Nuke: The Complete Guide to the Legendary Map and 3D Printed Model
Hey gamers! Youngtendo is back with another batch of info, this time about my new 3D printed map Nuke! This Counter-Strike legend is simply a unique piece that deserves a place on your shelf, and now I'm going to tell you everything you need to know about it - from history to interesting facts to all the callouts you'll find on it. So let's get started!
How it all began
Nuke first appeared in November 1999 as part of the original Counter-Strike. It was designed as a map set in a nuclear power plant environment, which set it apart from other maps with its industrial atmosphere. It has undergone several changes over the years - in Counter-Strike: Source it was given the look of an old, decommissioned power plant with cooling towers, and in 2016, Valve gave it a major overhaul in the "Operation Wildfire" update for CS:GO. The layout was slightly modified and given a modern, clean look inspired by real nuclear facilities under the name Cedar Creek Nuclear Power Plant. In Counter-Strike 2, released in September 2023, it came with even more realistic lighting and graphics, but the basic layout remained the same. And yes, it is still in the active map pool, although some pros still frown on it!
The last major change came with CS2, where a new lighting system made deeper shadows visible for players, which changed some tactical approaches - and our 3D printed version of course takes this into account, so you have an exact replica of the current map.
Design and environment
Nuke is a map with two bombsites – A and B – and a unique vertical design that makes it so different. Unlike most maps, it has two main levels: an upper (Bombsite A) and a lower (Bombsite B), connected by ramps and ladders. The environment is set in a nuclear power plant in the US, with clean concrete walls, metal structures and industrial details such as the Black Mesa crates from Half-Life or the yellow markings on the floor. The outdoor area has a bright, sunny sky, which is a nice contrast to the original gloomy look after the 2016 update.
Our 3D printed map captures it all – from the reactor hall at Bombsite A to the silos and the outdoor courtyard. It’s the perfect mix of aesthetics and tactics, perfect for fans who want to bring Nuke right to their home.
Interesting things that will get you
Nuke is full of little things that make it special. Outside the T Spawn, you'll find crates with the Black Mesa logo, a clear reference to Half-Life. Then there's the yellow door and markings on Bombsite B, which stand out after the update and are popular with players for their contrast. The map also has a reputation as a "CT fortress" because its design gives defenders an advantage - which some love and others hate.
Another interesting thing? The original version of the map was set in Germany, but it was later moved to the US. And in CS2, new lighting reveals player shadows even outside of direct visibility, adding a new strategy.
Callouts – the key to victory
Communication is everything in CS:GO, and Nuke has 41 callouts to help you navigate and communicate with your team. Here's a full list with descriptions - and our 3D printed map shows these locations so you can see them in real life:
| Callout | Description |
|---|---|
| T Spawn | Terrorist Spawn, outdoor courtyard overlooking the Silo and Ramp. |
| Outside | Large outdoor area in front of the building entrance, vulnerable to sniping. |
| Silo | Large silo outside, often used for boosts and sniping on A. |
| Roof | Roof of the building, accessible by ladder from T Spawn, view of A and Mid. |
| Ramp | Ramp leading down to Bombsite B from the outdoor area. |
| Yellow | Yellow marked area outside by the Ramp, near Secret. |
| Secret | Hidden passage from outside to Bombsite B, narrow and dangerous. |
| Main | The main exterior entrance to the building towards Bombsite A. |
| Heaven | Elevated position above Bombsite A, accessible from Main and Lobby. |
| Garage | Small garage off Main, good hiding place for CT. |
| Lobby | The entrance hall from Main, connects Heaven and Ramp Room. |
| Ramp Room | The room above the Ramp connects the Lobby with the lower level. |
| Squeaks | The creaking door from the Ramp Room to Bombsite B, noisy and tactical. |
| Hell | Area below Heaven, near Bombsite A, hidden for T. |
| Hut | A small shack by the T Spawn outside, on the way to the Ramp. |
| Big Door | The large door at Main, the main entrance to the building. |
| A Site | Bombsite A, a reactor hall with a high ceiling. |
| Mini | A small room next to A Site, connecting Heaven and Control. |
| Control | The control room above A Site, crucial for CT defense. |
| Catwalk | The corridor connecting Control to B Site, narrow and dangerous. |
| B Site | Bombsite B, down below the reactor, with the ventilation system. |
| Vent | Ventilation shaft from B Site to Ramp, quick escape or transfer. |
| Double Doors | Double doors to B Site, main entrance from CT Mid. |
| Window | Window above B Site, view from CT Mid to the bombsite. |
| Boxes | Crates on B Site, cover for both T and CT. |
| Toxic | The area with colored barrels near B Site, a good hiding place. |
| Back Wall | Posterior wall of B Site, typical position for CT during retake. |
| CT Spawn | Counter-terrorist spawn, near Mid and B Site. |
| CT Mid | The middle area at CT Spawn, connects Window and Double Doors. |
| Red | Red container outside CT Spawn, on the way to A. |
| Blue | Blue container outside at CT Spawn, near Red. |
| Truck | Truck outside at CT Spawn, cover on the way to Main. |
| Tred | Stairs from T Spawn to Roof, alternative route to A. |
| Radio | The radio tower at Bombsite A, an iconic sniping position. |
| Crane | Crane outside, decoration with a view of Outside. |
| Locker | Lockers at Bombsite B, hiding place for T. |
| Bridge | Bridge over B Site, connects the Catwalk to the Back Wall. |
| Stairs | Stairs from CT Mid to Window, quick access to B. |
| Lower | Lower level B Site, under Bridge, open area. |
| Upper | Upper level A Site, main bombsite area. |
| Silo Roof | Silo roof, accessible from Roof, view of the outside. |
| Secret Stairs | Stairs in Secret, connecting the outside with B Site. |
| Heaven Stairs | Stairs to Heaven from the Lobby, key for CT scan A. |
| Ramp Stairs | Stairs from Ramp Room to Ramp, clutch at B. |
With this 3D map, you can walk through all these callouts – it's like having Nuke on your desk!
Cultural impact and why we love it
Nuke isn’t just a map, it’s an icon. While it’s sometimes considered “chaotic” or too CT-leaning, its complex design and vertical layout make it unforgettable. It’s been remade into games like Minecraft and is a regular topic of discussion in the esports community – some pros love it for its uniqueness, others veto it for its complexity. Our 3D printed version is a tribute to this contradiction – a detailed replica that celebrates its history and tactical depth.
The map is beloved (or feared) for its difficulty – it’s a challenge for teams that can communicate and plan. 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
Nuke 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 Radio to Secret. So get it, explore it and let us know what you think! Youngtendo out!