CS2 Updates: Release of Epic Changes and New Features

On June 7th, Valve released a massive Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test update with numerous changes to gameplay and interface, including adding a new map, reworked buy menu, and other new features. Read further to find out all the details about one of the biggest CS2 updates so far.

In article you will find:

CS2 Updates and Changes

The first change that comes with the latest CS2 update is a brand new loadout system that allows you to select fifteen weapons from three categories, add those to your custom loadout, and use them in your matches.

New Loadout System

The loadout list includes five pistols with this number, including the starting one which you get every round for free, five “mid-tier” guns, which are submachine, and five assault and sniper rifles.

There are separate loadouts for the T side and the CT side, and you will never have to worry about picking between M4A1-S and M4A4, as you can add them both to your in-game loadout.

Refunding Weapons

Other changes that await you in Counter-Strike 2 are a reworked buy menu interface and the long-awaited ability to refund your accidental purchases during buy time. The buy menu wheel was replaced with a grid, and detailed descriptions of weapons are removed.

Mirage In, Dust 2 Out

Dust 2 is gone again. However, this time it is replaced by Mirage on official Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test matchmaking servers. Oneway Connector smoke no longer works, and you can’t jump on Ninja now.

Here is a video edit with clips from the Ohnepixel’s stream with him reacting to the new Mirage map.

New instant window smokes for the Counter-Strike 2 version of Mirage have been found already, so watch this video to learn them if you are a lucky player with Limited Test access.

VAC Live Is Now Live

A new VAC feature was also introduced: from now on, it will permanently ban cheaters and end the match after the current round unless it’s the final round and the cheater has already lost.

This will ensure a fair gaming environment for all players and will not impact the other players’ ranks. Additionally, players who were not part of the same group as the banned player will still receive experience points for the match.

New CS2 Workshop Tools

As promised, Valve also delivered new Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools that will help community contributors by easing the process of creating customized cosmetic items, such as weapon finishes and stickers, and community maps.

Changes To The Sub-Tick System

The sub-tick system was updated as well to make it more precise and less “floaty’. To do this, developers fine-tuned weapon aim punch recovery to be latency-independent during sub-tick recovery on the client. Also, releasing movement keys now correctly conveys their sub-tick timing.

Updated Smoke

The controversial volumetric smoke received improved lighting and rendering when smoke overlaps multiple distinctly lit regions. Now, you will create larger holes in smoke when you shoot with a shotgun, and the high-explosive grenade effect times on smoke have been reduced.

Other changes

FAMAS now has a different firing sound.

Now, when a chicken dies in a Molotov fire in Counter-Strike 2, it gets cooked.

CS2 Update Reactions

Here are a few Twitter reactions of esports clubs, organizations, players, and content makers to the latest CS2 updates.

While most of the community’s reactions were positive, not everyone liked the new CS2 update. What is your opinion?

Explore Hellcase Blog for more content about Counter-Strike’s skins and other cosmetic items, in-depth game guides, and esports news. Also, stay tuned for more CS2 updates!