Map Balance in CS:GO
Elen StelmakhA set of maps is one of the main components of the professional CS:GO. There are seven maps in the pool in total. They make up the basics of the match. In most cases, matches are held in the BO3 format, so teams are to make a preliminary choice of maps that are to become battlefields.
However, not every team has all maps. On the contrary, there are common cases when the team has 3-4 strong maps while the others should be worked on. All relevant maps are different, and it helps create unique and flexible tactics.
Nevertheless, it does not change the fact that any team faces the procedure of pre-start choosing of maps. First of all, you should get to know more about the layout of the maps and understand what makes them unique.
How are Maps Built?
For starters, we will tell you about the design of the maps. Dust 2 is one of the most famous maps. Popularity of the map comes down to its simplicity as the developers managed to find a formula that has not become out of date in 20 years. It is interesting that some separate elements of the map got changed but the layout remained the same.
Combination of the size of the map, its layout, escape routes, timings with a chance to run in eight and find enemies – all these factors make a map unique. Dust 2 is a model of perfect simplicity. The base of the layout lies in three main ways where the gamers run: way to A Plant, Middle, and B Plant. These are the main roads that hold teams’ encounters.
One of the layouts of maps is called Clover. This is because the main roads of the map make up four squares that resemble a clover.
Another spread type of the map is a triangle. It vaguely resembles a triangle, but it explains the idea of the map. Three main roads are united with the main outline. The most famous maps are based on the triangle base, these are Inferno and Cobblestone.
Clover is considered to be simpler, but it is less variable as the map is based on a typical symmetry of roads. The triangle just seems simpler, but it is much harder to balance. Besides, it is much more difficult to play on such maps. First of all, such maps are much more spacious for tactics.
There is another kind of map which stands out from all the others due to their unique geometry. We are talking about Nuke and Vertigo that just do not have either distinctive stylistic peculiarities or vertical zonation. Such maps overlay on each other increasing the volume and radius for movement.
How do Teams Choose Maps?
Firstly, we must know the placement of the teams in the rating. For example, at the match between Top-10 and Top-20 according to HLTV first-choice advantage is given to the team with lower rating. However, there are different conditions, for example, some tournament operators resort to their own rating system where Top-20 may be even higher than Top-10 in the HLTV rating.
Secondly, influence of the format of the championship. The team that made it to the final of the tournament from the lower bracket will have the first choice right as the gamers are considered to be outsiders of the meeting on paper.
After all, everything comes down to the only algorithm of teams’ seeding that will predetermine the team that is going to start the match on their strong map.
It is important to take into account that there were different sets of maps in CS:GO in different periods of time. For example, several years ago there were such maps like Cache and Cobblestone while Vertigo did not exist at all. Changing of the pool is the developers’ prerogative as they try to balance the existing maps.
However, it is not always possible to find the right balance for both sides, as a result, some maps become beneficial for any other teams. That is why we need to consider all the maps carefully to understand how the choice affects the likelihood of victory for the teams.
It is true that developers never stop as they understand that it is impossible to achieve the perfect balance. So Valve tries to make up for some faulty elements and brings various changes into the locations. It influences the chances of the teams directly.
Notice: to evaluate the current state of the stage, we use the statistics from the previous season 2020. It makes a paucity of sense as last year the majority of tournaments were held online.
Dust 2
Dust 2 is one of the most popular maps for competitive matchmaking. However, on the professional stage the map is not so popular (the fourth place). It is likely to be reasoned with the shift in balance to the attacking side which, according to the statistics, accounts for 52,2%. So, it means that starting the match on attack, the team has a better chance to win. Despite the 2,2% lead, it is a substantial difference on a scale of the sample. This way the developers understand that the map needs altering.
Besides, if it comes to gun rounds, we can see the tilt moving to the defense side which, according to the statistics, wins 53,1% of starting rounds.
However, in general the tilt is moving to the attack side, so, if a stronger team gets such a pick, you may confidently consider the gamers’ possible win at the match.
Mirage
Mirage is definitely the most popular map on the professional stage. It was first introduced in the pool at the moment of the release of the original CS:GO. In its geometry, the map resembles Dust 2, nevertheless, the tilt is bending to the defense side that gets 51,7% according to the statistics. The likelihood of defense’s victory in the first rounds is the same here which shows that the choice of positions eases protection of one of the plants.
Inferno
Inferno is second most popular map on the professional stage which went through remaking process. Five or six years ago there was a good advantage for the defense side that won around 56% rounds. It was the reason for changes that not only improved the visual component of the map but also expanded some parts of the map which helped to balance Inferno.
At the moment the map gives a lead for the attacking side that accounts for 51,5%. It bears noting that first rounds are 54,6% likely to be won by the attacking players.
Nuke
Nuke is one of the most disbalanced maps. You can see with the naked eye that there is a tilt to the defense side at matches. The statistics prove that defense wins 53,7% rounds.
It is an interesting fact that the map has been altered several times, but the developers were unable to reach the desirable balance. The main reason is likely to be geometry of the map. Nuke is the map where gamers must fight not only with their enemies but also with the vertical zonation.
Train
Train is the most disbalanced map that is still given too much attention. We cannot say that Train is a vertical map. However, narrow streets give defense gamers a huge advantage in gun fights.
According to the statistics, the defense side wins 54,1% of rounds. Meanwhile, defense wins 56,1% of starting rounds.
Overpass
Overpass is one of the least popular maps on the professional stage. The best time of the map was gone several years ago while the developers are still not going to send Overpass to be fixed. This map first appeared in CS:GO, so most gamers have to get used for its geometry and positioning from scratch.
The map is thought to be one of the most balanced. For example, the defense side wins 52,0% of rounds. Nevertheless, it does not affect the fact that the map is losing its popularity.
Vertigo
It is the newest map of all existing ones. Besides, Vertigo is the least popular among teams. It is interesting that the statistics says that the map gives a lead for the attacking side that wins in 52,7% of cases. The figures are quite curious considering the geometry of the map itself.
As we can see, the chosen side may make a huge difference in the results of teams in a battle. The balance is a nuanced area. The team that starts on attack on Train, is likely to gain a bigger number of rounds providing themselves with a comfortable game after the change of sides. However, you cannot ignore statistics as the figures do not lie.
Elen Stelmakh is a creative individual dedicated to advancing gaming culture through articles and visual design. As a full-time EGamersWorld author and designer for a gaming website, Elen not only creates content but also infuses it with energy and creativity.
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