CSWikiAdmin: Bot: Phase 2: Maps & Competitive — create Italy

2026-02-23T20:54:04Z

Bot: Phase 2: Maps & Competitive — create Italy

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{{Infobox map
|name=Italy
|game_modes=Hostage Rescue, Casual
|scenario=Hostage Rescue
|teams=[[SEAL Team 6]] vs. [[Phoenix Connexion]]
|hostages=2
|creator=Valve
|first_appearance=Counter-Strike Beta 1.0 (1999)
}}
'''Italy''' ('''cs_italy''') is one of the oldest maps in Counter-Strike history, appearing in the original Counter-Strike beta in 1999. It is a hostage rescue map set in a small Italian village, and one of the few hostage maps to remain in the [[Counter-Strike 2]] map pool.

== Overview ==
Italy takes place in a picturesque Italian town with narrow cobblestone streets, a central market area, apartments, and a wine cellar. Counter-Terrorists must navigate the village to locate and rescue two hostages held by the Terrorists.

The map is known for its atmospheric design, with warm Mediterranean lighting, terracotta rooftops, and detailed building interiors. It has been a fan favorite for casual play since the earliest days of Counter-Strike.

== Layout ==
Italy features a compact village layout with multiple routes between the CT spawn and the hostage locations:

=== Key Areas ===
* '''CT Spawn''' — Starting area for Counter-Terrorists, located at the edge of the village
* '''Market''' — Central open area with market stalls, a major crossroads
* '''Apartments''' — Multi-story residential buildings connecting mid to hostage areas
* '''Wine Cellar''' — Underground area leading to one hostage location
* '''T Spawn / Hostage Area''' — The Terrorist-held zone where hostages are located
* '''Long Hall''' — Extended corridor providing a flanking route
* '''Balcony''' — Elevated position overlooking the market area

== Strategy ==

=== Counter-Terrorist ===
* Controlling the Market area provides access to multiple approach routes
* Using flashbangs through apartment windows can clear common Terrorist positions
* Splitting into multiple groups forces Terrorists to defend multiple angles
* Speed is important — the longer the round goes, the harder rescue becomes

=== Terrorist ===
* Setting up crossfires in the hostage area makes rescue extremely difficult
* AWP positions on long sightlines can shut down CT approaches
* Rotating to aggressive positions in Market can catch CTs off guard
* Using incendiary grenades on chokepoints delays rescue attempts

== History ==
Italy has undergone numerous visual updates across Counter-Strike versions:
* '''CS 1.0-1.6''' — Original cramped layout with dated textures
* '''CS:Source''' — Significant visual upgrade with Source engine
* '''CS:GO''' — Modernized with updated lighting and textures
* '''CS2''' — Rebuilt with Source 2 engine improvements

Despite never being part of the competitive Active Duty pool, Italy remains one of the most recognized and beloved maps in the franchise.

== Trivia ==
* Italy is one of only two maps from the original CS beta still available in CS2 (the other being [[Dust II]])
* The map features a working radio in the T apartment that plays Italian music
* A chicken can be found wandering the village — one of the first instances of chickens in Counter-Strike
* The wine cellar area was added in later versions and is not in the original 1999 layout

== See Also ==
* [[Office]] — Another classic hostage rescue map
* [[Maps]] — Complete map listing
* [[Game Modes]] — Hostage rescue mode details

[[Category:Maps]]
[[Category:Hostage Maps]]

Italy - Revision history

CSWikiAdmin: Bot: Phase 2: Maps & Competitive — create Italy