Everything we know about the upcoming Cache update in CSGO

After enduring more than twelve months of anticipation, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive enthusiasts are poised to experience the comprehensive overhaul of the beloved Cache map. The transformation process evolved significantly, transitioning from minor adjustments to a complete structural reimagining that demanded extensive development resources.

Initial community engagement began with subtle visual modifications that progressively escalated into transformative gameplay alterations. As development continued, the original Cache iteration was temporarily retired, making way for Vertigo’s reintroduction—a decision that generated substantial community criticism and amplified demand for the updated version.

This transition appeared to accelerate creator FMPONE’s development cadence, resulting in substantially more frequent progress updates following Cache’s competitive removal.

Throughout the creative process, FMPONE masterfully cultivated player curiosity regarding impending modifications. While maintaining transparency about development progress, specific alteration details remained deliberately scarce. Even preliminary teasers have undergone comprehensive revisions beyond their initial conceptual forms.

However, these carefully guarded secrets will be fully unveiled within the coming week.

The reimagined Cache iteration is scheduled for simultaneous reveal to both casual players and professional competitors during ESL One New York. The tournament will showcase an exhibition match featuring the map while providing hands-on access for attending spectators.

Given the extensive development timeline, it’s valuable to examine the project’s evolution trajectory and anticipate potential competitive implications.

How long has the Cache update been in development?

Map architect FMPONE initiated preliminary rework discussions in early 2018, though determining the concrete nature of these plans and their progression beyond conceptual stages proves challenging. He shared developmental screenshots and periodically referenced ongoing map enhancements.

The community received definitive confirmation about Cache’s major transformation in October 2018 when FMPONE published conceptual artwork depicting a completely redesigned A bombsite. This revelation preceded a November video demonstration highlighting innovative area features including expanded pathways near truck positions and elevated platforms providing strategic vantage points.

FMPONE subsequently indicated that numerous early concepts underwent substantial revision, though specific details remained limited and development momentum appeared gradual. Significant acceleration occurred only following Cache’s departure from the professional map pool.

When will the Cache update be released?

With 2019’s arrival, FMPONE transitioned from sharing development screenshots to publishing minimap progress indicators with completion checkmarks designating finished sections. Development updates became increasingly frequent throughout April following Vertigo’s active duty introduction, with additional completion markers emerging regularly.

FMPONE formally announced Cache update completion during August, preceding the revelation that the map’s inaugural presentation would occur at ESL One New York. The featured exhibition match is scheduled for September 29 preceding the championship finals.

The showcase event will include numerous elite CSGO professionals featuring Audric “JaCkz” Jug and Kenny “kennyS” Schrub representing G2 Esports, Ethan “Ethan” Arnold and Tarik “tarik” Celik from NRG Esports, alongside four Team Liquid members. Additional participation includes Joshua “steel” Nissan, previously competing with Ghost Gaming.

Attendees will additionally experience hands-on map access through the ESEA exhibition area. These combined elements should deliver thorough initial exposure to Cache’s comprehensive redesign.

Subsequent deployment strategies remain undetermined at this stage.

Will the Cache update end up in the active duty rotation?

The most probable deployment approach involves official CSGO integration through the Scrimmage Map functionality introduced during July, specifically engineered for this scenario. This system permits emerging or experimental map testing within semi-competitive environments while protecting player ranking integrity. Alternative scenarios include direct competitive matchmaking implementation replacing the legacy Cache version currently available in ranked play.

Professional active duty rotation reinstatement presents entirely separate considerations.

Valve encountered substantial criticism from CSGO communities and professional competitors when introducing Vertigo to competitive rotation shortly after its debut. The map required multiple substantial revisions in subsequent months and continues as one of the less frequently selected tournament options.

Probability suggests Valve will avoid repeating this misstep by implementing thorough evaluation and refinement processes before potential esports integration.

What’s new in the Cache update?

Community anticipation has remained intensely focused on Cache’s transformation for several months, largely influenced by initial community resistance to Vertigo. FMPONE maintains considerable secrecy regarding specific implemented changes.

A potential indication emerged September 19 when FMPONE redistributed a creatively modified image from community members contemplating the extended development period. This followed earlier FMPONE content showing requests for updated map visuals. The imagery displays multiple modified areas featuring various enhancements including repositioned barrel clusters outside sun room and an A bombsite apparently lacking the characteristic squeaky door mechanism.

Regarding overall design philosophy, previous updates indicate FMPONE’s intention to create more defender-favorable conditions.

During its competitive tenure, Cache consistently ranked among the most attacker-oriented available maps. FMPONE apparently addressed this imbalance by complicating smoke coverage for crucial defensive sightlines.

Uncertainty persists regarding the designer’s final implementation decisions, though probability suggests efforts toward improved competitive equilibrium compared to previous iterations.

Strategic Adaptation Tips: Prepare for altered grenade trajectories and sightline modifications. Early indications suggest traditional smoke placements may require complete recalibration, particularly around mid-area control positions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t assume previous angle knowledge remains valid—methodical re-exploration is essential. Common errors include misjudging new timings for rotates and failing to adapt utility usage to modified architecture.

Advanced Optimization: Professional teams should anticipate 2-3 week adaptation periods before achieving previous performance levels. Map knowledge depreciation could temporarily impact team strategies during initial competitive implementation phases.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Everything we know about the upcoming Cache update in CSGO Complete guide to CSGO's Cache update timeline, release details, and strategic gameplay implications