This time has come – CS:GO was shut down in favor of a new and shiny CS2, which feels somewhat even unceremoniously, considering that this multiplayer shooter has been one of the most popular ones for as many as 11 years. Well, no matter whether you like such an innovation or not, Valve wants you to play CS2. But does the game feel new at all? Does the number 2 in the title suit the legendary franchise, originating from the end of the last century? While professional players dig into CS2 looking for new tricks for easy victories, we will break down the most significant game changes you should know about.

Volumetric smokes

Smoke grenades are probably the greatest change in the new CS. They are now dynamic and fill the space realistically, following the contours of the environmental objects. Thus, the smoke has the ability to seep out of broken windows and opened doors as well as expand along the walls. What’s more, it reacts to explosions and gunfire, dissipating sideways when someone shoots through it. Notably, smokes are now color-coded and last longer (approximately for 3.5 seconds). Terrorists’ smoke is dusty yellow, and that of the CT blooms into a blue hue.

Gamers’ ability to choose the right tactics given these updates plays an important role in winning the match – take this into account when placing bets on your favorite teams on GGBET. After all, smoke grenades are so far not just a tool for blurring vision; they are already a part of the strategy, forcing players to reconsider their approaches and reactions to different game situations.

Source 2 engine

New Counter-Strike marks the transition to a more advanced and innovative game engine which is intended to smooth things and make the performance issues more fixable. However, the greatest impact of the Source 2 engine concerns visual effects, introducing considerable improvements in the lighting system and graphics. Hence, maps now look much brighter, while the textures are more detailed. It can be safely said that the gameplay visuals and environmental effects acquired an all-new look, especially when it comes to muzzle flashes, explosions, bullet tracers, fire, impact effects, smoke, and player shadows. The engine adjustments have also affected a player’s inventory, allowing you to see your favorite skins and weapons in a whole new light.

Map changes

According to Valve, they imposed three diverse approaches to map upgrades in CS2:

• Overhaul: maps were remade completely using the Source 2 engine. The changes refer to the map structure, gameplay design, and visuals. The overhaul maps include Overpass and Italy.
• Upgrade: lighting effects, reflections, and textures have been significantly improved, making the visible materials look as realistic as possible. Some of the upgraded maps are Ancient and Nuke.
• Touchstone: maps that have undergone almost no changes except for lighting improvements. These are Dust2, Train, and Mirage, to name a few.

Shorter round length

Valve has decided to reduce the maximum match length in CS2 according to the MR12 system. That is, each half of the game between CT and T lasts 12 rounds, instead of 15 as it was in CS:GO. If in the previous version of the shooter you had to earn 16 rounds to win a match, now the number of winning rounds has been reduced to 13. Such changes force gamers to play more carefully, and the match itself looks brighter. Additionally, it has a dramatic impact on the esports strategy, so the upcoming tournaments between the professional teams promise to be spectacular.

Other changes

• Rebalanced sounds and improved listening experience;
• Updated sub-tick server;
• Introduction of the weapon refund feature;
• New weapon loadouts;
• Premier mode updates.

Valve is trying hard to make the jump from the well-loved CS:GO to Counter-Strike 2 as painless as possible, but there is still much to be done to bring the gameplay experience to perfection. Anyway, the shooter is thrilling, just let’s give it time as it has all chances to grow into something special.