The Counter-Strike community has long been celebrated for its creativity and dedication, with custom maps playing a pivotal role in the game's evolution. Mapcore, a prominent hub for game developers and enthusiasts, has been at the forefront of fostering this creativity through its mapping contests.
In the era of CS2, Mapcore continues this tradition with the "Big Adventures" mapping contest, aiming to discover the next standout maps for the game.
A Legacy of Community Contributions
Mapcore's competitions have a storied history within the Counter-Strike series. In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, numerous contests led to the creation of maps that not only garnered community acclaim but also caught the attention of Valve, the game's developer. A notable example is Anubis, which began as a community map in 2020 and eventually earned its place in the official active duty map pool. This tradition underscores the significant impact that community mappers have had on the game's landscape.
With the announcement of CS2, anticipation grew for fresh community-driven content. Less than a year ago, Valve integrated CS2's first community maps, Mills and Thera, into the game, signaling a continued commitment to embracing community creations.
The big announcement you've been waiting for! All of the judges have cast their votes and chosen the top 10 maps that will compete in the Grand Finale stage of the Mapcore @FACEIT 2025 Big Adventures contest. Check out all 10 maps here: https://t.co/BFQSZjCCLr #CS2 pic.twitter.com/XhA4GBraYM
— Mapcore (@Mapcore) February 23, 2025
The official CS2 Twitter account also amplified this sentiment by sharing Mapcore's announcement of the 10 finalists in the "Big Adventures" contest, suggesting a strong possibility that the winning map might be incorporated into the game.
The Finalists: Showcasing Innovation and Design
After rigorous evaluation, Mapcore has unveiled the 10 finalists of the "Big Adventures" mapping contest. These maps are now available for playtesting on FACEIT's Mapcore hub until April 20, providing players an opportunity to experience and provide feedback on each creation. The esteemed panel of judges, including renowned mapper Shawn "FMPONE" Snelling, will then undertake the final round of judging.
Besides playing the maps in said hub, you may also check them out individually, as clicking on any of the images below will take you to their respective Steam workshop pages, should you want to leave some love or criticism with the maps' creators.
Here are the 10 finalists:
- Alpine: Set in a snow-covered resort, "Alpine" offers a hostage rescue scenario reminiscent of the classic "Austria" map. Its unique setting and gameplay dynamics make it a strong contender. Created by Lukyvald, zavaro, Twinnie, and g3om.
- Canopy: This map transports players to an abandoned resort in Southeast Asia, featuring lush environments and intricate pathways. The attention to detail and immersive atmosphere stand out. Crafted by ynel, Darivan, Ecsi, and Tollqnd.
- Flick: Set within a sprawling Los Angeles film studio, "Flick" presents a bomb-defusal scenario amidst various movie sets and sound stages, offering diverse tactical opportunities. Developed by Gulfbones, Broken, Froddoyo, Jay from Chicago, Pooball, and Chimonahehe.
- Golden: Located on a remote Pacific island centered around a gold mining facility, "Golden" draws inspiration from real-world locations like Hashima Island, providing a rich historical backdrop. Designed by vachinski and wavybby.
- Grail: This map offers a whimsical experience set in a stylized fantasy mini-golf course, with varied lighting and creative design elements enhancing its charm. Brought to life by Lizard, Radu, and flowlee.
- Jura: Players explore the ruins of a Jurassic-era castle in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, navigating towering limestone formations and dense nature. Its unique layout challenges traditional gameplay. Created by pav and vfxNev.
- Palacio: Inspired by Portugal's National Palace of Pena, "Palacio" features a blend of historical architectural styles. Players must thwart a group aiming to disrupt the palace's tranquility. Crafted by Slimek, KlixX, and Coachi.
- Stronghold: Set in Gibraltar, this map centers around the iconic Rock and its historic fortifications. Players navigate tunnels and bunkers to prevent the destruction of this strategic location. Made by T-Rexer, Squidski, Haaselh0ff, and Kale.
- Warden: Set on a former prison island, "Warden" offers a unique environment for players to navigate. Developed by catfood, Thomas, and Almaas, this map stands out with its intricate design and atmospheric setting.
- Wild: In this hostage rescue scenario, players venture into a natural reserve to rescue agents held by smugglers. The map's dynamic environment and engaging narrative provide a fresh take on traditional gameplay. Created by tchick.
Engage and Playtest
Selecting a favorite among these innovative maps is no easy task. Players are encouraged to join the FACEIT Mapcore hub and experience each map firsthand. Your feedback is invaluable in refining these creations and determining which map resonates most with the community.
Feel free to share your experiences and favorites in the comments, and stay tuned as we eagerly await the announcement of the competition winner. The prospect of seeing the victorious map integrated into CS2 adds an extra layer of excitement to this community-driven endeavor.