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.
Quick Facts
- 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 since its first Major appearance at ESL One Katowice 2015. Mirage was included in CS:GO's successor, Counter-Strike 2 at launch in September 2023.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
More in Maps
Elsewhere in Counter-Strike
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