TL;DR
- Train removed from active duty after six years, replaced by Ancient map
- Operation Broken Fang concluded with May 15th deadline for spending stars
- New map pool affects upcoming RMR events and Stockholm Major
- Ancient draws inspiration from classic CS maps Aztec and Cobblestone
- Community surprised by Ancient addition instead of expected Mirage remake
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s competitive landscape undergoes significant transformation as Train exits the active duty rotation.
Valve has implemented a substantial refresh to the official competitive map pool, introducing Ancient as the newest battleground for professional and ranked matches.This marks the first major map pool adjustment in an extended period, breaking the pattern of seven established competitive locations that had defined CSGO’s professional scene.
Operation Broken Fang has officially concluded, with participants having until May 15th to redeem their Operation Stars.
Today’s updates include the pivotal Active Duty Map Pool modification—Train’s departure and Ancient’s inclusion.
— CS:GO (@CSGO) May 3, 2021
The May 4th update finalizes Train’s removal following its six-year tenure in competitive play, making way for the newly introduced Ancient.
Train cultivated a dedicated following throughout its extensive CSGO history, tracing back to the original Counter-Strike title.The map experienced renewed popularity following its comprehensive redesign and reintroduction to Global Offensive.
Professional competitors frequently selected Train for its intricate layout that generated numerous thrilling encounters.
This iconic battleground witnessed legendary CSGO moments including Jaryd “summit1G” Lazar’s infamous molotov misplay and features a location named in honor of Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer.
Historic Map Pool Transition
Although Train departs the competitive rotation, enthusiasts can still experience its final professional appearances during Flashpoint 3’s Regional Major Ranking tournament.Subsequent RMR competitions will adopt the revised map selection, ensuring the Stockholm Major introduces fresh strategic approaches and unexpected developments.
Ancient represents CSGO’s latest competitive environment, originally launched during Operation Broken Fang but initially excluded from ranked matchmaking.
Following three months since its introduction, the map now enters competitive circulation.The challenging terrain evokes memories of CS 1.6’s Aztec, while the stone foundations honor Cobblestone’s design legacy.
This familiar architectural approach made Ancient immediately accessible to veteran Counter-Strike participants.
Community reaction has been substantial given the extended period without significant map pool revisions.Many anticipated a Mirage redesign continuation, following Valve’s established pattern of refreshing older maps to maintain competitive variety.
Ancient’s unexpected inclusion surprised the player base, and its resemblance to classic CSGO environments may rapidly displace other community-preferred locations.
Updated CSGO Competitive Map Pool:
- Dust 2
- Mirage
- Overpass
- Inferno
- Vertigo
- Nuke
- Ancient
Action Checklist
- Practice Ancient in casual mode before ranked play
- Watch professional Ancient matches to learn strategies
- Redeem Operation Stars before May 15th deadline
- Adjust team strategies for new seven-map pool rotation
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Train dropped from active duty map pool, replaced by Ancient Valve's major CSGO map pool update replaces Train with Ancient after six years, reshaping competitive play