CS2 in CS:GO leaked? All You Need To Know

Counter-Strike 2: The Highly Anticipated Update

After years of speculation and rumors, Counter-Strike 2 is finally becoming a reality. This update has been long-awaited by players, and it seems that their patience is about to pay off.

What is Counter-Strike 2?

Counter-Strike 2 is the upcoming replacement for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The rumors began when a recent NVIDIA driver update added support for new executables, namely “csgos2.exe” and “cs2.exe.” More rumors surfaced in the following days until official details were confirmed by Valve on March 22nd. While only a few details have been officially confirmed through Valve’s blog, it seems that the update will bring significant improvements to gameplay elements such as smokes, maps, tick rate, skins, and sound.

The Insider Scoop

Reputable CS:GO news journalist Richard Lewis shared some insider information about Counter-Strike 2 on March 5th. According to Lewis, an anonymous source revealed that the update would indeed be a rebranding to Counter-Strike 2. The leaked details suggest that Counter-Strike 2 will address players’ long-standing requests, including the introduction of 128-tick servers to match Valorant’s standards. The matchmaking system will also be revamped to improve balance and reduce wait times between ranking up. Additionally, the update will enhance visuals through the transition to the Source 2 engine, aiming to eliminate the need for third-party services like FACEIT.

Confirmation and Limited Testing

Valve’s official blog post confirmed significant gameplay changes in line with the leaked information. The blog stated that “tick rate no longer matters for moving, shooting, or throwing,” aligning Counter-Strike 2 with its direct competitor, Valorant.

The most exciting news is that limited testing for Counter-Strike 2 has already begun, as correctly predicted by Lewis. After years of silence, this announcement has generated a great deal of interest in CS:GO. The game has seen record-breaking numbers of players every weekend, and this new update may bring even more players into the fold.

Valve has invited some players to participate in the Counter-Strike 2 test. The selection process is based on factors such as playtime on official Valve servers, trust ratings, and Steam account standing. However, with the full release scheduled for summer 2023, players won’t have to wait much longer to try it out.

Impact on the Professional Scene

The transition to Counter-Strike 2 raises questions about its impact on the professional scene. If CS2 becomes a full release, the original CS:GO will still be available, and it is unlikely that professional players will immediately switch over. Similar to the transition from CS 1.6 to CS:GO, it may take some time for professionals to fully embrace the new update. There are rumors that CS2 has already undergone extensive testing by professional players. Retired player gAuLeS added fuel to the fire with a tweet hinting at his recent visit to Seattle, located just a few miles away from Valve’s headquarters in Belleview, Washington.

Steam Leaks and Source 2 Update

Counter-Strike 2 leaks have also emerged from activities behind the scenes on Steam. On March 14th, it was revealed that the Source 2 update had been added to the developer pre-release branch for CS:GO. This indicates that an update is imminent in the coming days, signaling exciting times for CS players.

While this doesn’t guarantee an immediate release of Source 2, it suggests that no further updates for CS:GO will be released until the new engine is available to players. The wheels are finally in motion for Source 2, and players can look forward to its long-anticipated release.

Additional Changes in Counter-Strike 2

The most recent update to the Counter-Strike 2 limited test brought significant changes. One notable change was the replacement of Dust 2 with Mirage, offering players a fresh look at the classic map with enhanced visuals and vibrant colors.

Another major feature that will have a profound impact on Counter-Strike 2 esports is the introduction of load-outs. Players can now choose their weapons before each match, including four pistols, five mid-range weapons (SMGs and Heavy Weapons), and five rifles, including both M4 variants. Players also can refund accidental purchases, a game-changing addition that may render certain weapons obsolete.

The buy menu in CS2 has undergone significant changes as well. The weapon wheel, seen as a remnant of CS:GO’s console-friendly design, has been replaced by a tile design that displays all available options at once. Some have noted the resemblance to Valorant’s buy menu, and this similarity is likely, not coincidental.

Valve recently invited a new batch of players to the CS2 limited test, indicating that a full release may be on the horizon. While Valve has remained tight-lipped about the exact release date, if the summer 2023 target holds, players can expect the update to arrive any day now.

Valve has also released the CS2 Workshop Tools, allowing creators to explore and create weapon skins, stickers, and maps for Counter-Strike 2. This presents exciting opportunities for the community to contribute to the game’s content. Some community map creators have already begun work, with the creator of the popular map Santorini sharing work-in-progress images of its return in CS2.

With the introduction of the visually stunning Source 2 engine, the future looks promising for Counter-Strike 2. As creators continue to engage with the CS2 Workshop Tools, we can expect more exciting developments in the coming months.