In Season 9, the community will decide an optional, Elo-enabled map for FACEIT Matchmaking. Every potential option are in CS2's “competitive” queue, so they come with the game pre-installed even if they are in the active duty pool. There's nothing to install and no workshop subscriptions required that caused players to miss queues with Cache initially in Season 8. The winning map joins the pool on August 05 as an optional pick.
Which map has been added?
With almost 100,000 votes, Vertigo will be added to the map pool as the optional map for Season 9, starting on August 5th.
Which maps were in the vote?
- Overpass
- Train
- Vertigo
- Boulder
- Fachwerk
Why only maps from CS2's competitive queue?
Workshop maps require every player in the lobby to have subscribed and downloaded them, and one player missing the map means the match fails to start. Maps from the game's own competitive queue are already on every PC, so players won’t waste time waiting for players who to try and download the map during the join time.
What does "optional map" mean?
The winning map joins the pool as an option, not a requirement. If you want it, you queue it; if you don't, you skip it. The additional map has no effect on your other picks or restrictions.
Does the winning map have Elo enabled?
Yes. Matches on it are standard competitive matches, with full Elo and the FACEIT Anti-Cheat required.
How long does the map stay in the pool?
It remains in the pool for the duration of Season 9, unless there are other significant updates which would make us consider changing it. For example, bugs, map changes within the tournament ecosystem, etc.