Dust II: The Complete Guide to the Legendary Map and 3D Printed Model
Hey gamers! Youngtendo from youngtendo.fun is back with another batch of info sheets, this time for our new 3D printed map Dust 2! This Counter-Strike legend is simply a classic that you have to have on your shelf, and now I'm going to tell you everything you need to know about it - from the history to the interesting facts to all the callouts you'll find on it. So let's get started!
How it all began
Dust 2 first appeared on March 13, 2001 as part of Counter-Strike 1.1. It was designed by David Johnston and textured by Chris “MacMan” Ashton. It was originally going to be called Dust 3, but it ended up being Dust 2 for clarity. This map is simply an evergreen – loved by both novices and pros thanks to its balance and simplicity. In 2017, it received a major graphical facelift for CS:GO and is referred to as a “touchstone” map in Counter-Strike 2, meaning the layout remains the same, but the visuals and lighting are on a new level. And now, in April 2024, it has returned to the active map pool, so it’s back in the spotlight!
Recently, in July 2024, they added new crates to Dust 2 – mainly at CT spawn and A Short – and that really shook up the meta game. Of course, my 3D printed version reflects these changes, so you have an exact replica of the map as it currently looks.
Design and environment
Dust 2 is a symmetrical map with two bombsites – A and B – and a central area that is key to mastering the game. It has three main routes: the tunnels from T Spawn to B, the middle from T Spawn to CT Spawn and Catwalk, and then Long from T Spawn to A. The environment is inspired by North Africa, specifically Morocco, so you'll find a sandy feel, traditional Islamic architecture, and earthy tones. Bombsite B is set in a historic kasbah, which is a fortress under renovation, and Bombsite A resembles a bustling market with a hotel. And yes, that broken-down car on B is there too – perfect cover for tactical maneuvers!
My 3D printed map captures all of this in detail, making it not only a great addition for fans, but also a great tool for understanding the layout.
Interesting things that will get you
Dust 2 is full of little things that make it unique. The “Goose” area behind Bombsite A is named after Minh “Gooseman” Le, one of the fathers of Counter-Strike. Then there’s the Farsi “Freeman was here” sign on Bombsite B, which is a nod to Gordon Freeman from Half-Life. And have you heard the song “Santoor and Tabla at Assi Ghat, Varanasi” by Samuel Corwin? It plays near T Spawn and adds a bit of spice to the map.
There are other gems too – the “Macman” graffiti as a tribute to Chris Ashton or the T with four AWPs on the center, a reminder of a crazy moment from ESL One Cologne 2015.
Callouts – the key to victory
Communication is everything in CS:GO, and Dust 2 has 51 callouts to help you navigate and communicate with your team. Here's the full list with descriptions - and my 3D printed map shows them all so you can check them out in real life or try them out to see if you can do them all:
| Callout | Description |
|---|---|
| A Short | A corridor connecting the center with Bombsite A, ideal for eco or pistol T raids. |
| T Spawn | Terrorist spawn, from where you can see the center all the way to the door. |
| T-Ramp | The ramp from T Spawn to the outdoor B Tunnels, just the ramp itself. |
| T Salary | Higher platform from T Spawn to B Tunnels, with brick piles. |
| Outside Tunnels | Open space outside of B Tunnels from T Spawn. |
| Upper B Tunnels | Part B of the Tunnels from the T Spawn entrance to the bottleneck at Bombsite B. |
| Lower B Tunnels | From the stairs down to the corridor connecting the Tunnels to the center, ending at the arch. |
| Close | Left corner at the exit of B Tunnels at B Site, deadly if you don't control it. |
| B Closet | Corner of B Site with car, right of Tunnels or left of B door. |
| B Car | Car on B Site, right of Tunnels, left of door, great for hiding. |
| Fence | Fenced wall at B Site, a hideout invisible to T until they arrive. |
| B Salary | The higher area of Bombsite B next to the bomb site, opposite the Tunnels. |
| Back Salary | Back B Plat where you can hide and not be seen from the Bombsite. |
| Big Box | A large crate in the middle, reminiscent of an Xbox, between B Plat and Bombsite. |
| Double Stack | Two crates in the middle of Bombsite B, not to be confused with the crates by B Window. |
| B Default Plant | Typical place for a bomb on B, by the brick wall under B Window. |
| B Window | Window in brick wall on B Site, with crates, top for defense or retake. |
| B Back Site | The back of Bombsite B from the Tunnels, behind the crates, by B Plat. |
| B Doors | Double doors from CT Mid to B Site. |
| B Boxes | Boxes between CT Mid and B Doors, great for guarding the middle. |
| Scaffolding | Building materials outside B, by B Window, you can walk on them. |
| CT Mid | The space between B Site, center, and CT Spawn, behind the center door. |
| Mid Doors | Double doors in the middle of the map. |
| Close Mid Doors | The corner to the right of the center door to the CT Spawn, known as the Hiko spot. |
| Xbox | Crate by the door in the middle, for jumping to Catwalk or A Short. |
| Mid | Center of the map from the door up, sloping area. |
| Palm | Telephone pole at the top of the center next to the Catwalk, formerly a palm tree. |
| Right Side Mid | Sunken corner center right of door to T Spawn, call for CT. |
| Top Mid | Top of the center from the door to T Spawn, clutch to Suicide. |
| Suicide | Pit from T Spawn on Top Mid, risky due to snipers. |
| Outside Long | Open space outside of Long Doors, connector to A Long. |
| Long Doors | Double doors from Outside Long to A Long. |
| Blue | Blue shipping crate opposite Long Doors. |
| Side Pit | The area between the Pit and the Long Doors, down the slope in front of the brick wall. |
| Drink | Sloping corner outside of Long Doors, end of A Long, hidden from A Site. |
| Pit Salary | Platform to the right of Pit, great angles on A Site for sniping. |
| A Long | Narrow path from Long Doors and Pit to Bombsite A. |
| Long Corner | Corner of the building near the Long Doors, a classic CT position against raids. |
| A Car | Car on the right on A Long from Pit, on guard A Short or Long. |
| A Cross | An open area between A Long and A Site, vulnerable from multiple sides. |
| A Ramp | Ramp from A Cross up to Bombsite A. |
| A Default Plant | A typical bomb spot on A, at the edge of the platform near A Long. |
| Barrels | Barrels behind A Site, by the fence, good hiding place. |
| Goose | A closed corner behind A Site and Barrels, with goose spray. |
| Elevator | Corner A Site near CT Spawn, great for boosts during retake. |
| Short Boost | Trash can by CT Spawn on side A, for a quick jump to A Short. |
| A Platform | Platform with Bombsite A, general callout between bombsite and A Short. |
| A Ninja | Hide behind the crates on A Short, ideal for ninja defuses from CT. |
| Stairs | Stairs from Catwalk to A Short. |
| Catwalk | The corridor from the top of the center to A Short, starts at the stairs. |
| CT Spawn | Spawn of counter-terrorists, technically under A Short. |
With this 3D map, you can go through all these callouts with your hands - it's like having Dust 2 on your desk!
Cultural impact and why we love it
Dust 2 isn't just a map, it's an icon. It's been remade into games like Fortnite, Far Cry 5, and Minecraft, and it's even made an appearance in real life—likely in China for paintball or airsoft. It's also been featured in movies like "The Interview" and "Gamer," which shows how deeply it's permeated pop culture. Our 3D printed version pays homage to that legacy—a detailed replica that celebrates its history and timeless design.
The map is popular for its balance - whether you're a newbie or a pro, you'll always find something for yourself. Whether you want it for display or as a tactical aid, this 3D version from Youngtend is a must-have for any CS:GO fan.
Conclusion
Dust 2 is more than just a game map - it's a piece of history, tactics and fun. My 3D printed version on youngtendo.fun brings it home to you in all its glory, with every detail from the Goose to the broken car on B. So get it, explore it and let us know what you think! Youngtendo out!