CS2 enthusiasts are always eager for new ideas from the developers. Recently, Valve added de_Train to CS2 – a freshly recharged map where clashes occur right in the expanses of Russia, along a railway. It had previously been in the game's arsenal, but was removed in 2021, replaced by the map Ancient. At the end of 2024, developers brought Train back, but in an updated and improved version. The current version has a completely different pace, and even the guns play differently! Let's dive into what this map is and how to play on it.
What's New on the Map?
The Train map in CS2, recently reintroduced into the game, features a completely new format. You should forget all previous experience associated with it in any CS versions. The map has undergone numerous changes, primarily concerning visual effects.
On the open areas of Train, it rains, and this feature has thrilled many players. There's speculation that developers will later introduce other weather variants (such as snowfall) and dynamic changes in the time of day. Currently, the atmosphere is stormy and dramatic.
The visual effect of rain is very realistic, creating a sense of immersion even on medium game settings. Drops linger on weapons, create streaks on various surfaces, shine on the rails, and wet players' clothing. This takes the perception to a whole new level.
New lighting systems and improved textures make this map more modern and technologically advanced.
The Train map in CS2 is designed in the style of old Soviet times, and the location here is completely revamped. Here you'll see a railway depot with wagons carrying hazardous cargo from a nuclear facility. All this, combined with the gloomy weather, creates a tense backdrop.
There have also been changes to the geometry of the map. For example, A-site has become more spacious due to the removal of some wagons and significant reduction in size of others.
Furthermore, developers have blocked the upper pass to the defenders' base. The staircase and the whole "top-bottom" position have turned into a long corridor leading to the upper floor of the map.
And regarding the decor, there are also some unique features! Yes, the changes are mainly cosmetic, but what changes! Graffiti on the walls is not just decor – these are entire Easter eggs related to the Russian-language rebellion: check out the graffiti referencing the iconic hits of the band Kino and the once-famous Vitas!
The map is now available in Casual and Competitive modes.
Features of Playing on the Train Map in CS2
Gameplay, as well as the strategies used, are influenced by fresh patches introduced by the developers. These changes include:
The overview point Heaven was removed, which previously allowed a good view of A-plant. Thus, counter-terrorists can no longer jump to this position and shoot from above, so prepare for new tactics!
Access through Ivy has been simplified. Previously, Ivy led to two separate corridors, now they have been combined into one path. This has reduced the complexity of the map.
The "top-bottom" area has been redesigned. If before, the room with the staircase connecting to point B was quite small, in the new version of the map it has turned into a full corridor. The passageway leads to the upper part of the B ramp. This means there is room for maneuvers – for example, when constructing a route.
Design changes to point B. From the backside of this plant, two trains that were previously placed near the counter-terrorists' spawn have been removed. Thanks to these changes, the space has become more open, and players need to adjust their defensive and offensive strategies.
Improved terrorist spawn. Now this area provides better flow and accessibility. Paths leading to key zones are more organized, making it much easier to conduct rotations and attacks.
One of the main Easter eggs on this map is the train stops. Its route is not very long. The main stations you can reach are:
Coastline. There is a clear reference to the maps Lake and Tuscan, which were present in earlier versions of the shooter.
Castle. Most likely, this is an Easter egg for the map Cobblestone, which is also one of the most anticipated for CS2 players.
Warehouse. The main guess about this stop is the map Assault. Most likely, it will only be present on regular servers, it is unlikely to appear on pro scenes.
There is another interesting Easter egg about the appearance of pets in the game. The announcement about a lost chicken, promising good cash for its return, suggests this.
Impact of Changes on Gameplay
Changes to the Train map in CS2 significantly affect the course of the game. In particular, these points are:
Changing sight lines. Because some points on the map have been completely cleared of any junk, and also due to the reshuffle at these locations, gamers will have to find new nooks for killer shots and hold their positions like a real pro. Remember, whoever owns the height is the king of this battlefield!
New tactics. Traditional smokes and flashes may be ineffective, so players need to develop new strategies for capturing points.
Map movement. Again, changed paths require more dynamic movement across the map. This allows for unexpected rotations.
Basic Grenades on the Updated Train Map in CS2
Due to the changes listed, you need to change your game tactics on the map. Here are the basic grenade setups:
A-site Attack Smokes
To smoke the old plant, you need to:
position against the yellow post near the wagon;
aim at the corner of the wood;
throw the grenade while jumping (Jumpthrow bind).
Smoke at Green
You need to aim by jumping on the pole next to the train doors. Aim at the red light and make a grenade throw while jumping. This technique makes it very easy to enter A-plant.
Smoke Between Yellow and Green Wagon
To make a grenade throw, you need to back up against the wall and aim at the top part of the lifting crane. Execute the throw while jumping, holding both mouse buttons.
B-plant Setups
On the neighboring plant, you can also perform various throws. The basic option is a smoke at the bottom pass. You need to lean against the wall and aim at the star. After that, aim down to the intersection with the line. Then you can throw the smoke.
Another way to throw a grenade is to smoke the entrance to the plant. Approach the white window, aim at the top part of the archway, and throw.
Game Tactics on the Train Map in CS2
The main way to set up defense is one person at B-plant and 3+1 at A-plant. This arrangement allows sending one person from A to reinforce in case of a possible rush. If opponents do not emerge, you can perform a rotation to strengthen B-plant.
During the early deployment, you can use several grenades to keep aggressive opponents at bay. If there is no shootout in the first few minutes of the game, it's worth picking up a successful tactic. The map is quite extensive, so it's not enough to find just one point for decisive actions.
The updated Train map in CS2 has appeared in the game quite recently, and it seems that players have already managed to boost their sensations from it! Judging by the feedback, the community has welcomed it like a true legend – warmly, with open arms. The tactical moments on this map are simply bombastic, and the Easter eggs create a hardcore anticipation of even cooler features! Have you already played on the updated map? Share your impressions in the comments!
