Train to replace Vertigo for Austin Major

The first Major of 2025 will feature a new map pool.

Valve has announced that the BLAST.tv Austin Major will feature Train instead of Vertigo, marking the map's return to the Major for the first time since 2019.

Train was removed from the active duty pool in May 2021 to make way for Ancient. The map was then absent from the game following the release of Counter-Strike 2 before eventually getting released with a rework in November 2024.

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While the map still features its distinct layout, there are some notable differences, such as the lack of a ladder in Pop Dog and a partially rerouted avenue from Ivy to A.

The addition of Train means that Vertigo will be removed from the map pool. The map endured a love-hate relationship with the Counter-Strike community despite Valve applying several changes throughout its addition to the map pool in 2019.

It was by far the lowest-played map in HLTV-recorded matches in the last six months (746 maps played), far behind the second-lowest of Dust2 (1191 maps played).

It was also played just three times at the Shanghai Major's Elimination Stage and zero times across the entire playoff bracket, as several top teams opted to permaban the map.

Valve didn't reveal exactly when the switch will take place, but their announcement states that the change will come into effect for the BLAST.tv Austin Major.