Counter-Strike 2 Update: Animations and Map Changes; Retakes Incoming

Two weeks after the Premier Season 3 update, Valve has released another significant update to Counter-Strike 2. This update is the first step in the larger animation system upgrade to AnimGraph 2.

Additionally, the update also retouches Overpass, Train and Inferno, adjusting the visibility and overall player legibility around the maps.

Gameplay wise, the patch notes refer to an improved damage prediction for shooting while moving which will reduce the cases of false damage.

Let’s take a deeper look into this update.

Animations Upgrade: Good or Nah?

The new update introduces a new animation system to Counter-Strike 2, the AnimGraph 2. Since it is a longer process, this update specifically touches first-person animations, viz. weapon deploy, firing, reloading, inspect and more.

• The animation system in CS2 is in the process of being upgraded to AnimGraph2, which requires reauthoring existing game content. Today's update replaces all first-person animations, including weapon deploy, firing, reload, and inspect animations
• Replaced/updated all chicken animations

The update is just the first step in the complete animation update overhaul, and we can expect the next few updates to complete the transition.

While these do not directly affect gameplay (except the bugs they come with), they do improve the overall QoL and the feel of the game.

Gameplay Changes

The update also introduces a newer damage prediction which aims to improve the damage prediction when shooting while moving, as well as a small change to shotguns that ensures they can’t be fired repeatedly when they need to reload.

• Improvements to damage prediction when shooting while moving
• Shotgun reloads will no longer resume automatically after being interrupted

Update Broke Bhop?

The devs have improved the map geometry issues that affected surfing. Additionally, they also added new speed-sensitive sounds, improving the surf experience.

• Fixed several cases where a player would get stuck on map geometry while surfing
• Added new speed-sensitive sounds that play while surfing (can be turned on with sv_surf_sounds, and can be adjusted via snd_surf_volume_inair, snd_surf_volume_map, snd_surf_volume_slide)

Unfortunately, the update broke bunny-hop (or 'Bhop').

Especially at higher frame-rates, the Bhops aren’t effective, and landing one is almost impossible. While it is hard to pin-point what broke the Bhop, multiple community members, including ropz, aren’t fans of the change.

Map Changes

The update touches three maps: Overpass, Train and Inferno.

For Overpass:

• A site angles are adjusted to provide more defensive and offensive opportunities

For Train:

• The update aims to provide more cover to the site defenders
• This is done by providing new cover spots throughout the map
  • Near A site by Hall train
  • Platform adjusted and box added outside of Z on B
  • B halls
• Improved lighting and clipping

For Inferno:

• The biggest changes are the widening of the coffin-adjacent area and A site balcony railing, meaning the waterfall from A apartments will be a bit more difficult

New Leaks With the Update?

Along with the update we have some interesting leaks for the future of the game, such as:

• A new bidding system for the limited-time Armory items
  • Players will be allowed to bid stars on limited-time Armory items
• New CS2 cosmetic item “Pets”
• Rain effect on the previously leaked Night Ancient map
• Retake gamemode is coming to CS

Read the complete patch notes for the update here.

For the latest CS2 news and guides, follow Strafe Esports. Also, check out our X account for real-time content and coverage.

Featured Image Credit: Valve

Read More:

S1mple Ends Historic Nine-Year Chapter with NaVi, Joins BC.Game