Valve has released a substantial update to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), adjusting various elements of maps that form the Active Duty pool. Alongside map changes, the update has also reworked several player animations.
Inferno received the most changes, but Train and Overpass also saw some iconic callouts. These updates could impact how esports teams navigate these maps.
Counter-Strike 2 Map Changes
The changes to Inferno are the most significant in the recent update, with the developer and publisher of the first-person shooter title changing the path between Church and Coffins on the B site.
In addition, the Church windows that face the site are now open, providing the defenders with more opportunities to retake control in post-plant situations. Further Inferno changes include the extension of the rail that runs along the A site balcony.
Train has also received changes to provide additional cover for the defenders with the appearance of new boxes within Yard, inside B halls, and on the site outside of Z.
The final changes have come to Overpass, where the Heaven railing has been altered alongside several angles on the A site.
Alongside map changes, the first wave of animation updates arrived to CS2 with Valve announcing the title’s entire animation system is being upgraded to AnimGraph2.
The July 28th update has replaced ‘all first-person animations, including weapon deploy, firing, reload, and inspect animations.’
How Does The Update Impact CS2 Esports?
The changes to Inferno, Train and Overpass are bound to impact the strategies created by teams to outwit the attackers during competitive matches.
With more opportunities for the defenders to retake the B site on Inferno, the map’s pick rate could increase as teams look to utilise their new tactics to their advantage.
The addition of boxes to Train could also spark an increase in popularity, with new defensive angles offering teams to retain control of the map’s hotly contested areas.
Due to the timing of the update, tournament organiser ESL has announced Stage 2 of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne will continue to use the previous patch.
The tournament organisers said they will be ‘assessing the situation heading into Playoffs’ to determine whether a switch to the latest patch is appropriate.
