Overpass
| Overpass | |
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| Game Modes | — |
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Overview
Overpass is a bomb defusal map set in a German canal and park environment, created by Valve and first introduced in CS:GO in 2013. The map features a distinctive layout with a central park area, underground passages, and a large overpass bridge structure. Overpass is known for its creative use of vertical space and the variety of approaches available to both teams.
The map stands out for its emphasis on map control rather than direct site executes. Terrorists often need to establish control of multiple areas before committing to a bombsite, and CTs must carefully position themselves to cover the many flanking routes. The Playground area and its connections to both sites make it a key strategic zone, while the underground Connector provides a unique rotation path.
In CS2, Overpass received significant visual upgrades with Source 2 while maintaining its competitive layout. The map continues to be highly respected in the professional scene for its strategic depth and the variety of playstyles it supports.
Map Layout
Bombsite A
Bombsite A is located in an outdoor area near the canal, accessible from the Long A path, through Bank (a building near the A approach), and from the Party/Playground area. The site features the Truck position, Default (behind the concrete barrier), and Van. CT defenders play from Headshot (an elevated position), Van, close angles near Site, or hold aggressively in Bank or Long. A takes often involve clearing Bank and establishing control before committing to the site.
Default plant is behind the concrete barrier. The relatively open layout makes post-plant positions strong for Terrorists holding from Long or Bank.
Bombsite B
Bombsite B is set in an industrial canal area below the overpass bridge, accessible from the Short B path and through Connector (underground). The site features the Pillar, Monster (a tunnel entrance), Graffiti area, and Water (the canal area). CT defenders hold from Bridge (on the overpass above), Site, Pillars, or aggressively push Monster. B takes require clearing the multiple vertical angles from the bridge above.
Default plant is near the pillar area. The vertical element from the Bridge makes B-site retakes challenging for CTs but also gives them strong post-plant positions.
Mid
Overpass does not have a traditional Mid lane. Instead, the map flows through the Playground/Party area, which connects the T-side spawn to approaches for both sites. The Connector underground passage links the A approach to B site, serving as a flanking route and rotation path. Playground control gives Terrorists flexibility in their attack direction and prevents CTs from holding aggressive positions.
Callouts
| Area | Callout | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A Site | Long A | The long approach path to A Site from T side |
| A Site | Bank | The building near the A approach providing cover and angles |
| A Site | Truck | The truck on A Site used as cover |
| A Site | Headshot | The elevated position on A Site with a restricted sightline |
| A Site | Van | The van near A Site |
| Transition | Playground / Party | The central area connecting T spawn to both site approaches |
| Transition | Fountain | The fountain in the park area |
| Transition | Connector | The underground passage connecting A side to B Site |
| B Site | Short B | The short path approaching B Site from Playground area |
| B Site | Monster | The tunnel entrance on B Site |
| B Site | Pillar | The pillar structure on B Site |
| B Site | Bridge | The overpass bridge above B Site |
| B Site | Water / Canal | The water channel running through B Site |
| B Site | Graffiti | The graffiti wall area on B Site |
| B Site | Heaven | The elevated position above B Site on the bridge |
Strategy
T-Side Defaults
Playground Control: Spread across the map and take Playground/Party area control. This opens up both site approaches and forces CTs to play defensively. Read the CT setup before committing.
A Execute through Long: Three players push Long A with utility while two support from Bank. Smoke off Headshot and CT angles, flash the site, and push through for a coordinated take.
B Split: Two players push Short B while two others flank through Connector from the A side. Molotov the common CT positions and flash onto the site from multiple angles.
CT-Side Setups
Standard 2-1-2: Two A (Long and Bank/Headshot), one Playground/Connector for information, two B (Bridge and Site). Rotations go through Connector underground.
Monster Aggression: Push a player through Monster for early B information or a pick. This disrupts the T-side B approach and provides valuable intel.
A Stack: Hold three players on A with aggressive Bank/Long positions. The B anchor plays retake from Bridge, using the vertical advantage.
Utility Guide
- Long A Smoke — From the T-side Long approach, smoke the end of Long to block CT AWP angles and push safely.
- Bank Smoke — Smoke the Bank entrance to prevent CT aggression and allow safe passage past the building.
- Short B Flash — Flash over the wall before pushing Short B to blind defenders on the bridge and site.
- Monster Molotov — From Short B, molotov the Monster tunnel entrance to prevent CT pushes.
- Connector Smoke — Smoke the Connector entrance from A side to prevent CT rotations or flanks through the underground passage.
History
Overpass was created by Valve and released alongside Cobblestone in December 2013. The map was one of the first "new generation" competitive maps introduced during CS:GO's lifespan, replacing older maps in the competitive pool. Initially controversial due to its unfamiliar layout, Overpass gradually gained acceptance and became highly regarded for its strategic depth.
The map has undergone numerous updates over the years, with adjustments to the Connector area, Playground, and various sightlines. In CS2, Overpass received a full Source 2 visual overhaul and was included in the competitive map pool after initial absence, reflecting its importance to the competitive ecosystem.
Trivia
- Overpass was one of the most controversial map additions in CS:GO history, with many players initially rejecting its unconventional layout.
- The famous "Olofboost" at DreamHack Winter 2014 on Overpass was one of the most controversial plays in esports history, exploiting a pixel boost near A site.
- Overpass features one of the most complex utility metagames in competitive CS, with hundreds of unique grenade lineups discovered over the years.
- The underground Connector was added in a later update and completely changed the map's rotation dynamics.
- Overpass is one of the few maps where the B site features a significant vertical element (the bridge above).