de_mirage
One of Counter-Strike's most popular maps, Mirage has been used in a number of esports tournaments and Major Championships due to its balanced level design and its opportunities for players to display their tactical and coordination skills.
Mirage, also known by its filename de_mirage, is a video game map in the first-person shooter series Counter-Strike. Released officially on 6 June 2013 by Valve Corporation, the game's developer, it expanded the Counter-Strike: Source community map "de_cpl_strike", developed by Michael "BubkeZ" Hüll. One of Counter-Strike's most popular maps, Mirage has been used in a number of esports tournaments and Major Championships due to its balanced level design and its opportunities for players to display their tactical and coordination skills. Over time, the map has undergone changes and updates by Valve to improve its quality and increase the tactical balance.
- first_appearance
- Counter-Strike: Source (community map by BubkeZ)
Lore & Background
Mirage started as a Counter-Strike: Source community map known as de_cpl_strike, created by Michael "BubkeZ" Hüll. In 2013, it was remade by Valve as de_mirage, and was officially added to the game on 6 June 2013. It has become one of the top three maps used in competitive play and in matchmaking. The new map design was crafted based on community feedback and included improved textures and lighting with the purposes of increasing player readability, and a new setting change, making the map different from the previous community-made Mirage version and de_cpl_strike maps from previous games in tone. It has been featured in every CS:GO Major Championship except DreamHack Winter 2013, the first Major. Mirage was included in CS:GO's successor, Counter-Strike 2 at launch in September 2023, and by December 2023 it was the most played map in both Premier and FACEIT matchmaking.
In Their Own Story
The midday sun beats down on the stone arches of the marketplace, casting long shadows across the sand. Dust motes dance in the air between the pillars of 'Palace' and 'Windows'. A single radio crack echoes: 'Planted.' The silence that follows is heavy, filled only by the distant hum of a generator and the rustle of wind through the market stalls. One team holds their breath behind the cover of the ramp; the other scans the open sky for movement. In this arena, there are no secrets—only the split-second decision to peek or hold.
Reader's Guide
The level design of Mirage follows the traditional square design of Counter-Strike maps such as Dust II, Cache, and Inferno. It is built around a Middle East-inspired town, which contains a number of different buildings and structures, such as apartment buildings, fortresses, stores, and courtyards. Mirage is structured similarly to other bomb defusal maps like Dust II, featuring two bombsites with two main entrances from either spawn, linked to a "mid" area with connecting pathways.
Did You Know?
- Mirage was originally a Counter-Strike: Source community map called de_cpl_strike, created by Michael "BubkeZ" Hüll.
- The map was officially added to Counter-Strike on 6 June 2013.
- Mirage has been featured in every CS:GO Major Championship except DreamHack Winter 2013, the first Major.
- By December 2023, Mirage was the most played map in both Premier and FACEIT matchmaking in Counter-Strike 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was de_mirage first introduced to the franchise?
It originated as a community map before becoming an official staple in Counter-Strike: Condition Zero and later CS 1.6. Its enduring presence has made it a classic fixture across multiple game iterations.
Where does the action take place on this level?
The environment depicts a sun-drenched Middle Eastern marketplace filled with market stalls and narrow alleyways. This setting provides distinct cover options while maintaining open sightlines for long-range engagements.
What is the primary goal for players during a match?
Teams compete in a defusal scenario where Terrorists must plant bombs at site A or B, and Counter-Terrorists must stop them. Success relies on precise aim and coordinated team movement to control key areas like mid and apartments.
Why is the map layout considered so balanced?
De_mirage utilizes a symmetrical design that ensures neither side holds an overwhelming advantage during rotations or site takes. This structure forces players to rely on tactical discipline rather than exploiting map asymmetries.
Is de_mirage still relevant in professional esports today?
Yes, it remains a permanent active member of the competitive map pool for major tournaments like the Majors. Its consistent testing of aim and communication keeps it essential for high-level play.
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Elsewhere in the Counter-Strike universe
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