Valve has launched its latest Counter-Strike 2 update, introducing a wealth of changes to Anubis, which recently returned to the Active Duty map pool for Premier Season Four.
In addition to significant layout changes, the update has also applied damage buffs to the MP7 and MP5-SD submachine guns.
Applied on January 21st, 2026, the update officially marks the start of Premier Season Four, CS2’s built-in ranked mode. Following the return of Anubis, Valve has flipped the layout of the Middle doors, along with the drop into the Canal, which has been moved directly in front of the doors.
Other changes include the addition of a hole to the top of the E-box at the B site, enabling players to throw grenades. The A site has also received adjustments, with boxes moved above the steps to provide defenders with additional cover when fending off an offensive play.
The update also adjusted jumping mechanics, with the landing time calculated using subtick. In addition, jumping and landing don’t use stamina and now use landing time, resulting in players having to adjust bunnyhopping techniques.
Outside of adjustments, the update introduced two new skin collections available as part of the weekly care package. The Harlequin collection features a range of brightly coloured skins, while the Achroma collection includes several white and grey designs.
The Return Of Cache
Following the removal of Cache from Active Duty in 2019, the Counter-Strike community has frequently asked Valve for an indication as to when the map could make its return in Counter-Strike 2.
In response to Ukrainian esports organisation NAVI, Valve issued a response. “It’s cooking,” wrote the developer on social media. Despite the short update on Cache, it remains unclear as to when the popular map will return to Active Duty.
The January 21st update has the potential to spark change within the submachine gun meta, in addition to creating new strategies for mastering Aubis. With the closed qualifiers for IEM Rio 2026 taking place, fans will see the world’s best teams compete on the revised battleground for the first time.
