Vertigo CSGO: A Comprehensive Guide to the Map and Strategies

Vertigo is a popular map in the first-person shooter game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). It was first introduced in the game as part of Operation Payback in 2013 and has since become a staple in the competitive map pool. The map is set on a skyscraper under construction and features two bombsites and two factions: Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists.

One of the unique aspects of Vertigo is its layout, which is different from most other maps in CSGO. The map has two levels, with both bombsites located on the upper level. This means that players must navigate winding paths and corridors to reach their objectives, making for intense and exciting gameplay. Additionally, Vertigo is the only active duty map in CSGO where players can fall off, adding an extra layer of danger and strategy to the game.

Players who want to master Vertigo must learn the callouts and strategies specific to the map. There are many resources available online, including interactive maps and video tutorials, that can help players improve their skills on Vertigo. With its unique layout and challenging gameplay, Vertigo is a must-play map for any serious CSGO player.

Overview of Vertigo CSGO

Vertigo is a bomb defusal map in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). It was first introduced in the game on October 1, 2012, and was later added to the active duty map pool. The map is set on a construction site of a skyscraper, providing a unique gameplay experience compared to traditional CS maps. It emphasizes verticality, tight spaces, and multiple entry points.

The map is asymmetrical, with the Terrorist team starting on a higher level than the Counter-Terrorist team. The Terrorists’ objective is to plant the bomb at either the A or B bomb site, while the Counter-Terrorists must prevent them from doing so, or defuse the bomb if it’s planted. If the bomb is successfully planted, the Counter-Terrorists have 40 seconds to defuse it before it explodes.

Vertigo is known for its narrow walkways and tight spaces, which make it easy for players to fall off the map and die. It’s the only active duty map in CS where players can fall off the map. This feature adds an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay, as players must be careful not to fall off while navigating the map.

The map has undergone several changes since its introduction in CS. Valve has made adjustments to the positions of the bomb sites, as well as to the layout of the map. These changes were made to improve the gameplay experience and balance the map for both teams. Overall, Vertigo is a unique and challenging map that requires players to be skilled in both aim and movement.

History and Development

Initial Release

Vertigo is a map that was created by Chris “Narby” Auty and was introduced on June 27th, 1999, in Counter-Strike Version 1.1. It is a bomb defusal map that is set in a construction site, featuring two levels of scaffolding and a large central elevator shaft. The map is unique in that it is the only active duty map that players can fall off of.

Major Updates

Over the years, Vertigo has undergone several major updates. In 2019, Vertigo was added to the Active Duty group, replacing Cobblestone. This change was met with mixed reactions from the community, with some players praising the map’s unique layout and others criticizing its unbalanced gameplay.

In 2021, alongside Operation Riptide’s release, Vertigo received a new logo but kept the number 51. The map has also undergone several gameplay changes, such as the removal of the ladder leading to the B site and the addition of a ramp leading to the A site.

Despite its rocky reception, Vertigo remains a popular map in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive esports scene. It requires players to have a strong understanding of vertical gameplay and offers unique strategic opportunities for both Terrorist and Counter-Terrorist teams.

Gameplay Mechanics

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a round-based game played between two teams, the Counter-Terrorists and the Terrorists. Each team has a specific objective to complete, and the team that completes their objective or eliminates all the players of the opposing team wins the round. The game is won when a team reaches a set number of rounds.

Map Layout

The Vertigo map in CS is set on top of a skyscraper under construction. The map is divided into two floors, with the Counter-Terrorists spawning on the upper floor and the Terrorists spawning on the lower floor. The map has several chokepoints, including the ramp and the stairwell, which can be used to control the flow of the game.

The map also has several areas that can be used for cover, including the elevator shaft, the crane, and the scaffolding. These areas can be used to hide from enemy fire and to launch surprise attacks.

Special Features

Vertigo has several special features that make it unique from other maps in CS. The map has a drop-down area that can be accessed from the upper floor, which can be used to flank the enemy team or to escape from a firefight. The map also has several areas where players can fall to their death, including the elevator shaft and the scaffolding. Players must be careful not to fall off the map, as this will result in their death.

Another special feature of Vertigo is the presence of snipers on the map. Snipers are commonly found at the ramp and the stairwell, and they can be used to control the flow of the game. Players must be careful when moving through these areas, as they are vulnerable to sniper fire.

Overall, the gameplay mechanics of Vertigo in CS are unique and challenging. The map’s layout and special features require players to be strategic and patient, making it a popular choice for competitive play.

Strategies and Tactics

Offensive Tactics

When playing on Vertigo, offensive tactics are crucial in order to gain control of the map and secure a win. One effective strategy is to split the team into two groups, with one group pushing towards the ramp and the other towards the stairs. This can create a distraction and force the defenders to split their attention, making it easier to pick them off.

Another tactic is to use utility to clear out key areas of the map. For example, using a smoke grenade to block off the defenders’ vision can allow the attackers to push forward without being detected. Flashbangs can also be used to disorient the defenders, making them easier to take out.

Defensive Tactics

Defensive tactics on Vertigo involve holding down key areas of the map and preventing the attackers from gaining control. One effective strategy is to have one player hold the ramp while the other two players hold the stairs. This allows for a strong defense against both areas of attack.

Another tactic is to use utility to slow down the attackers. For example, using a molotov grenade to block off the ramp can force the attackers to take a different route, giving the defenders more time to prepare. Smoke grenades can also be used to block off key areas of the map, making it harder for the attackers to push forward.

It is important for both attackers and defenders to communicate effectively and work together in order to successfully execute their strategies and tactics. By utilizing a combination of split pushes, utility, and teamwork, players can gain the upper hand on Vertigo and secure a victory.

Community Reception

The reception of Vertigo in the CS community has been mixed since its introduction in March 2019. While some players enjoy the unique gameplay opportunities that the map offers, others find it frustrating and unbalanced.

Player Reviews

Many players have praised the map’s vertical design, which allows for interesting and unexpected strategies. However, others have criticized the map for being too difficult to navigate and for favoring certain positions over others.

Some players have also noted that the map can be particularly challenging for newer players, as it requires a high level of game knowledge and awareness to be successful.

Professional Feedback

Professional players and teams have also had mixed opinions on Vertigo. Some teams have embraced the map and developed successful strategies for it, while others have avoided it altogether.

Valve has made several updates and adjustments to Vertigo over time to balance gameplay and improve competitiveness. However, the map remains a controversial addition to the CS map pool.

Overall, while some players enjoy the unique challenges that Vertigo presents, others find it frustrating and unbalanced. As with any map, it is ultimately up to individual players and teams to decide whether or not to include it in their strategies.

Impact on Esports

Tournaments

The map Vertigo has had a significant impact on the esports scene of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It has been added to the Active Duty map pool, which means that it is played in major tournaments and competitions. The map has become a popular choice among players and viewers alike due to its unique layout and gameplay mechanics.

Since its introduction to the Active Duty map pool, Vertigo has been played in several major tournaments, including the ESL Pro League and the Intel Extreme Masters. The map has been well-received by players and viewers, and it has become a staple in the competitive scene.

Famous Matches

Over the years, there have been several famous matches played on Vertigo. One of the most notable matches was played between Astralis and Liquid in the semifinals of the StarSeries i-League Season 4. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading rounds throughout the game. In the end, Astralis came out on top, winning the match 16-14.

Another famous match played on Vertigo was between Fnatic and Vitality in the quarterfinals of the DreamHack Masters Dallas 2019. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every round. In the end, Fnatic emerged victorious, winning the match 16-14.

Overall, Vertigo has had a significant impact on the esports scene of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It has become a popular map among players and viewers, and it has been the site of several famous matches over the years.

Future of Vertigo CSGO

Vertigo has been a controversial map since its introduction to the competitive map pool. Despite receiving mixed reviews from players, Valve has continued to make significant updates to the map to improve its gameplay and balance. The future of Vertigo in CSGO is uncertain, but there are several potential outcomes.

Possibility 1: Vertigo is Removed from the Competitive Map Pool

If Valve determines that Vertigo is not a suitable map for competitive play, they may remove it from the map pool entirely. This decision would likely be based on player feedback and data gathered from professional matches.

Possibility 2: Vertigo Remains in the Map Pool with Further Updates

Alternatively, Valve may choose to keep Vertigo in the map pool and continue to make updates to improve its gameplay. This would involve addressing player concerns and making balance changes to ensure that the map is fair for both teams.

Possibility 3: Vertigo Becomes More Popular in Competitive Play

Finally, it is possible that Vertigo could become more popular in competitive play as players become more familiar with the map and its unique challenges. This would require players to adapt their strategies and playstyles to fit the map’s layout and mechanics.

Overall, the future of Vertigo in CSGO is uncertain. However, Valve’s continued updates and commitment to improving the map suggest that they believe it has potential as a competitive map. As players continue to adapt to its challenges, it remains to be seen whether Vertigo will become a staple of the competitive map pool or fade into obscurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good smokes to use on Vertigo in CSGO?

Smokes are an essential part of any competitive CSGO match, and Vertigo is no exception. Some good smokes to use on Vertigo include the A Ramp smoke, the B Ramp smoke, and the Mid Connector smoke. These smokes can help you gain control of different areas of the map and make it easier for your team to execute strategies.

What are the main differences between the old and new versions of Vertigo in CSGO?

The old version of Vertigo was criticized for being too CT-sided and having limited options for T-side players. The new version of Vertigo, which was released in March 2019, addressed these issues by making changes to the map layout and adding new areas for T-side players to use. The new version of Vertigo is also more visually appealing and has better optimization than the old version.

How does Vertigo compare to other popular CSGO maps like Nuke, Inferno, and Mirage?

Vertigo is a unique map in CSGO because it is set on a skyscraper that is still under construction. It has two bomb sites on the upper level and a lot of vertical gameplay. Compared to other popular CSGO maps like Nuke, Inferno, and Mirage, Vertigo requires players to use different strategies and approaches to win. It is a challenging map that rewards players who are able to adapt to its unique layout and gameplay mechanics.

What are some effective strategies for playing on Vertigo in CSGO?

Effective strategies for playing on Vertigo in CSGO include taking control of the Mid Connector area, using smokes to gain control of different areas of the map, and playing aggressively on the T-side. It is also important to communicate with your team and coordinate your movements to take advantage of the map’s vertical gameplay.

What is the history behind the creation of the Vertigo map in CSGO?

The Vertigo map was first introduced in Counter-Strike 1.6 as a custom map. It was later added to Counter-Strike: Source and then to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The map was created by Chris Auty, who was inspired by the movie “The Towering Inferno” and wanted to create a map set on a skyscraper.

How has the layout of Vertigo changed over time in CSGO?

The layout of Vertigo has changed significantly over time in CSGO. The map was originally released in the game’s beta phase and underwent several changes before being added to the Active Duty map pool. The most significant changes to the map were made in March 2019 when the new version of Vertigo was released. These changes addressed some of the issues that players had with the old version of the map and made it more balanced and competitive.