All CS2 Anubis Changes Explained – Layout, Boosts & Meta

Anubis has quietly become one of the most interesting maps in Counter-Strike 2. With multiple CS2 updates targeting visibility, movement, and balance, the map plays very differently compared to its early CS2 version—and even more so compared to CS:GO.

In this guide, we’ll break down all CS2 Anubis changes, explain why Valve made them, and how they impact real matchmaking and pro-level play. Whether you’re grinding Premier or just learning the map, this guide will help you adapt faster than your opponents.

Why Valve Keeps Updating Anubis in CS2

Anubis is one of the newest active-duty maps, and CS2’s engine upgrade exposed a few issues:

• Overpowered boosts
• Unfair off-angles
• CT-sided chokepoints
• Visibility problems with Source 2 lighting

Instead of reworking the entire map, Valve has been fine-tuning Anubis through multiple CS2 patch notes, making it more balanced and readable without killing its identity.

If you’re still learning the layout, pairing this guide with Anubis callouts is a must.

All CS2 Anubis Changes (Chronological Overview)

Here’s a quick snapshot before we go deep:

Area	Change Type	Impact
B Site	Boost removals	Less CT abuse
Mid	Geometry tweaks	Fairer duels
Canal	Clipping fixes	Smoother movement
A Site	Cover changes	Better retakes
Overall	Lighting updates	Clearer visibility

Now let’s break these down properly.

1. B Site Boosts Removed (Major Balance Shift)

What Changed

Valve removed or limited several CT boosts on B site, especially near pillar and back site boxes.

Why It Matters

In early CS2 versions, CTs could:

• Hold B main from near-unguessable angles
• Get instant info with minimal risk
• Shut down executes before utility landed

Gameplay Impact

• Ts now have more consistent B executes
• Utility usage (smokes & flashes) actually matters
• Retakes feel less hopeless for attackers

Tip: If you’re practicing utility, this pairs well with private setups using CS2 custom maps:
CS2 Custom Maps

2. Mid Geometry Adjustments

What Changed

Mid received subtle but important geometry tweaks:

• Narrowed ledges
• Smoothed corners
• Removed pixel-peek angles

Why Valve Did This

Source 2 made certain angles too strong, especially when combined with peeker’s advantage in CS2.

Gameplay Impact

• Cleaner mid fights
• Less “instant death” from off-screen angles
• Better consistency for riflers and AWPers

If you’re curious how peeking behavior changed overall in CS2, this guide explains it well:
CS2 Peeker’s Advantage

3. Canal & Water Movement Fixes

What Changed

• Improved clipping near canal
• Fixed awkward jumps
• Reduced movement slowdowns in water exits

Why This Was Needed

Canal rotations felt clunky and punished players for pathing correctly. In competitive play, that’s unacceptable.

Gameplay Impact

• Faster rotations between A and B
• Less RNG movement deaths
• More viable lurk timings

4. A Site Cover & Retake Improvements

What Changed

Valve adjusted:

• Box placements
• Head-level cover
• Line-of-sight blockers

Why It Matters

A site was historically easier to take than to retake. These tweaks slightly favor structured CT retakes without making the site oppressive.

Gameplay Impact

• Smokes hold longer
• Crossfires are more readable
• Retakes reward teamwork instead of hero plays

5. Lighting & Visibility Updates (Source 2 Polish)

What Changed

• Reduced harsh shadows
• Improved contrast in dark corners
• Better player model visibility in tunnels and site entrances

Why This Is Huge

Visibility issues were one of the biggest complaints in early CS2 updates.

Gameplay Impact

• Fewer “invisible CT” moments
• Easier target acquisition
• Fairer aim duels across the map

If you want to push visibility even further, dialing in the right settings helps a lot:
CS2 Video Settings

How These Anubis Changes Affect the Meta

CT Side

• Less boost abuse
• Stronger retakes
• More reliance on utility and rotations

T Side

• B executes are more viable
• Mid control is less risky
• Lurks through canal are stronger

Overall, Anubis is now more balanced than ever, sitting comfortably alongside classic maps in the CS2 map pool.

For a full overview of how Anubis fits into the bigger picture, check:
CS2 Maps

Pro & Competitive Impact

Pros have adapted by:

• Playing faster B hits
• Using mid pressure instead of dry peeks
• Saving utility for late-round retakes

If you’re trying to copy pro habits, make sure your fundamentals are solid first:
How to Get Better at CS2

Skins, Cases & Why Anubis Popularity Matters

As Anubis gets more playtime, skin visibility and case demand also spike—especially knives and gloves that stand out in brighter Source 2 lighting.

If you’re into skins or trading, these guides are worth bookmarking:

• All CS2 Knife Cases
• CS2 Butterfly Knife Cases
• Most Expensive CS2 Knives

Will Anubis Receive More CS2 Updates?

Short answer: yes.

Valve is clearly treating Anubis as a long-term active-duty map. Expect future CS2 patch notes to include:

• Minor geometry tweaks
• Further boost balancing
• Continued lighting polish

Final Thoughts: Is Anubis Better in CS2?

Absolutely.

With each CS2 update, Anubis has:

• Become more competitive
• Reduced frustrating angles
• Rewarded smart utility and teamwork

If you ignored the map early on, now’s the perfect time to give it another shot.