Anubis Replaces Train in CS2 Active Duty Map Pool – Full Breakdown, Pro Reactions & Competitive Impact

Valve has officially confirmed that Anubis will replace Train in the CS2 Active Duty map pool, marking another major competitive shake-up ahead of the 2026 season. The change takes effect after the end of Premier Season 3 on January 19, 2026, and tournament organizers have already begun adjusting their calendars accordingly.

This update affects CS2 Premier, ESL, BLAST, and all Valve-aligned tournaments, making it one of the most impactful map rotations in recent years.

Overall Rating: 8.2 / 10

High competitive impact, questionable timing, and unexpected map choice

What Changed in the CS2 Map Pool?

Confirmed changes

Anubis added to the Active Duty pool

Train removed after roughly one year

Change becomes official on January 19, 2026

Updated Active Duty map pool

Dust2

Mirage

Inferno

Nuke

Ancient

Overpass

Anubis

Train, which returned to Active Duty at the start of 2025, is now benched once again, ending its shortest Active Duty run to date.

Why This Change Matters (SEO focus: CS2 map pool update, Anubis Active Duty, Train removed)

1. Immediate impact on pro tournaments

Tournament organizers did not wait:

ESL confirmed Anubis will be used starting January 19, affecting qualifiers and early-season events, including IEM Kraków.

BLAST adopted Anubis even earlier, introducing it at BLAST Bounty on January 13, before the Premier season officially ends.

This compresses preparation time for teams and forces map pool adjustments mid-offseason.

2. Surprise return of Anubis

Anubis was removed only six months ago, when Valve brought Overpass back into Active Duty. Its quick return caught much of the community off guard, especially since:

Many expected Cache to be the next map added

Valve had not publicly hinted at a fast Anubis comeback

From an SEO perspective, this reversal has driven strong search interest around:

“Why is Anubis back in CS2?”
“Why was Train removed?”

3. Train’s short and turbulent run

Train spent just one year in Active Duty after replacing Vertigo in early 2025. Despite generally positive feedback regarding its CS2 remake, it struggled with:

Limited strategic depth at top level

Repetitive CT setups

Low pick rate in elite tournaments

Its removal reinforces Valve’s recent trend of faster map rotations compared to CS:GO.

Pro Player & Community Reactions (Verified Public Statements)

The response from players and teams has been split.

Positive reactions

Some players welcomed Anubis’ return enthusiastically, praising its tactical depth and mid-round potential.

“O M G. Anubissssssss I missedddd youuuuuuu.”
— MAJ3R

Others expressed excitement but suggested different removals instead of Train.

Critical reactions

Several players questioned the decision to remove Train so quickly or argued that other maps should have been rotated out first.

“It’s okay that Anubis is back, but unfortunately -train… I would remove Overpass.”
— b1t

Team social media accounts also echoed broader community sentiment, with many jokingly asking:
“Where is Cache?”

Competitive Implications Going Into 2026

Map veto dynamics will change

Teams that perma-banned Anubis must now re-learn it

Former Train specialists lose a comfort pick

Anubis historically favors structured T-sides and mid control, rewarding preparation

Preparation window is tight

BLAST events introduce Anubis immediately

ESL events follow days later

IEM Kraków starts less than two weeks after the official Premier switch

This favors disciplined teams with strong analytical staff.

Why Cache Is Still Not Confirmed

Despite heavy community speculation, Cache has not been announced for Active Duty. Its absence remains notable, but at this stage, it is only an expectation—not a confirmed plan.