It’s almost been a year since the launch of Counter-Strike 2 and we’ve already seen some major CS2 improvements. Valve officially released Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) on Sept. 27, 2023, as a direct replacement for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) on Steam. Since the game’s full release, the developer has taken considerable strides in improving the experience.
Let’s discuss the major features Valve has added to CS2 since its launch and the systems or content fans hope the developer will implement in future updates.
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CS2 Improvements and Missing Features
CS2 Telemetry Options
One of the most prominent missing features at the launch of CS2 was the “net_graph 1” console command, which allowed CS:GO players to monitor their packet loss, latency, and frames-per-second (fps) in one handy graphic. With an update on Feb. 16, 2024, Valve finally added this feature in the form of Telemetry options.
Instead of using a console command, you can enable and adjust the Telemetry options via in-game settings. Follow the steps below to check out and adjust the CS2 Telemetry settings:
- Launch CS2.
- Click on the cogwheel icon (settings) in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Click on the “Game” option.
- On the far-right side, click on the Telemetry option.
Below the Grenade Line-Up category, you’ll find the Telemetry options such as Ping, Packet Loss, and Frame Rate timings, which you can adjust to your liking.
Community Servers & Workshop Maps
On Nov. 3, 2023, Valve released community server support and Workshop maps for CS2, available for all players straight from the in-game menu. With Workshop maps and dedicated servers, along with a responsive and detailed server browser, Valve opened up many possibilities for different experiences, such as Aim or Surf maps.
To view all the different community-created Workshop map experiences in CS2, follow the steps below:
- Launch CS2.
- Click on the “Play” button at the top-middle of your screen.
- Click on the “Workshop Maps” button and enjoy.
You’ll see a round icon next to the “Workshop Maps” button. Click on it to access the “Community Server Browser.” Valve made it incredibly easy to enjoy and discover new community-created CS2 experiences, so jump in and test them!
Left-Handed Viewmodel in CS2
On April 26, 2024, Valve released a long-awaited CS2 update that added the Left-Handed Viewmodel to the game. Many left-handed gamers, including iconic French AWPer Kenny “kennyS” Schrub, were looking forward to this addition since CS2’s launch.
Follow the steps below to enable the left-handed viewmodel in CS2:
- Launch CS2.
- Click on the settings option (cogwheel icon) in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select “Game” and then select the “Item” tab.
- You’ll see an option for Preferred Viewmodel Left/Right Handedness.
- Select Left from the drop-down box.
Valve has also added an option to go directly to the “Switch Hand Keybind” setting. The default key is “H” but you can change it to a key you prefer. Press this key in-game, and you’ll switch from Left to Right and vice versa.
Arms Race War Game
The fan-favorite War Game, Arms Race, entered CS2 on Feb. 7, 2024, in an update aptly entitled “A Call to Arms.” Also known as “Gun Game” in many other shooters, the Arms Race game mode features a gun progression system and instant respawns. It now forms a permanent part of CS2’s multiplayer offerings, with Baggage and Shoots as the two maps and official matchmaking support.
The update also included customer sticker placements, CS2’s first weapon case featuring 17 community-designed weapon finishes (Kilowatt Case), and an all-new Kukri knife.
Demo Viewer Improvements
While CS2 players still need to jump through some hoops to use demos, including the console command “playdemo” to view one, Valve has made some nice improvements to the demo viewer. For example, with the May 1, 2024 update, demo playback will pause at the end of a recording instead of returning to the CS2 main menu.
Below, you can watch a YouTube video from CS2 pro Martin “STYKO” Styk, who can teach you how to access the CS2 Demo Viewer, get pro demos, and play them.
CS2 Missing Features in 2024
Despite Valve’s significant improvements so far, there are some CS2 features missing in action. You’ll find the features we want to see added to CS2 below.
Danger Zone
Valve’s take on the battle royale genre wasn’t a major hit with fans, but it was a fun mode to unwind with after more serious, competitive play. And that’s exactly why we hope Danger Zone returns to CS2! We need a more lowkey take on the game. Plus, we’d love to see it rebuilt from the ground up with solid matchmaking options.
Disable Weapon Sway
Since the release of CS2, many fans and even pro players want to disable weapon sway. Previously, players could use the “cl_bob” console command in CS:GO to disable in-game motion.
However, in CS2, there is no way to turn off how your gun moves when running or walking. Valve is improving the system, with a patch notes line on April 26, 2024, reading: “Adjusted viewmodel bob movement.” Will we ever see an option to disable weapon sway in CS2 altogether? We hope so!
Flying Scoutsman
On Feb. 7, 2024, Valve added CS2’s first War Game in the form of Arms Race. There are still a lot of other War Games that the developer could add, including Trigger Discipline, Hunters-Gatherers, Demolition, and Retakes. For us, the most exciting War Game missing from CS2 is Flying Scoutsman, where players can use only the SSG 08 (Scout) and a knife while contending with lower gravity.
New Operations
Operations DLC packs in Counter-Strike include a ton of content, from a new mode to missions, challenges, and curated, community-created content such as weapon skins. It’s been almost three years since the previous one, Operation Riptide, was released on Sept. 21, 2021. At the time of writing, Valve has neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of new Operations for CS2.
Official Coaching Slots
There’s a chance we’ll never see official coaching slots in CS2, despite it being the most significant missing feature related to esports. Coaches previously had special slots on a server to join a match.
The omission in CS2 isn’t surprising, as Valve has limited coaches’ abilities since 2016 after the ugly spectator bug scandal. On Jan. 25, 2024, tournament and league organizer ESEA released a custom coaching feature for CS2 matches. Other organizers have adjusted their event rules to compensate for the lack of official coaching slots.
While You Wait For New CS2 Features…
Valve is making headway, adding more features to CS2 and improving the overall experience. After all, glancing at the official CS2 patch notes page tells a story of hundreds of fixes and changes.
There is no telling how long Valve may take to introduce new features or content to CS2. In 2024, we’ll likely see the return of classic maps such as Cache or Cobblestone, along with more Wingman maps and hopefully the first CS2 Operation.
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