On March 22, Valve unexpectedly released news about the imminent release of Counter-Strike 2. So, instead of adding a new engine to Counter Strike: Global Offensive, rumors about which have been popping up time and again over the past few years, the developers will introduce a completely new version. It will be released as an enhancement to CS:GO, available for free to all players. The changes and updates will affect several aspects of the game at once.
Map Updates
One of the most talked about innovations that players will notice first of all – is the improvements to the game maps. Some of them, like Overpass, have been completely redesigned and literally created anew using the resources of the new engine. Others, such as Nuke, remain fundamentally the same but have received updates to lighting, reflections and textures, resulting in a more realistic look. In addition, some maps were left as reference maps – they had improved lighting, but no major changes were made. This includes, for example, Dust2.
With the transition to the new engine, the tools for map and skin authors will be updated as well. As a result, creating your own maps and in-game items will become much easier, and community members will get new opportunities. Meanwhile, the appearance of some skins will also be updated, as they will get better models.
New smoke physics
Thanks to the new engine, the display of smoke grenade effects will change: now they will be represented by volumetric particle systems. As a result, all players, regardless of where they are relative to the grenade, will see the smoke the same way. It will also be able to interact with its surroundings: smoke now fills empty spaces more naturally, such as coming through an open window, and gunshots can destroy part of the smoke screen. As a result, players will have new tactical options. Visual effects will also be improved: smoke now reacts to light and shadow.
No more problems with tykreit
Another important innovation – is the rejection of tykreit limitation. While in the past it could take a fraction of a second between a mouse click and the response to that action in the game, which sometimes turned out to be decisive, a new architecture is being introduced in Counter-Strike 2. The server now responds instantly to the player's actions regardless of tickerith, which means that movement and shooting become as responsive as possible.
Improvements will also affect many other aspects of the game: improved visual effects of explosions and fire, gunfire flashes, and water surfaces will not only make the maps more realistic, but will also help players get more information during the game. Sound effects will also become more accurate and informative.
When to wait for the new version?
Counter-Strike 2 is expected to be released in the summer, but from March 22nd you will be able to take part in limited testing. As the developers write, an invitation to it will be received by players who are selected based on the time spent in the game, trust level, account rating and other factors. The number of participants in the limited testing will be gradually expanded.