“This is definitely a blow for Vitality”: Analysts react to Cache’s return to the competitive map pool
Analysts, commentators, and content creators have weighed in on Valve’s decision to bring Cache back to the competitive map pool in place of Overpass. They shared their opinions on social media.
Insider and analyst Guillaume “neL” Canelo welcomed Cache’s return but once again criticized the decision to keep Mirage in the map pool:
I’m fine with Overpass + Cache—I’m actually glad Cache is back. But the fact that Mirage is staying for good still bugs me a little.
Analyst Janko “YNk-” Paunović believes the changes will benefit several top teams:
Team Falcons wins a Major, and then its permanent ban is lifted. Good news for the Falcons and Natus Vincere. To some extent, for Team Spirit as well, but Team Vitality, FURIA, and G2 Esports won’t be happy about this change.
Analyst Dustin “dusT” Moore called the return of Cache a long-overdue decision, but expressed regret over the removal of Overpass:
I’m glad Cache is returning to the competitive map pool! It’s been a long time coming. But I don’t like that it’s replacing Overpass. Overpass is a great map at the highest level of the game. This is definitely a blow to Vitality. FURIA used to be very strong on it, too. Falcons and Natus Vincere are most likely thrilled with this change.
Journalist and analyst Duncan “Thorin” Shields linked the map pool update to Team Falcons’ success:
Valve saw NiKo win the Major and said, “Screw it! Give him an era too!” Dust2, Cache, Ancient, and Mirage. Get ready for the most overpowered era of fragging in history!
Analyst Alex “Mauisnake” Ellenberg also believes the changes favor the Falcons:
-Overpass and +Cache bring the Falcons’ era even closer.
Streamer Oleg “RachelR” Tyurkaev admitted that he’s upset about the replacement of Overpass, but is happy about the return of the classic map:
Quote reproduced with the source’s spelling and punctuation preserved
Well, *** [holy s***], I went for a run *** [damn], came back home, and now Overpass is gone, what the *** [jerks], they took my favorite map away again, though to be fair, it rarely came up for me on the pick side—apparently no one else liked this map besides me...
On the other hand, +Cash is good—it’s an old-school shooter map, perfect for just going all-out and battling it out with people. It brings back the good old days of 2015–2017, when the “golden trio” of Mirage, Dust, and Cash was in the pool
As usual, I’ll wait until they play this map on official tournaments to get a rough idea of how it works, and I’ll gradually start playing it, but I won’t jump in at 100% right away
Earlier, Valve announced changes to the Counter-Strike 2 competitive map pool. Cache will return to the active map pool and replace Overpass. The update will take effect with the start of the fifth Premier season on July 6.
Photo: PGL.
