On March 22, Valve unexpectedly published 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 appeared every now and then over the past years, the developers will present a completely new version. It will be released as a CS:GO enhancement, available for free to all players. 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 is the improvements to the game maps. Some of them, for example, Overpass, have been completely redesigned and literally created anew using the resources of the new engine. Others, such as Nuke, remain at their core the same, but received updates to lighting, reflections and textures, as a result of which they began to look more realistic. In addition, some maps were left as reference ones - the lighting was improved, but no significant changes were made to them, for example, Dust2.
With the transition to the new engine, the tools for map and skin authors will also be updated. As a result, it will become much easier to create your own maps and game items, and community members will receive new opportunities. At the same time, the appearance of some skins will also be updated, since they will receive higher quality models.
New smoke physics
Thanks to the new engine, the display of smoke grenade effects will change: now they will be three-dimensional particle systems. As a result, all players, regardless of where they are relative to the grenade, will see the smoke the same way. In addition, he will be able to interact with the environment: smoke now fills empty spaces more naturally, for example, passing through an open window, and shots can destroy part of the smoke screen. As a result, players will have new tactical options. Visual effects will also improve: smoke now reacts to light and shadow.
No more problems with tickrate
Another important innovation – waiver of tick rate restrictions. If previously a fraction of a second could pass between a mouse click and a response to this action in the game, which sometimes turned out to be decisive, then a new architecture is introduced in Counter-Strike 2. Now the server instantly responds to the player’s actions, regardless of the tickrate, which means that moving and shooting become as responsive as possible.
The improvements will affect many other aspects of the game: improved visual effects of explosions and fire, flashes from a shot, water surfaces will not only make the maps more realistic, but will also help players receive more information during the game. Sound effects will also become more accurate and informative.
When can we expect the new version?
Counter-Strike 2 is expected to be released in the summer, but from March 22, those who wish will be able to take part in limited testing. As the developers write, invitations to it will be received by players who are selected depending on the time spent in the game, level of trust, account rating and other factors. The number of participants in limited testing will gradually expand.
