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Discover Counter-Strike: Global Offensive's new look Nuke map
Valve have made some pretty big changes to Nuke, and while it isn't a total rework, these tweaks will change how the map's played at the top level. Here's what's new, and how you can master it.
We all thought we knew what was coming after the Major. Dust II would come back into the map rotation, with one of the less popular maps, most likely Nuke, heading out. But it seems that Valve had other plans. Dust II is still nowhere near the active map pool, and instead of pulling one out to rework it, as they have done the last few years, the same maps are in play.
But there needs to be something to freshen the pool up so Valve released an update to Nuke, perhaps the least played map of the lot. They also updated Canals quite heavily, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see that eventually make it into the competitive pool. Nuke is being played, though, and the updates are quite substantial.
The basic layout is the same, and if you haven't played Nuke in a year (like a few pro teams) then you might not notice some of the changes. However, they're actually quite big, they change a lot about the way the map is played on both sides, and they create a lot of potential for new executes. We jumped head first into the new look map and are here to let you know how everything has changed.
Hut is very different
Hut window is no more
© Mike Stubbs
The Hut area that leads into the A site has seen possibly the most important change. In simple terms, the window that looked out towards the drop down for vents has been removed, meaning the only way to see in or out of Hut is through the two doorways. Incidentally, the doorway into Hut from the lobby has also been tweaked a little so now you don't have to worry about sightlines from the window.
This change looks to be quite a big deal, as the T side is now more protected if they end up in hut. Providing they have someone watching their backs in the lobby area, then they can chill out in Hut, and only really have to worry about the back of A site and the rafters. Even when they burst out, you only have to add Heaven to that list. Hut still isn't a great place to be for too long, but it's way safer now.
This isn't just a buff to the T side. It makes things easier for the CTs too. If they decide to try and hold outside Squeaky, then they also have no window to worry about. It also means that the Ts can't jump through the window to hit vents quickly if Squeaky isn't accessible.
Catwalk has gone
No more Catwalk outside
© Mike Stubbs
The outside catwalk that went all the way from Silo to Heaven has been totally removed. Now the only walkway up there leads from Locker Roof to Heaven, making it fairly useless for the Ts early in a round.
It's difficult to predict just how this will impact things in the long run, as there's still a lot of verticality in the area, giving AWPers good sight lines. Now it's just much harder to navigate while high up, which might mean those areas are used less.
B site has new boxes and the rails are gone
The B site has some new boxes
© Mike Stubbs
When you read the patch notes, it seems like the B site has only seen small changes. When you actually go and have a look, though, it's clear that this is big. The smaller of the changes is that the railings at the far end of the site, near ramp, have now been removed. This makes it easier to quickly drop down towards the site, and opens up more angles of attack. For those of us who don't quite have the skill level of the pros, it also means it's easier to see through to the ramp entrances from vents.
The really big change here, though, is the addition of two new boxes just off the site, almost underneath vents. These boxes create what seems to be quite a strong corner to hide in when a bomb is planted. It's really only exposed to Decon, which is a simple angle to cover, and its gives almost complete cover from anyone coming from doors or the site entrance on ramp. The only real risks are players dropping down from vents or someone using utility to force you out. If that happens, you don't really have anywhere to go.
This will totally change the way B works. You might not see too many CTs hiding in that corner, as it's way too passive and gives up too much space to the Ts, but once that bomb is down, it seems like a great place for a lone T to try and hold.
Skylights to A have changed and you can't make it to rafters from site
These should be easier to throw through
© Mike Stubbs
We'll admit that we're a little bitter about this change, as it took us ages to perfect nade tosses into A site through the skylights. Now we expect to have to relearn most of them, as the skylights have been changed. It's way more obvious that you throw nades through them onto A site, which should help newcomers and casual players.
In a similar area, some parts of the upper A site have been changed too. No longer can you make it to crane above the A site, although the rafters have been opened up a little more. There's also now no ladder from the A site up to rafters, meaning that's a one way trip if you drop down to the floor as a CT.
These aren't the biggest changes to the A site, though. That honor goes to the Hut changes, but they will impact how it is played. In general most of these changes seem to be pretty good, fixing issues that the map previously had. Hopefully this will inspire more pro teams to play the map, and we'll actually see it more than a couple of times each event.
