Ten years after CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 launches with significant improvements in both graphics and gameplay.

Buzz

It turns out that at the time Valorant by Riot Games was officially launched in 2020, engineers, programmers, and game developers at Valve were already collaborating to create Counter-Strike 2 based on the Source 2 engine platform. And last night, the first details of Counter-Strike 2 were officially announced.

The most crucial aspect for try-hard players in Counter-Strike is the server data update mechanism called 'sub-tick'. Valve hasn't specifically mentioned how this sub-tick system operates, but based on the video clips they've shared, whether it's 64 or 128 tick, the game will accurately record the time each player issues commands to their characters, from movement to firing.

In reality, the world of online shooter games, including CS:GO, operates based on technologies developed since the 1990s. Tickrate is no exception. It describes the frequency at which servers and players' computers update data every second. Beyond that timeframe, all player input commands will be transferred to the next tick.

In the case of CS:GO, the standard tickrate in matchmaking servers is sufficient to make it one of the most responsive games, compared to the 20 tick of Call of Duty: Warzone or Apex Legends. However, for many, that's still not enough, considering CS:GO itself is a skill-intensive game where one bullet from an AK-47 can take down an opponent. A 1/64-second update frequency isn't sufficient for many players. Hence the existence of services like ESEA or Faceit for players to enjoy 128-tick servers.

With Counter-Strike 2, instead of simply elevating matchmaking servers to 128 tick due to having only 10 players per match, Valve has decided to introduce a new breakthrough to completely eliminate the shortcomings of the traditional tickrate update system. That breakthrough is called 'sub-tick'. Servers will precisely know when players press keys to move characters and when they shoot. More importantly, the trajectory of smoke and grenades will be consistent, rather than differing between 64 and 128 tick servers as it does now.

When it comes to smoke in Counter-Strike 2, the smoke bomb now behaves differently. The smoke bomb obscures opponents' vision like a 3D object with its own volume, rather than a fixed-diameter smoke screen. Moreover, the smoke interacts with light, making it more realistic. This means that smoke is not only more lifelike but also realistically seeps through cracks, eliminating previous one-way smoke exploits.

This adjustment alone is likely to completely change the game's meta. Players can now see grenade throws, watch smoke dissipate before exploding, or spot enemies firing from within smoke, as the muzzle flash can give away their position, putting them at a disadvantage. Players will now have a reason to hold onto grenades instead of just carrying one smoke, one molotov, and two flashbangs as before. Those who rely on spamming through smoke to guess enemy positions will find this tactic less effective than before.

Lastly, there are graphical upgrades thanks to the Source 2 engine. Watching the clips, maps that CS:GO enthusiasts have cherished for over a decade, such as Mirage, Italy, Nuke, and Overpass, have been refined with advanced lighting and more realistic surface rendering technologies. It's unclear how much strain these new graphical demands will put on players' computers, but it's undeniable that since its release in 2012, CS:GO has incrementally upgraded its graphics. Although the game in 2022 looked significantly better than its 2012 counterpart, the limitations of the old engine cannot be overlooked.

Maps in Counter-Strike 2 are divided into three categories. Touchstone maps are classic maps that have been around for years, faithfully recreated on Source 2 with improved lighting effects to help players transition to the new version more easily. Next up are Upgrade maps, where old maps are updated with the latest Source 2 technologies, including advanced surface rendering features and lifelike texture and reflection rendering based on physics engines. Lastly, there are Overhaul maps, where maps like Italy or Overpass are completely redesigned from scratch.

Counter-Strike 2 is expected to launch this summer, and the testing phase has officially begun. Players just need to check CS:GO for any game testing invites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 'sub-tick' update mechanism in Counter-Strike 2?

The 'sub-tick' update mechanism is crucial for Counter-Strike 2 as it allows servers to accurately record when players perform actions, such as moving or shooting. Unlike traditional tickrate systems, which only update player inputs at set intervals, this new method enhances responsiveness and gameplay accuracy, ensuring a smoother experience for players.

How does the smoke behavior in Counter-Strike 2 differ from previous versions?

In Counter-Strike 2, smoke behaves as a 3D object with volume rather than just a fixed-area screen. This change allows smoke to interact with light realistically, obscuring opponents' vision while allowing players to spot muzzle flashes. Such adjustments significantly alter gameplay tactics and the overall game meta.

What graphical upgrades can players expect in Counter-Strike 2?

Players can expect significant graphical upgrades in Counter-Strike 2, including improved lighting and surface rendering due to the Source 2 engine. Classic maps like Mirage and Nuke have been refined, offering a more immersive experience while enhancing visual fidelity. These upgrades enhance the game's aesthetics while maintaining gameplay clarity.

How will the introduction of 128-tick servers impact gameplay in Counter-Strike 2?

The introduction of 128-tick servers in Counter-Strike 2 aims to enhance gameplay responsiveness and precision. Players will experience more accurate interactions and quicker updates to their actions, making skill-based gameplay more rewarding. This move addresses previous limitations and elevates the competitive environment for players.

When is Counter-Strike 2 expected to launch and how can players participate in testing?

Counter-Strike 2 is expected to launch this summer, with the testing phase already underway. Players interested in participating should check their CS:GO game for any invites to the testing phase, allowing them to experience new features and provide feedback on the game's performance.

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