Counter Strike 2: New features

Sep 24, 2023

Valve has just introduced Counter-Strike 2, ending the wait for fans of the popular CS:GO game. This new CS2 game is quite different, with updated maps, better lighting, and new gameplay elements, all powered by a modern game engine. As players test it during the beta phase, they're discovering many exciting changes that make CS2 unique compared to its predecessor. For long-time CS:GO players, CS2's arrival might seem surprising, but it was necessary to use a more modern game engine and improve the entire Counter-Strike experience. We're currently witnessing the significant impact of Source 2 on our favorite shooting game through ongoing reveals and hands-on experiences. Join us as we explore the various enhancements and features that make Counter-Strike 2 a fresh and enjoyable evolution.

Source 2 Game Engine

Counter-Strike 2 is taking a big step by using the Source 2 game engine, a change from its older sibling, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which had been using the Source engine since its launch in 2012. Many players had been asking for this engine upgrade for a long time, similar to what happened with Valve's Dota 2 game. Now, fans of Counter-Strike can be happy because the Source 2 engine is giving a fresh start to their beloved first-person shooter.

Inside Counter-Strike 2's Source 2 engine, there are new features waiting to be discovered. These changes go beyond just making the game look better; they also make the gameplay more interesting.

Responsive Smokes

Counter-Strike 2 introduces a significant change to its smoke mechanics, marking one of the game's most prominent updates. In the previous Counter-Strike versions, deploying a smoke grenade would envelop an area in a static grey fog, obscuring vision until it naturally dissipated. However, CS2's smoke grenades undergo a remarkable transformation. They are now visually enhanced, taking on a volumetric quality that closely resembles real smoke billowing out of a grenade.

These revamped smokes not only look different but also behave differently. As they expand, they conform to the area where they were deployed, showcasing impressive physics. The smoke can even spread to adjacent areas. What's more, these new smokes are responsive to gunfire and explosions. For instance, detonating an HE grenade near the smoke causes it to vanish for a brief period. Similarly, shooting at the smoke carves out holes, revealing players on the other side. This revamped smoke mechanic opens up a host of new competitive strategies and possibilities in Counter-Strike 2.

Sub-Tick System

Counter-Strike 2 brings game-changing improvements with 128-tick servers, sub-tick updates for precise gameplay, and enhanced responsiveness. Faster actions reach the server, benefiting high-level play and even casual gamers. Valve's Sub-Tick Engine redefines netcode for consistent, lag-free experiences, regardless of players' locations.

Map Changes

The gaming landscape is changing, thanks to Source 2's powerful tools and rendering capabilities that have led to significant transformations in maps. These revamped maps also incorporate innovative lighting techniques, immersing players in a visually stunning experience. Furthermore, a newly introduced physically based rendering system enhances realism in various aspects, including materials, illumination, and reflections, ultimately raising the game's overall visual quality.

Anti-Cheat

Addressing the issue of cheating, Counter-Strike 2 introduces VAC Live, an enhanced Valve Anti-Cheat system designed specifically for the game. This robust system offers swift and effective responses to cheaters, with reports of bans occurring mid-match. It's clear that the developers are committed to combating cheats in CS2, making it tougher for malicious software to infiltrate and ensuring strict, immediate consequences for those who try.