The group stage of the IEM Cologne 2025 mark marked the first major tournament after the Overpass map officially returned to the map pool - this map was just added two weeks ago. We have conducted an analysis of the map selection rate, the number of banned and balancing between the two sides to understand how the teams are adapting to new conditions as well as identifying maps that are becoming priority. This data not only reflects the tactical trends of the teams but also helps predict potential options in the playoff round, started on July 30, 2025.

Overview of map pool

The most common map in the group stage is Nuke - played 10 times and banned 9 times, leading the number of matches appeared. Inferno is also very popular when playing 10 times and banned 8 times, showing stability in the tactical rotation. Mirage, though only banned 6 times, was selected up to 9 matches, showing the strategic value of this map. Dust2 was played 8 times and banned 9 times, and Ancient had 7 plays but was banned 13 times, showing the average popularity. Train, with only 6 matches and 13 banned, has not attracted much attention from the teams. Overpass, although there are only 3 matches but are banned up to 14 times, becoming the least used map - however, the number of high banned turns shows that teams are actively avoiding it.

Despite being brought back to the map pool, Overpass was immediately present in the tactical cycle, although the number of matches was still limited. It is banned by up to 14 times - the highest of all maps - showing the high competitiveness and the tendency to avoid the teams. On the contrary, Mirage is the map with the least prohibited turns (6), showing trust and stability when choosing. Nuke with 9 banned turns and 10 matches also proved the attraction when many teams still consider this a favorable "arena".

CT/T side balance

The map with the best balance between the two sides is Inferno - the win rate between CT and T is almost equal (50% CT, 50% T), ideal for construction competition. In contrast, Nuke is the most unbalanced map, when the CT side won up to 62% of the rounds, making the teams can be shy when choosing this map if they have to play T-side. Mirage is the only map with a slight advantage for the attacking faction, with a 52% win rate for T, creating a unique in the current meta. Train also shows a clear advantage for CT (61%), possibly due to the difficulty of the T -Team rotation. Dust2 slightly tilted to CT (55%), still retaining certain competitiveness. Overpass and Ancient have quite similar ratio (53% CT, 47% T), showing the relative level of balance, though still slightly inclined to the defense.

These data reflect the tactical development process of teams throughout the group stage and can affect the map selection in the upcoming playoff round. Nuke, with the highest number of matches, is likely to be the focus of tactics, while overpass, though new, still has the opportunity to appear if the teams want to test or create surprises.