CS2 changes are coming, but when? Counter-Strike 2 has an official release date window of “Summer 2023,” at the time of writing. The tactical first-person shooter (FPS) is also currently in a Limited Test phase, and millions of gamers can’t wait for their chance to jump in during this beta test or subsequent release. Some of us can’t even wait for a new era of CS2 betting either!
Built on the Source 2 engine, CS2 promises fantastic new features, including dynamic and reactive smokes as well as sub-tick rate server architecture.
According to Valve, CS2 represents the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history. While the anticipation is already growing for gamers and esports bettors, there are certain changes from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) to Counter-Strike 2 that users want to see.
Let’s take a look at these CS2 changes and additions players hope for as Valve continues developing the game.
Molotov Hot Indicator
The HE Grenade can now clear smoke grenades in CS2, and the reactive smoke on its own is one of the biggest gameplay changes from CS:GO. According to the Limited Test patch notes, Decoy Grenades last 3.5 less, which means that Valve has changed every utility item except Molotovs. The only “CS2 change” to Molotovs is upgraded visuals to its fire effect thanks to Source 2’s lighting system.
Some gamers want the Molotov’s functionality to change in CS2. Currently, a Molotov can cause a ton of damage to you and your teammates when it spreads without proper indication. Users are instead asking for a real-time “hot indicator,” where the game notifies you quickly if fire from your Molotov spreads towards your feet. This would provide you with a chance to move out of the way and avoid taking substantial damage. We love the “hot indicator” idea and we hope Valve will implement a User Interface/hud feature of this nature.
The Return of Cache
Cache is a fan-favorite map that Valve removed from the Active Duty map pool on March 28, 2019. While the map was reworked and re-released on Oct. 18, 2019, Cache has not yet returned to the Active Duty map pool. Many players are hoping for the return of Cache in CS2, and we’ve got some good news to share.
The map’s original creators, including FMPONE, Sal “Volcano” Garozzo, and Lenz “penE” Monath, confirmed via Twitter that Cache will make a comeback in Counter-Strike 2. The question remains: when will Cache return?
You’ll find a list of all confirmed CS2 maps below:
- Overpass
- Nuke
- Dust II
- Mirage
- Zoo
- Aztec
- Italy
- Train
- Baggage
- Shoots
- Office
- Ancient
- Canals
- Inferno
- Lake
- Shortdust
With 16 confirmed CS2 upgraded maps, including touchstone maps such as Nuke, Dust 2, and Mirage, we hope Valve makes room for one more—the iconic Cache! And fans will be pretty disappointed is this doesn’t make it to the list of CS2 changes.
Consistent CS2 Operations
Valve unleashed the first-ever CS:GO Operation, entitled “Payback,” on April 26, 2013. Since the release of Payback, we’ve seen 11 Operations in total with the latest being Riptide on Sept. 21, 2021.
For those unaware, Operations are a form of DLC in CS:GO and they content such as an Operation Coin and curated community-created content such as maps. Since Operation Shattered Web, Valve added the likes of Graffiti, Stickers, Patches, and Weapon Cases. Alongside the in-game items you can acquire, there are Operation Missions, challenges to complete, and even a campaign to play through.
Operations sound great, right? As you’ve probably noticed, we haven’t seen a new Operation in almost two years. If Valve does plan to release Operations for CS2, the most important change would be a solid release schedule. Operations in CS:GO were supposed to release roughly every six months, but Valve only released 11 in a decade.
Ideally, to keep things fresh, Operations should release every six (6) months, and we do hope Valve implements a solid content drop plan/schedule or even a roadmap once CS2 releases.
Community Servers and Browser
Arguably the biggest change users would like to see in Counter-Strike 2 is a visible Server Browser and community servers. This would incentivize new map and MOD creations, allowing everyone to test out specific user-created content.
Users are calling on Valve not to hide the CS2 Server Browser. While everyone agrees that the heart of CS2 is Competitive mode, they also believe that providing more options via community servers is the way forward. Valve has offered some hope in the official FAQs for CS2’s Limited Test:
- Question: Can I run or play on community servers during the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test?
- Answer: Not initially. Stay tuned to the CS:GO blog for information about community server availability.
It would appear that community servers and a dedicated Server Browser for CS2 are not out of the question. We must wait to see when and if the devs release this sought-after change.
CS2 Training Course
The release of Counter-Strike 2 in “Summer 2023” marks a new beginning for the iconic FPS franchise. New players unfamiliar with the game’s intricate mechanics will dive in by the hundreds of thousands, which is why some gamers would love to see the new user experience change.
A fleshed-out Training Course against bots as well as various tutorials could help those new to the series learn the ropes in CS2 before jumping into matchmaking.
Some mechanics an in-depth tutorial course can teach new CS2 players are:
- How to pre-aim
- Counter-strafing techniques
- Efficient peeking
- Recoil patterns
While some users believe learning through experience is the way forward, others suggest per-map tutorials that would walk new players through all the callouts of competitive maps in CS2.
If you have access to the beta and you want to make sure you’re running the best setup, make sure to check out our post about the best CS2 settings.
Looking Forward to CS2
While it is impossible to predict every one of the CS2 changes Valve will make before its release, it is much easier to start placing bets on CSGO today. At Thunderpick, we provide gamers with the best cryptocurrency betting experience. You can bet on CS:GO matches with a range of crypto, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Litecoin. Don’t forget to visit our expansive esports betting blog for the latest on CS:GO and, soon enough, CS2.
