CS2 Cache callouts and positions — learn the new Active Duty map fast

Cache is the new Active Duty map as of July 9, 2026. Whether you're a CS:GO veteran who remembers the old Cache or a CS2 player learning it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know: callouts, utility lineups, executes, and the post-August 4 changes (the Outside A boost was removed).

The Cache layout

Cache has two bomb sites (A and B) connected by three lanes:

• A site — the larger of the two sites,

accessible via A main or Outside A

• B site — the smaller site, accessible

via B main or B tunnels

• Mid — the central lane, connecting

A main to B main via mid doors and mid window

Cache is generally considered a CT-sided map with strong defensive setups. Pro win rate: ~52% CT.

Complete callouts

A site

• A site — main bomb plant area, default

plant behind blue container

• A main — T-side approach from T-spawn
• Outside A — area outside A site,

accessible via forklift from T-spawn

• Forklift — the small area near the

forklift truck (T-side approach)

• Quad — the small room overlooking A

site from CT side

• Headshot box — the box on A site that

gives defenders a clean angle on default plant

• Squeaky door — the door on A site that

squeaks when opened

• Heaven — the elevated position on A

site (CT side, near CT spawn)

• CT spawn — the area where defenders

spawn

• Boost spot (REMOVED Aug 4) — was

located at Outside A, removed in the August 4 patch

• Default plant — the spot behind the

blue container on A site

B site

• B site — the smaller bomb site
• B main — T-side approach from T-spawn
• B tunnels — CT-side approach
• Checkers — the black-and-white

patterned container wall on B site

• Van — the car on B site
• Truck — the truck on B site
• Dark — the dark corner of B site near

CT spawn

• Pillar — the central pillar on B site
• Default plant — the spot behind the

checkers container

Mid

• Mid — the central lane
• Mid doors — the doors at the end of mid

(T side)

• Mid window — the elevated position

overlooking mid

• Mid hut — the small hut in mid
• A short — the connector from mid to A

site

• B short — the connector from mid to B

site

Standard utility lineups (T side)

Smoke Heaven from A main

• Position: A main doorway
• Crosshair placement: aim at the sky

above A site, ~30 degrees up

• Throw: jump throw
• Result: smoke on Heaven, blocks CT

rotation angle

Smoke CT spawn from A main

• Position: same as above
• Crosshair placement: ~45 degrees up
• Throw: jump throw
• Result: smoke on CT spawn cross

Smoke B site default from B tunnels

• Position: B tunnels entrance
• Crosshair placement: aim at the back

wall

• Throw: running throw
• Result: smoke on default B plant

Molotov A site default plant

• Position: A main doorway
• Crosshair placement: aim at the top of

the blue container

• Throw: jump throw
• Result: molotov forces defenders off

default plant

Molotov B site default plant

• Position: B tunnels
• Crosshair placement: aim at the back

wall corner

• Throw: running throw
• Result: molotov forces defenders off

default plant

Standard utility lineups (CT side)

Smoke Outside A from CT spawn

• Position: CT spawn, near Heaven
• Crosshair placement: aim at the Outside

A area, ~10 degrees down

• Throw: standard throw
• Result: smoke on Outside A, blocks T

approach

Molotov A main from CT spawn

• Position: CT spawn, near A ramp
• Crosshair placement: aim at the floor

of A main

• Throw: running throw
• Result: molotov on A main, forces Ts

to slow down

The post-August 4 changes

The August 4 patch removed the Outside A boost spot. This was a major part of the pro meta. Tactical implications:

• Ts lose an off-angle on CTs rotating

from A site

• AWP holds are stronger on Outside A

(the off-angle is gone, the standard AWPer is uncontested)

• CT-side is slightly stronger on A

site

• Default A executes still work (smoke

Heaven + CT, molly default, plant default, post-plant on A site)

Pro teams are still adapting to the boost removal. Expect the meta to settle over the next month.

T-side strategies

Default A execute (most common)

• 2-3 players take A main control
• 2 players lurk mid for info
• 1 player lurks B main for rotation

pressure

• Execute: smoke Heaven + CT, molly

default, plant default, post-plant on A site

Default B execute (less common)

• 2-3 players take B tunnels
• 2 players apply mid pressure
• 1 player lurks A main
• Execute: smoke default, molly dark,

plant for truck / van post-plant

Mid-to-B split (newer strategy)

• 2 players take mid control
• 3 players split through B tunnels
• Execute: take mid window, then split

B site from two angles simultaneously

Outside A pinch (advanced)

• 2 players take Outside A control (no boost

available, so this is a slower play)

• 3 players execute A main
• 1 player lurks mid
• Execute: pincer movement on A site

CT-side strategies

Standard 2-1-2

• 2 A
• 1 mid
• 2 B
• Aggressive AWP on Outside A (post-Aug 4,

this is stronger because the boost is gone)

Aggressive mid

• 1 A
• 2 mid
• 2 B
• Mid players push for info, rotate based

on Ts' choice

Passive B

• 2 A
• 1 mid
• 2 B (passive)
• Trade mid map control for B site dominance

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't try to use the Outside A boost —

it's gone

• Don't ignore mid control — mid is the

fastest way to rotate between sites

• Don't over-rotate on A — Ts often fake

A to take B

• Don't camp default plant — rotate

after planting for crossfire setups

FAQ

Is Cache CT or T sided?

CT-sided. Pro win rate: ~52% CT.

What's the new map meta post-August 4?

The Outside A boost removal has made AWP holds on Outside A stronger and default A executes slower (Ts can't use the boost anymore). CT-side is slightly stronger overall.

What's the best operator position on Cache?

Outside A is the best AWP position post-Aug

1. The boost is gone, so the standard AWPer

is uncontested. Heaven is also a strong AWP position for CT-side.

Should I learn Cache callouts first?

Yes — Cache is the only completely new map in the pool. Spend 30 minutes in a custom game learning the callouts before queuing ranked.

How long does it take to learn Cache?

Most players get comfortable with the callouts in 1-2 hours of custom games. The utility lineups take 5-10 hours to master. The deeper strategy (when to rotate, when to fake) takes weeks.

What's the hardest part of Cache?

Mid control. The mid doors and mid window are key chokepoints, and the team that controls mid has a significant advantage. Most rounds are decided by mid control.