updated Cache might arrive in the pool, the whole community seems disappointed with this recent change. As CS2 Anubis replaces Train, Valve's decision has surely affected several professionals, streamers, and casters. Well, no hate towards Anubis, but it's been long enough since I've played Cache in Counter-Strike. The Ukraine-based map was officially removed from the competitive CS2 map pool on March 28, 2019. So, you can tell how long it has been for anyone. Meanwhile, some netizens from the community have also showcased their discomfort with removing Train, and not Overpass.

One such post has been made by Natus Vincere's professional player Valerii "b1t" Vakhovskyi. He commented:

“It’s okay that Anubis is back, but unfortunately -train dunno why, I would remove overpass”

Another famous CS2 caster, Chad “SPUNJ” Burchill, commented on how the Train map was just getting started and how it had so much potential. Even the pros started to pick more in tournaments. He commented:

“If cache isn't ready, it's not ready. But -train is wild, felt like the map was growing nicely”

Another famous broadcaster, Mauisnake, said something similar about Train's growth in the competitive scene. Unfortunately, Valve removed the iconic map.

Aurora Gaming's primary AWPer Özgür “w0xic” Eker is excited to see Anubis back on the pool. He, however, requested to remove Mirage.

In my opinion, Train was doing just fine, especially after some significant changes in the popdog and Ivy area. Even though I prefer Mirage and Inferno most of the time, I was starting to enjoy the map.

Although Anubis will officially go live in the pool, Cache is expected to be confirmed in 2026. If we take a good look at the @VirreCS's recent X post on 2025 CS2 Highlights, CS2's official account commented:
“2025 had so many unforgettable moments it's hard to pick just one. Thanks for putting this together @VirreCS, and bring on 2026.”

Guess what the “0” on the 2026 was a nuclear sign. Those who are smart enough should realise by now that it's nothing but a teaser that Cache is coming in 2026. Funnily enough, @CounterStrike removed the post later on.

That's all we have to discuss on the recent map pool changes as CS2 Anubis replaces Train. As we approach CS2 Premier Season 4, it's time you take a look at some of our coverage on HLTV Awards 2025 predictions.