Post Copenhagen Major Update of 25th April 2024 for CS2
Contents
On the late 25th of April (early 26th for EU and Asian players), Valve released the second substantial update for Counter-Strike 2. The list of changes is really huge, including the first switch in the active map pool, a few significant changes on Inferno, Overwatch return, and kill-reward changes. Many players will also praise the appearance of a left-hand POV, an increase of Zeus' impact, and buy menu improvements.
The List of Changes & Updates
Dust 2 Replaces Overpass in Active Duty Map Pool
Valve once again used their exclusive right to change maps in the active duty list, replacing Overpass with Dust 2. This means immediate changes for the Premier mode and will force Esports events organizers to follow the update in the upcoming events (ESL Pro League S19 will be finished with Overpass). It looks pretty strange (as usual for Valve decisions) because Overpass got a significant visual update with the CS2 release, and the community was expecting other maps to be replaced.
Since the renewed Dust 2 map has opened skyboxes, the amount of new Dust 2 smokes opens many new opportunities. It will allow Pro teams to develop many new tactics and strategies, relaunching the attention to this legendary map on the matchmaking level as well.
Significant Changes on Inferno and Minor Updates on Other Maps
Dust 2 is not the only discussion point among map changes because Inferno got a few significant updates as well. Thus, a lot of players complained about the map’s narrow spaces. Valve addressed this issue by simply reducing a few superstructures — in the Middle and Banana start.
Also, the following maps got minor improvements (bugs, sight adjustments, collisions, etc.):
- Overpass;
- Nuke;
- Vertigo;
- Mirage;
- Office;
- Baggage.
- Inferno;
Left-Hand POV Is Back
Since the CS2 Beta Testing, many players have been waiting for the left-handed POV, which was a usual feature in previous Counter-Strike versions. Almost a year after the world first saw the beloved shooter on Source 2, Valve finally added this feature.
Despite the fact that using the left hand seems like a pointless action as it’s only a Point-of-View change, advanced players will easily deny such a claim. Thus, left-handed people feel much more comfortable playing with it, while the spray pattern is mirrored if having a left hand as the main one.
Additionally, in Spectator mode, you can decide for yourself whether you want to see such a switch, which can be helpful if the players like to constantly toggle the hand-switch key to pick angles.
Kill Reward Changes for CZ75-Auto, XM1014, and Zeus
The introduction of the first skin for Zeus and its recharging feature has returned attention to this kind of weapon, but Valve thought it wasn’t enough. Now, the run speed with Zeus in hands will be faster, and the attacking cone will be improved. Moreover, the electroshocking kill will deliver a $100 reward instead of $0, as it was before.
The kill reward was always a factor in balancing some other weapons in the game. Now, killing with the CZ75-Auto you will get $300 ($100 before), which is equal to other pistols. On the other hand, XM1014 got a kill reward reduction, and now it will bring $600 instead of $900.
ESC and Buy Menu Upgrades
The Esc menu was redesigned, and its display position was switched. It is now in the upper middle of the screen, not on the top left side.
However, much more significant changes were made to the Buy Menu, which now has two extra options. Firstly, one can see the predicted economy for the next round, named the “Next Round Minimum,” which should help newcomers cope with their money. Secondly, right in the Buy Menu, every player can see “Dropped Weapons” and pick any gun if it’s in the range of the Spawn positions, without the need to re-drop rifles or pistols if the distance is too huge for direct “E” picking.
Fighting Cheaters With Overwatch
Despite the release of Counter-Strike 2, which was expected to be a step towards cheating reduction because of new Source 2 possibilities, the reality became much more rigorous. Thus, all the Competitive modes welcomed more cheaters as the Ban system was totally ineffective. The return of Overwatch can be a step in the right direction, but ideally, it should be an additional option but not the main instrument.
Expanded Friend Party Opportunities, and More
Finally, the game allows wider playing options when you are in the same lobby with friends. You can now launch workshop maps and practice matches without extra steps.
The last change worth mentioning is the new icon for the jump kill, which now has an added wing to the weapon — looks pretty interesting.
You can find the full list of updates on the Steam’s dedicated page.
