Ancient
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Overview
Ancient is a bomb defusal map set amidst Mayan ruins and dense jungle vegetation, introduced in CS:GO's Operation Broken Fang in 2020. Designed by Roald van der Scheur and Jakub Furtak, the map features a complex layout with multiple elevation changes, tight corridors, and creative use of the archaeological theme. Ancient replaced Train in the competitive map pool and has since established itself as a viable competitive battleground.
The map is characterized by its intricate Mid area with multiple connection points to both bombsites, offering diverse strategic options for both attackers and defenders. Ancient rewards creative utility usage and rewards teams that can effectively control the Mid area, which provides access to flanking routes for both sites.
In CS2, Ancient received visual improvements and some gameplay adjustments to improve competitive balance. The map's unique aesthetics set it apart from the more industrial and urban maps in the pool, and its layout continues to evolve as professional teams develop deeper strategic understanding.
Map Layout
Bombsite A
Bombsite A is set in an elevated temple area accessible through the Main A corridor and through Donut (a circular room connecting Mid to A). The site features the raised Temple area with the default plant position, and various stone structures providing cover. CT defenders play from Site, CT Side, or the elevated positions around the Temple. The retake from CT Spawn involves pushing through the site's multiple angles.
Default plant is on the raised platform area. The Donut connector from Mid allows for split attacks, making A-site holds challenging when Mid control is lost.
Bombsite B
Bombsite B is located in a lower jungle area accessible through the B main corridor and through a Mid connector. The site features a more open design with several pillar structures and the bomb plant zone near the back wall. CT defenders hold from Site, Ramp, and the connector positions. B site takes require clearing the narrow approach angles and dealing with potential flanks.
The default plant is in the sheltered area near the back of the site. B retakes come from CT Spawn and the Mid connector route.
Mid
Mid on Ancient is a complex web of paths rather than a simple corridor. It connects to both bombsite approaches through multiple routes, making it the strategic hub of the map. Control of Mid provides Terrorists with the flexibility to split toward either site, while CTs use Mid positions to gather information and set up crossfires. The Cave area and Elbow are key Mid positions that both teams contest.
Callouts
| Area | Callout | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A Site | Temple | The raised temple platform on A Site |
| A Site | Donut | The circular room connecting Mid to A Site |
| A Site | Main A | The primary corridor approach to A Site from T side |
| A Site | CT / Back A | The CT-side area behind A Site |
| Mid | Cave | The cave area in the center of Mid |
| Mid | Elbow | The curved corner in Mid connecting pathways |
| Mid | House | The building structure in the Mid area |
| Mid | Pillar | The stone pillar in the Mid area providing cover |
| B Site | B Main | The main corridor approach to B Site from T side |
| B Site | Ramp | The ramp area on B Site |
| B Site | B CT | The CT-side area connecting to B Site |
| B Site | Waterfall | The waterfall area near B Site |
Strategy
T-Side Defaults
Mid Control: Three players take Mid using smokes and flashes, then split toward either site based on the information gathered. One holds B Main, one watches A Main as diversion.
A Execute: Smoke off CT positions on A, flash through Donut and Main A simultaneously, and overwhelm the site with a fast push. One player lurks B for information.
B Split: Two players push B Main while two flank through Mid connector, creating a crossfire on B site.
CT-Side Setups
Standard 2-1-2: Two players on A (Site and Donut), one Mid for information, two on B (Site and Ramp). The Mid player calls rotations early.
Aggressive Mid: Push two players into Mid positions for early information and to deny T-side Mid control. This limits the Terrorists' strategic options.
B Stack: Three players anchor B site while two hold A with utility. Effective against B-heavy opponents.
Utility Guide
- A Site Smoke (CT) — From Main A, throw a smoke to block the CT crossover angle on A Site.
- Donut Smoke — From Mid after taking control, smoke off Donut to isolate A site from Mid flanks.
- B Main Smoke — From the T-side B approach, smoke the end of B Main to safely push through.
- Cave Flash — Pop flash through the Cave area in Mid to contest CT Mid positions.
- Temple Molotov — From Main A, throw a Molotov onto the Temple to flush out defenders.
History
Ancient was designed by Roald van der Scheur and Jakub Furtak and was first introduced during CS:GO's Operation Broken Fang in December 2020. The map was added to the competitive map pool in May 2021, replacing Train. Ancient has undergone several updates to improve gameplay flow and competitive balance based on professional feedback.
The map represents the newer generation of competitive Counter-Strike maps, featuring more complex geometry and creative visual design compared to classic maps like Dust II and Mirage. In CS2, Ancient was included in the initial competitive map pool, benefiting from Source 2's improved rendering.
Trivia
- Ancient is set in a fictional archaeological site inspired by Mayan ruins in Central America.
- The map replaced Train in the competitive pool, which was controversial among some players and teams.
- Ancient has undergone more post-release layout adjustments than most maps in the competitive pool.
- The dense vegetation on the map initially caused visibility issues that were addressed in multiple patches.
- Some professional players have expressed that Ancient's complex Mid area makes it one of the hardest maps to master strategically.