Train in CS2 (de_Train) is a reworked version of the classic map: a Soviet-style rail yard that Valve brought back to the game at the end of 2024. It was removed from CS:GO in 2021 and replaced by Ancient; in CS2 it returned with rain, new lighting and textures, a more open A site, a redesigned "top-bottom" passage and changes to B site. As a result, familiar positions and grenade lineups play differently.
Below we cover what is new on the map, how the changes affect gameplay, which grenades help in the early round and how to set up on defense.
What's New on the Map?
The Train map in CS2, reintroduced at the end of 2024, features a completely new format. Experience from older versions of Train only partly carries over. The map has undergone numerous changes, primarily concerning visual effects.
On the open areas of Train, it rains, and this feature has thrilled many players. There's speculation that developers will later introduce other weather variants (such as snowfall) and dynamic changes in the time of day. Currently, the atmosphere is stormy and dramatic.
The visual effect of rain is very realistic, creating a sense of immersion even on medium game settings. Drops linger on weapons, create streaks on various surfaces, shine on the rails, and wet players' clothing. This takes the perception to a whole new level.
New lighting systems and improved textures make this map more modern and technologically advanced.
The Train map in CS2 keeps its Soviet-era style, and the location is completely revamped. Here you'll see a railway depot with wagons carrying hazardous cargo from a nuclear facility. All this, combined with the gloomy weather, creates a tense backdrop.
There have also been changes to the geometry of the map. For example, A-site has become more spacious due to the removal of some wagons and significant reduction in size of others.
Furthermore, developers have blocked the upper pass to the defenders' base. The staircase and the whole "top-bottom" position have turned into a long corridor leading to the upper floor of the map.
The decor has some interesting details too. The changes are mostly cosmetic, but the graffiti on the walls works as Easter eggs for Russian-speaking players, including references to songs by the band Kino and to the singer Vitas.
When the update came out, the map was available in Casual and Competitive modes.
Features of Playing on the Train Map in CS2
Gameplay, as well as the strategies used, are influenced by fresh patches introduced by the developers. These changes include:
The overview point Heaven was removed, which previously allowed a good view of A site. Thus, counter-terrorists can no longer jump to this position and shoot from above, so both attack and defense need new tactics.
Access through Ivy has been simplified. Previously, Ivy led to two separate corridors, now they have been combined into one path. This has reduced the complexity of the map.
The "top-bottom" area has been redesigned. If before, the room with the staircase connecting to B site was quite small, in the new version of the map it has turned into a full corridor. The passageway leads to the upper part of the B ramp. This means there is room for maneuvers — for example, when constructing a route.
Design changes to B site. From the back of this site, two trains that were previously placed near the counter-terrorists' spawn have been removed. Thanks to these changes, the space has become more open, and players need to adjust their defensive and offensive strategies.
Improved terrorist spawn. Now this area provides better flow and accessibility. Paths leading to key zones are more organized, making it much easier to conduct rotations and attacks.
One of the main Easter eggs on this map is the train stops. Its route is not very long. The main stations you can reach are:
Coastline. There is a clear reference to the maps Lake and Tuscan, which were present in earlier versions of the shooter.
Castle. Most likely, this is an Easter egg for the map Cobblestone, which is also one of the most anticipated for CS2 players.
Warehouse. The main guess about this stop is the map Assault. Most likely, it will only be present on regular servers, it is unlikely to appear on pro scenes.
There is another interesting Easter egg about the appearance of pets in the game. The announcement about a lost chicken, promising good cash for its return, suggests this.
Impact of Changes on Gameplay
Changes to the Train map in CS2 significantly affect the course of the game, especially in competitive modes such as Premier. In particular, these points are:
Changing sight lines. Because some points on the map have been completely cleared of any junk, and also due to the reshuffle at these locations, players have to find new firing positions and hold angles in new ways. Controlling high ground still gives a clear advantage.
New tactics. Traditional smokes and flashes may be ineffective, so players need to develop new strategies for capturing points.
Map movement. Again, changed paths require more dynamic movement across the map. This allows for unexpected rotations.
Basic Grenades on the Updated Train Map in CS2
Due to the changes listed, you need to change your game tactics on the map. Here are the basic grenade setups; they are easy to practice on a local server, and other good options are collected in our list of top maps for grenade practice in CS2.
A-site Attack Smokes
To smoke the old site, you need to:
position against the yellow post near the wagon;
aim at the corner of the wood;
throw the grenade while jumping (Jumpthrow bind; see our guide on how to bind jump in CS2).
Smoke at Green
You need to aim by jumping on the pole next to the train doors. Aim at the red light and make a grenade throw while jumping. This technique makes it very easy to enter A site.
Smoke Between Yellow and Green Wagon
To make a grenade throw, you need to back up against the wall and aim at the top part of the lifting crane. Execute the throw while jumping, holding both mouse buttons.
B site Setups
On the neighboring site, you can also perform various throws. The basic option is a smoke at the bottom pass. You need to lean against the wall and aim at the star. After that, aim down to the intersection with the line. Then you can throw the smoke.
Another way to throw a grenade is to smoke the entrance to the site. Approach the white window, aim at the top part of the archway, and throw.
Game Tactics on the Train Map in CS2
The main way to set up defense is one person at B site and 3+1 at A site. This arrangement allows sending one person from A to reinforce in case of a possible rush. If opponents do not emerge, you can perform a rotation to strengthen B site.
During the early deployment, you can use several grenades to keep aggressive opponents at bay. If there is no shootout in the first few minutes of the game, it's worth picking up a successful tactic. The map is quite extensive, so it's not enough to find just one point for decisive actions.
Overall, the community welcomed the reworked Train: the map kept its recognizable character but gained new tactical options, and the Easter eggs hint at future updates. To get comfortable faster, learn the standard callouts in our guide to what the positions on CS2 maps are called, and see other additions in our overview of new maps in CS2.
