The update, which is called Counter-Strike 2, will be free for all players in CS:GO and will affect many aspects of the game. Among the most discussed updates – more realistic behavior of smoke, redesigned graphics on many maps, as well as a new architecture with which players will not have to worry about tick rates.
But the transition to a new engine may affect another aspect that is significant for many players, namely, the appearance of skins. Therefore, it will be useful to understand in advance how they may change.
What will happen to players' inventories?
First of all, it is worth mentioning that skin collections collected by players will not be affected. Valve has officially confirmed that all purchased items from CS:GO will remain with them in CS2. Players will not have to take any special steps to transfer their skins from CS:GO to Counter-Strike 2– they will automatically appear in the new version of the game upon first launch.
At the same time, you can expect that the appearance of the skins will improve to the same extent that the engine update will affect other game objects. There will be no significant changes, since both engines were developed by Valve and the transition is unlikely to cause any noticeable problems. Previously, a similar engine change has already occurred in Dota2. The game, originally developed on Source, has been ported to Source2. This process did not affect game items.
How will the appearance of skins change?
Thus, after updating the engine, weapon models will look more attractive due to improved lighting, detail and some textures. However, the design of the skins will remain unchanged, and popular guns will retain their recognizable appearance.
Among the skins that will look especially advantageous on the new engine, we can mention: for example, M4A4 Poseidon, Desert Eagle Emerald J and M4A1-S Blue Phosphor. New lighting technology makes their designs especially expressive, and the vibrant colors and detailed textures are eye-catching and recognizable even from afar. It looks like Valve has really managed to find the right balance: the update makes the skins look better without making players feel like the changes are too much. Counter Strike 2 is scheduled for release in the summer of 2023. However, she will not appear on the competitive scene right away. The first major to use the new version will be PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen, which is scheduled to take place in March 2024.
