CS2 Twitter banner changed again, here’s what it means

rachel Published November 11, 2024

Counter-Strike 2’s official Twitter account has been more active than usual lately, fanning new map rumors. An updated CS2 X banner points at the return of one of the three iconic maps.

Lately, all eyes have been on CS2, especially after the recent hate brigade against Vertigo that led to speculations for Train returning. While Valve has been tightlipped for the most part, it has been dropping hints using post captions and sometimes banners. Last week, the developer added a turf pattern, which has now been updated by a puddle.

It’s unusual for Valve to change banners twice in one week, so it’s naive to think these changes mean nothing. However, each update makes it even harder to guess exactly which map might be returning.

The CS2 Twitter banner change points at the possible return of Cache, Overpass, or weather changes added to maps in casual modes.

Train was an autumn-themed map with no sign of rain. It had no water elements, which directly contrasts with what CS2’s banner teases. In the banner image, there’s not only a puddle but also droplets, which could come from either rain or recent footsteps.

Image credits: CS2 on X (@Counter-Strike)

In both cases, it’s safe to assume that Train is no longer in the run for upcoming CS2 maps. Unless, of course, Valve decides to add a rain update to Train, which seems unlikely. Cache, however, seems to be the more accurate match for the banner. Map creator Shawn “FMPONE” Snelling is currently working on a Cache overhaul, and in recent update images, puddles can be spotted on more than one site. There’s a puddle in the T base, A short tunnel, a T corridor leading to B, and the site itself. The weather is still warm, so rain doesn’t seem to be the cause of the puddles. In fact, the water seems murky.

Image credits: Valve

Since Cache appears nearly ready, it could potentially replace Vertigo or any other map Valve decides to remove. However, some hopeful fans believe that Cobblestone might also be the map CS2 has been hinting at in its banners. But again, the ancient map didn’t have water in its last Global Offensive version. One silver lining is Cobblestone from before 2014 when it had a small pool, which was later removed. This area was still referred to as water in CS 1.6, but it seems like a stretch to speculate based on that alone.

Image credits: Valve

Whether it’s Train, Cache, Cobblestone, or even multiple maps, a reveal for CS2 seems imminent, as the recent Twitter banner changes likely signal an upcoming update.