Overpass Replaces Anubis in CS2 Competitive Map Pool in Premier Season 3 Update
Valve has reintroduced the map Overpass to the competitive map pool of Counter-Strike 2, replacing the map Anubis as part of a major update coinciding with the start of Premier Season Three. This marks the first change in the active map list in 2025 and signals further shifts in gameplay objectives. Additionally, CS2 has received several other changes and updates related to the economy, incendiary grenades, MP9, and trading.
Overpass to Replace Anubis in CS2 Competitive Map Pool
The map Overpass, long a staple of the Counter-Strike competitive scene, returns to the competitive map pool after being removed in April 2024 in favor of Dust 2.
Conversely, the map Anubis, added to Active Duty in November 2022, has been removed from rotation for the first time in nearly three years. This decision comes amid growing criticism of Anubis for its imbalance, having become the most terrorist-favored map by 2025.
Economic Changes in CS2
Alongside the map change, Valve has implemented several changes affecting the Counter-Terrorists (CT) side. The most notable addition is an extra team cash reward: CTs now earn $50 for each terrorist killed in a round, regardless of the outcome. This change aims to alleviate economic pressure on CTs and improve purchase stability throughout the match.
Two significant weapon adjustments accompany the economic changes:
The MP9 has been nerfed with increased recoil and significantly reduced accuracy while jumping, diminishing its effectiveness as a budget SMG. [Priced at $1,250, it was one of the best weapons for forced buys, so it's clear why the MP9 was nerfed.]
Meanwhile, the incendiary grenade, previously weakened, has now been buffed — the fire spreads faster, making it more effective for area control.
Other Changes in CS2
Besides gameplay changes, Valve has introduced a new account security feature: users can now cancel all item trades from the past seven days. This measure is intended to combat fraud and provide confidence to those involved in skin trading.
This marks the second consecutive seasonal update that significantly alters the CS2 competitive scene, continuing the trend of more frequent map pool updates. Whether Overpass will appear in future tournaments like IEM Cologne remains unknown. However, it's evident that teams should start practicing more on the Overpass map, developing additional strategies and team tactics.
New CS2 Update Patch Notes Summary [July 16, 2025]:
[ Premier Season Three ]
CS2 Premier Season Three has officially begun
Overpass added to the competitive map pool (Active Duty Map Pool)
Anubis removed from the competitive map pool
[ Gameplay ]
Incendiary Grenade: fire from the grenade now spreads faster
MP9: increased recoil and significantly reduced accuracy while jumping
In competitive modes, Counter-Terrorists now receive a team reward of $50 for each terrorist killed in a round
