Counter-Strike 2 just got a fresh update that’s shaking up how the game looks and feels. Valve is swapping out all first-person animations and tweaking some maps, as well as addressing gameplay annoyances such as getting stuck while surfing.
Animation Changes
- The animation system is moving to AnimGraph2, which means all first-person animations, deploying weapons, firing, reloading, inspecting, have been replaced or updated.
- Even the chickens got a makeover with new animations.
Gameplay Fixes
- Damage prediction when shooting on the move has been improved. So maybe your shots will land a bit more like you expect now.
- Shotgun reloads won’t automatically resume if you interrupt them anymore. Finally, right?
- Players won’t get stuck on map geometry while surfing on surf maps anymore. Yikes, that was annoying.
Audio Updates
- Fixed player voice volume adjustments not working correctly. Now you can hear your teammates as intended.
- Reload and weapon draw sounds got tweaks to match the new AnimGraph2 animations.
- New speed-sensitive sounds for surfing have been added. You can turn these on with
sv_surf_sounds
and tweak volumes for in-air, map, and sliding sounds. - Ambient sounds for community maps have some improvements too.
Miscellaneous
- The Community Server Browser will now open inside the Steam Overlay when playing in fullscreen exclusive mode. That’s a handy little fix.
Map Adjustments
Overpass
- Breakable glass added to B doors.
- Heaven railing and truck angles on A site adjusted.
- View from truckbed to stairs blocked.
- Wall behind dumpster near A stairs moved up.
- Texturing and grass near A site tweaked.
- Broken walls near B site flattened on top.
- Wires around the map re-enabled.
Train
- New cover added on A site by Hell train and on B site outside of Z.
- Cover and platform adjustments in Upper B halls and Ivy.
- Horizontal stripes removed from large doors on A site.
- CT side platform in B raised.
- Lighting on B site adjusted.
- Clipping throughout the map tweaked.
Inferno
- Church windows opened above Coffins.
- Church garden pathway narrowed and widened in spots.
- First box shape on B site adjusted.
- Balcony railing on A site repaired.
- Curbs removed along Mid.
- Arch light moved to ceiling.
- Banana visuals tweaked for better player legibility.
- Various props adjusted.
Dogtown
- Updated to latest Community Workshop version. Check the update notes for details.
So, what’s the takeaway? Valve is clearly focused on refining the feel and appearance of Counter-Strike 2 while addressing some gameplay quirks that have been bothering players. The new animation system alone changes the game’s basic gameplay, and the map tweaks could alter how some rounds unfold.
Will these changes prompt you to adjust your playstyle? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just nice to see Valve still actively improving CS2 without fussing over fluff. I’m curious whether the new surfing sounds will actually enhance the experience or be turned off immediately.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with this update in the comments below.