List of all the new features in Counter-Strike 2
According to Valve, Counter-Strike 2 is the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike's history, ensuring new features and updates for years to come. This means there are a lot of new features and technical improvements in gameplay and even the game engine to be excited about.
Counter-Strike, one of the most played PC games of all time, is upgrading to version 2 from CS:GO. With this major upgrade, there are a lot of new features and improvements, which are listed in this post.
1. New Source 2 game engine
The biggest change from CS:GO to CS2 is the upgrade from the original Source engine to Source 2.
Even though the original Source engine has been updated over time from its release date in 2004, the new Source 2 engine will introduce major improvements in terms of visuals and performance.
Source 2 is Valve’s latest iteration of the Source engine which was released in 2014. Source 2 engine is already in use for Dota2, Artifact, Dota Underlords, and Half-Life: Alyx.
2. Map overhauls
Most of the maps are completely reworked from CS:GO to CS2 when it comes to textures, surfaces, and lighting. Gameplay should feel a lot brighter and less distractive then in CS:GO.
Check out this YouTube video about map overhauls in CS2.
3. Responsive smokes
One of the biggest changes from CS:GO to CS2 is about how smokes respond to other gameplay elements, such as bullets and lighting.
Bullets and grenades can even push smoke to briefly clear sightlines or expand occlusion, creating new opportunities.
Here is a YouTube video about map responsive smokes in CS2.
4. Sub-tick update architecture
The new sub-tick update architecture brings more stability and responsiveness to the overall gameplay.
Previously, the server side only evaluated the world in discrete time intervals, which are called ticks. Thanks to Counter-Strike 2’s sub-tick update architecture, servers know the exact instant that motion starts, a shot is fired, or a ‘nade is thrown.
Official YouTube video about sub-tick update architecture in CS2.
5. Updated user interface
CS2 is going to change some of the placements and styles of the UI elements inside the gameplay. Some important information, such as money and stats, are enhanced so they are more accessible during gameplay.
6. Improved sounds and audio
Sounds and audio have also been reworked compared to CS:GO to better reflect the physical game environment and to make sounds more distinctive.