Dust II
Dust II is the most iconic map in Counter-Strike 2 and the entire Counter-Strike franchise. Set in a Middle Eastern desert environment, it is renowned for its balanced layout, long sightlines, and emphasis on pure aim duels. Dust II has been a staple of competitive Counter-Strike since its creation over two decades ago.
Overview
Dust II is a bomb defusal map featuring two bombsites (A and B) connected by a central mid area. The map is characterized by its open spaces, long angles, and relatively simple layout that rewards mechanical skill over complex strategy. It returned to the CS2 active duty map pool in 2025 after a brief absence and remains one of the most played maps at all levels.
Map Layout
Key Areas
T Spawn and Upper Tunnels
Terrorists spawn in the southeast corner and can access both bombsites through multiple routes. Upper Tunnels (also called T Ramp) leads to B site, while Long Doors and Mid provide access to the A site.
A Site
The A bombsite is located on an elevated platform accessible via A Long and A Short (Catwalk). Key positions include:
- A Long - A long corridor from T spawn providing the longest sightline on the map
- A Short (Catwalk) - A shorter route from mid that leads to an elevated position overlooking the site
- A Platform - The main planting area
- Goose - A corner behind the bombsite used for after-plant positions
- Car - A vehicle providing cover near A Long
B Site
The B bombsite is an enclosed area accessed through B Tunnels and B Doors. Key positions include:
- B Tunnels (Lower) - The main T approach to B site
- B Platform - The elevated planting area
- B Window - A window overlooking the bombsite
- B Closet - A corner position near the site
- B Back Site - The rear area of the bombsite
Mid
Mid is the central area connecting CT spawn to both bombsites. Key positions include:
- Mid Doors - Double doors that provide a long sightline from T spawn to CT mid
- CT Mid - The CT side of mid, connecting to B site and A Short
- Xbox - A box used to boost players up to A Short from mid
Key Callouts
| Callout | Location |
|---|---|
| Long | The corridor from T spawn leading to A site |
| Short/Cat | Catwalk from mid to A site |
| Mid Doors | Double doors in mid (famous AWP angle) |
| B Tunnels | Underground passage to B site |
| CT Spawn | Counter-Terrorist spawn area |
| Pit | Sunken area at the end of A Long |
| Xbox | Box in mid used for boosts to Short |
| Goose | Corner behind A bombsite |
| Car | Vehicle near A Long entrance to site |
| Window | Window overlooking B site |
Competitive Meta
Dust II is traditionally considered a T-sided map due to the Terrorist ability to quickly apply pressure to both sites and exploit the long sightlines with the AK-47. The CT side relies heavily on AWP presence at mid doors and disciplined utility usage to delay pushes.
T-Side Strategy
- A Long control is fundamental, often involving smoke at Long Doors and a flash over
- B splits using upper and lower tunnels to overwhelm the site
- Mid-to-B pushes through CT mid after taking mid control
CT-Side Strategy
- AWP at mid doors is one of the most iconic positions in Counter-Strike
- A Long hold with an AWP or rifle at Pit or A site
- B site typically held by 1-2 players with utility to delay pushes
Trivia
- Dust II was originally created by David Johnston and first appeared in Counter-Strike 1.1
- It is the most played map in Counter-Strike history
- The mid doors AWP duel is one of the most iconic moments in any round of Counter-Strike
- Dust II was rebuilt from scratch for CS2 using the Source 2 engine