For many in the community, Counter-Strike is more than just a game. It’s a source of memories, a place to improve your chosen skillset, and somewhere to relax and enjoy doing something a little more chilled-out than the constant matchmaking grind. There are many modes which lend themselves to this more relaxed, casual way of playing the game. However, one of these modes stands above the rest – an addictive, enjoyable, and deceivingly difficult discipline which takes little time to learn, but an age to truly master. We are, of course, talking about surf.
Whether you’re a total beginner to the world of ramps and air strafing, or a seasoned surfing veteran looking for a touch of nostalgia, today we’re talking to you. We’re downing our tools, forgetting about headshots, and just relaxing as we beat PB after PB on our favorite surf maps. Let’s take a look at five of our picks for the best surf maps in CS2.
If you’ve never surfed before, surf_beginner is exactly what you think it is – the perfect place to learn the ropes. A quick and easy introduction to the basics of surfing, with a very low skill ceiling, this map is perfect for casual players learning the mode.
The levels slowly increase in length and complexity, but don’t worry – if you’re new to surfing, you won’t find anything here that will render it impossible for you to complete the map. It might just take you a good few tries. But hey – that’s part of the fun of surfing!
One of the most replayable short surf maps in the game (and a personal favorite of the writer) surf_me is all about flow. It really isn’t too difficult to complete this map at all, with barely any difficult sections. However, the real joy of surf_me is the fact that there is simply always a way to shave off a second or two from your best run time.
Whilst it may not be the most exciting map, or the most challenging to get into, surf_me is the quintessential ‘surfing to relax’ map. It’s not too long, not too difficult, but just complex enough to keep you coming back for more.
If there was a Mount Rushmore of surf maps, surf_utopia would definitely be on there. Everyone remembers their first successful run of Utopia. When you open up the map and see its bright, clean aesthetic and classic look, you can’t help but feel nostalgia for a simpler time. Utopia really hits the sweet spot between challenging and intuitive, and does a great job of keeping you focused on your momentum for the entire run.
Utopia rewards precision and pathing awareness, but doesn’t feel too punishing. It’s not a long map, but it’s a classic for a reason.
The best way to describe surf_kitsune is as a test of consistency and fluidity. With its long ramp sections and extended airtime, this map is less about twitchy microadjustments and more about locking into the perfect smooth run.
Kitsune’s hypnotic aesthetics and fluid, almost somnambulant, sections make it a favorite amongst both those who are surfing to relax, and those who are surfing to perfect their skills. It is challenging in a very rewarding way – hitting a good run on surf_kitsune is an endlessly satisfying feeling.
Cyberwave is easily one of the coolest-looking surf maps out there. Its neon-heavy, futuristic vibe is perfect for putting the stresses of life out of your mind and grinding out a new PB. Cyberwave is also one of the most historically competitive surf maps, with a high skill ceiling for skips and pathing that make it a particularly addictive map to get lost in the minutiae of.
If you’re chasing a vibe, nothing beats sticking some music on and relaxing on Cyberwave, as it lends itself both to casual play and high-level runs in different ways. It is a complex, difficult, but smooth experience, and more than earns its spot on our list of the best surf maps in CS2.
Just like with anything, taking some time to relax and enjoy the vibes of a good surf map is a part of the Counter-Strike experience that many people love. However, if you’re more in the mood to get back into the grind, you can use Refrag’s Coach feature to work out precisely what you need to improve. Whether it’s learning how to anchor, focusing on your entrying, becoming the next best AWPer, or anything else, Refrag can help you train smarter. You can experience everything what Refrag has to offer with code surf1000 for a 3 day free trial, no strings attached!