Valve adds two new maps to CS2 beta, removes Mirage

Counter-Strike veterans received significant news with the removal of Mirage from the ongoing Counter-Strike 2 beta testing phase. This strategic rotation allows Valve to gather comprehensive performance data across multiple classic maps before the full release.

The CS2 beta commenced in March 2023 featuring Dust 2 as the exclusive available battleground. Valve subsequently introduced Mirage during the second testing wave, though community reception remained mixed regarding this substitution. The development team has now phased out Mirage entirely, incorporating Nuke into the active map pool.

According to June 29 update documentation, Valve confirmed Mirage’s temporary departure from the rotation. Nuke assumes the primary position across all competitive modes, while Office becomes accessible solely in Deathmatch and casual gameplay sessions.

Mirage remained in the CS2 beta environment for approximately four weeks. Throughout this testing period, Valve deployed numerous technical adjustments and optimizations to the map, achieving near-flawless performance standards. The timing aligns perfectly for introducing fresh battlegrounds, enabling players to assist developers in identifying potential issues before CS2’s official launch.

The revitalized Nuke presentation demonstrates remarkable clarity, sophisticated design elements, and significantly improved brightness levels. Structurally, the iconic layout preserves its original configuration while benefiting from Source 2 engine advancements in illumination systems and visual aesthetics. Following extensive gameplay on two summer-oriented environments, participants will appreciate this industrial setting as a refreshing tactical alternative.

The duration of Nuke’s availability remains unspecified, though logically it represents the final map inclusion before CS2’s global deployment. Dust 2 underwent evaluation for nearly eight weeks while Mirage received one month of intensive testing. Should Nuke maintain its position through August, this would align with peak summer months, initially projected as CS2’s potential release timeframe.

Beyond Nuke’s introduction, Valve has incorporated additional content into Deathmatch and Casual mode selections. The Office environment returns to active duty across all non-competitive formats, retaining its signature hostage extraction objective while receiving polished visual elements and enhanced animation sequences.

All recently announced content has already been deployed within the CS2 beta infrastructure, meaning eligible participants should immediately update their clients to experience the new battlegrounds. For optimal performance on Nuke’s updated visuals, consider adjusting shadow quality settings and disabling unnecessary post-processing effects. Many players initially struggle with the contrast between bright exterior areas and darker interior spaces—practice peeking techniques to adapt to the new lighting conditions.

Common adaptation challenges include misjudging sightlines due to improved visibility and underestimating sound propagation changes in the redesigned environments. Advanced tactical considerations involve utilizing the enhanced visual clarity for more precise smoke executions and taking advantage of the refined texture details for better angle holding positions.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Valve adds two new maps to CS2 beta, removes Mirage CS2 beta introduces Nuke with Source 2 enhancements while Office returns for casual gameplay modes