Ancient: Difference between revisions

From Counter-Strike 2 Wiki
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
Expand article with comprehensive content
Bot: enhance Ancient with screenshots, callouts, strategy, utility, history
 
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Ancient}}
{{Infobox map
'''Ancient''' is a bomb defusal map in [[Counter-Strike 2]] set among Mayan/Aztec-inspired jungle ruins. It was added to the competitive map pool to replace Dust II and has since become a staple of professional play, known for its emphasis on mid control and close-quarters combat.
|name=Ancient
|code=de_ancient
|location=Central America
|type=Bomb Defusal
|pool=Active Duty
|sided=Balanced
}}
 
 
<div class="map-screenshot">
<extimg src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ghostcap-gaming/cs2-map-images/main/cs2/de_ancient.png" width="100%" />
<div class="map-screenshot-caption">Overhead view of Ancient in Counter-Strike 2</div>
</div>


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
Ancient features a jungle temple environment with tight corridors, elevation changes, and a strategically vital mid area. The map rewards teams that can establish and maintain mid control, as it provides access to both bombsites and enables powerful split strategies.
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 ==
== Map Layout ==


=== Key Areas ===
=== 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.


==== A Site ====
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.
* '''A Main''' - The primary T approach to A site
* '''A Short''' - Alternative route to A from mid
* '''Donut''' - A circular structure on A site
* '''Ramp''' - Elevation change leading to A site
* '''Totem''' - A carved pillar providing cover


==== B Site ====
=== Bombsite B ===
* '''B Main''' - The primary T approach to B site through a cave
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.
* '''B Ramp''' - Stairs/ramp approach from mid to B site
* '''Pillar''' - Support structures on B site
* '''Back Site''' - The rear area of B bombsite


==== Mid ====
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''' - The central contested area
* '''Cave''' - Underground passage connecting areas
* '''Temple''' - A structure in the mid area
* '''Elbow''' - A turn in the mid corridors


== Key Callouts ==
=== Mid ===
{| class="wikitable"
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 ==
{| class="wikitable sortable callouts-table"
! Area !! Callout !! Description
|-
|-
! Callout !! Location
| A Site || Temple || The raised temple platform on A Site
|-
|-
| '''A Main''' || Primary T route to A site
| A Site || Donut || The circular room connecting Mid to A Site
|-
|-
| '''A Short''' || Alternative A route from mid
| A Site || Main A || The primary corridor approach to A Site from T side
|-
|-
| '''Donut''' || Circular structure on A site
| A Site || CT / Back A || The CT-side area behind A Site
|-
|-
| '''B Main''' || Primary T route to B through cave
| Mid || Cave || The cave area in the center of Mid
|-
|-
| '''B Ramp''' || Stairs from mid area to B site
| Mid || Elbow || The curved corner in Mid connecting pathways
|-
|-
| '''Mid''' || Central contested area
| Mid || House || The building structure in the Mid area
|-
|-
| '''Cave''' || Underground connector passage
| Mid || Pillar || The stone pillar in the Mid area providing cover
|-
|-
| '''Temple''' || Mid area structure
| B Site || B Main || The main corridor approach to B Site from T side
|-
|-
| '''Elbow''' || Corner/turn in mid area
| B Site || Ramp || The ramp area on B Site
|-
|-
| '''Pillar''' || Cover on B site
| B Site || B CT || The CT-side area connecting to B Site
|-
| B Site || Waterfall || The waterfall area near B Site
|}
|}


== Competitive Meta ==
== Strategy ==
Ancient is considered a '''relatively balanced map''' that has evolved significantly since its introduction. Mid control is the defining strategic battle.
 
=== 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.


=== T-Side Strategy ===
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.
* '''Mid control''' opens routes to both sites and enables powerful split executes
* '''A Main pushes''' can be effective with coordinated utility
* '''B cave entries''' require careful clearing of close-range angles


=== CT-Side Strategy ===
== Trivia ==
* '''Mid presence''' is critical to prevent T-side splits
* Ancient is set in a fictional archaeological site inspired by Mayan ruins in Central America.
* '''Utility-heavy defense''' works well due to the tight corridors
* The map replaced Train in the competitive pool, which was controversial among some players and teams.
* '''Retake capability''' is important as rotations through mid can be quick
* 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.


[[Category:Maps]]
[[Category:Maps]]
[[Category:Active Duty Maps]]

Latest revision as of 14:36, 24 February 2026

Ancient
Game Modes —
Scenario —
Teams —


Overhead view of Ancient in Counter-Strike 2

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.
Retrieved from "https://counterstrikewiki.com/index.php?title=Ancient&oldid=3139"