New map Ruby joins CS:GO competitive map pool, Zoo sent to casual
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s competitive map pool has received another big shakeup.
After spending a month in Defusal Group Sigma in the casual matchmaking rotation, Ruby has officially been added to the competitive map pool. Losing its spot as a result is Zoo.
Ruby was added on the April 25 update alongside hostage map Workout. The level based on historic Portugal stands apart from most other defusal maps, with a labyrinthian layout comprised of numerous narrow passageways that include varying elevations and options for cover. Its time in casual matchmaking has seen it tweaked a bit, but Ruby’s unique feel makes it a compelling addition to the competitive pool.
Though it has been added to competitive, it is not yet a part of the Active Duty Group that is used in professional CS:GO events.
With the promotion of Ruby, Zoo has been removed from competitive mode. The level inspired by the San Francisco Zoo was added in January alongside Abbey and received a lukewarm response. While Zoo was visually impressive, it never properly caught on with fans and quickly became one of competitive’s least popular maps. Zoo is still available for play in casual mode’s Defusal Group Sigma.
In addition to the changes to the competitive map pool, more changes have arrived in the Danger Zone. The Ballistic Shield has been given a buff in the form of a narrower window, making it tougher to headshot opponents through the shield. The Radar Jammer has also seen its price dropped to $1,250, giving players more options for dealing with pilotable drones.
Finally, a change has been made to the competitive cooldown penalties for vote kicking teammates. Abusive kicking will now be limited to a single cooldown level, regardless of how many teammates were kicked in an individual match.
The full patch notes can be found on the
official CS:GO blog.
Steven Rondina
About Steven Rondina
Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.
View full profile
Read Also
Counter-Strike
Team Spirit vs Team Falcons betting preview, odds, and best picks: PGL Astana 2026 grand final predictions
Owen Harsono
We’re getting a clash of titans in the CS2 grand final of PGL Astana 2026, as Team Spirit take on Team Falcons for all the marbles. Both teams are looking to secure their first trophy of the year and will give it everything they’ve got. Here are our Team Spirit vs Team Falcons for the PGL Astana grand final predictions. Tournament: PGL Astana 2026 Stage: Grand Final Game: Counter-Strike 2 ...
Counter-Strike
PGL Astana 2026 playoffs betting preview: Odds, predictions, and picks
Owen Harsono
Without Team Vitality in the mix, the PGL Astana 2026 playoffs are set to be a memorable one, as we’re pretty much guaranteed to see a new trophy winner this year. Here are our PGL Astana playoff predictions for each quarterfinal matchup. The playoffs immediately open with a big match between MOUZ and Aurora. MOUZ enter this tournament with their newly minted squad, seeing Major MVP Justinas "jL" Lekavičius return ...
Counter-Strike
Team Vitality vs NAVI: IEM Atlanta 2026 predictions and odds
Owen Harsono
The world’s number one team takes on number two in the quarterfinals of IEM Atlanta 2026, as Team Vitality are set to face NAVI in a CS2 playoff elimination match. The winner of this series is favored to win the entire event, so there’s a lot on the line. Here are our predictions for Team Vitality vs NAVI at IEM Atlanta 2026. Tournament: IEM Atlanta 2026 Stage: Quarterfinal Game: Counter-Strike ...
Counter-Strike
PGL Astana 2026: Teams, Format and Prize Pool Distribution
Owen Harsono
PGL Astana 2026 is the next Counter-Strike event to look forward to, not only because of its massive prize pool, but also because we'll likely see a new trophy winner this year. This event will not feature the likes of Team Vitality and NAVI, giving other top teams a chance to bag their first win. Our PGL Astana 2026 preview will tell you everything you need to know. Like almost ...
Counter-Strike
Team Vitality vs NAVI: BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 predictions and odds
Owen Harsono
We have another grand final matchup between Team Vitality and Natus Vincere. The former is looking to extend their reign of dominance, while the latter is looking to deny it. Here are our Team Vitality vs NAVI BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 grand final predictions. Tournament: BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 Stage: Grand Final Game: Counter-Strike 2 Format: Best of 5 Betting tip: Team Vitality demolished NAVI 3-0 in their previous grand ...
Counter-Strike
Team Vitality vs GamerLegion: BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 predictions and odds
Owen Harsono
Team Vitality are looking to extend their era at BLAST Rivals Spring 2026, but they take on an unlikely opponent in the form of GamerLegion. This is a BLAST Paris Major grand final rematch happening years later. Here are our Team Vitality vs GamerLegion BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 predictions. Tournament: BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 Stage: Semi-Final Game: Counter-Strike 2 Format: Best of 3 Betting tip: GamerLegion could catch Team Vitality ...
Counter-Strike
NAVI vs FaZe Clan: BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 predictions and odds
Owen Harsono
Counter-Strike 2 fans are in for a treat, as we're getting the classic NAVI vs FaZe Clan matchup in the semi-finals of BLAST Rivals Spring 2026. The former are looking for their second trophy of the year, while the latter are trying to make an impression with their new roster. Here are our NAVI vs FaZe Clan BLAST Rivals Spring predictions. Tournament: BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 Stage: Semi-Final Game: Counter-Strike ...
