FACEIT is expanding its CS2 map pool from seven to eight maps when Season 8 kicks off. The platform announced the change on its X page. The FACEIT Season 8 begins on April 22.
The list of candidate maps was put together by FACEIT’s top 1,000 players, ranked by Elo. From that shortlist, the broader community now votes on which map gets added.
So the highest-rated players filtered the options, but the final call goes to everyone.
The New Map Is Optional but Still Ranked
The eighth map will be optional in the queue. Players can include it in their matchmaking preferences or leave it out. Matches played on it will be ranked, with Elo fully active.
That means you won’t be forced onto it, but any games you do play there will count toward your rating.
Season 8 Brings More Changes Beyond the Map Pool
The map pool expansion is one part of a larger Season 8 overhaul. For the first time, every player will start the season with a soft Elo reset and 10 placement matches to determine their new rating.
The Elo will be temporarily hidden at the start of the season. Players need to complete at least 10 matches before their new level is revealed.
The platform says the goal is to reduce rating inflation and restore a healthier rank distribution across the ladder.
What the Current CS2 Map Pool Looks Like
Valve’s last major map pool update happened on January 22, 2026, when Premier Season Four began. Anubis was added to Active Duty, and Train was removed. FACEIT runs the same seven-map Active Duty pool, so the eighth map it adds will be something outside Valve’s current standard rotation.
