All Changes in Counter Strike 2 – Tick Rate, New Maps, & Smoke Grenades

For anyone who is a Counter-Strike player, these are some truly exciting times. Valve, the creators of Counter-strike, have begun posting new, fundamental changes coming in the game's upcoming sequel. Some of the changes are subtle in nature, while many are significant enough to be total game changers. It's imperative to know all the changes coming to the tried and true CS formula. Here are all the gameplay changes in Counter-Strike 2.

Every Gameplay Change in Counter Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 promises to shake up the 20-year legacy that is Counter-Strike with some exciting new features and mechanics to master.

Moving Beyond the Tick Rate Limitation

In Counter-Strike, movement, shooting, and throwing were all based on what is known as Tick Rate. In basic terms, actions were measured in very short time intervals called ticks, and any actions that occurred in the milliseconds prior to the very next tick simply did not exist within the gamespace. This led to the phantom bullet phenomenon where a fired bullet could miss due to being within this time frame. However, Counter-Strike 2 promises to introduce sub-tick updates, effectively eliminating this issue entirely. This is a major backend change that will have a significant effect on gameplay.

Related: How to fix CS:GO VAC Was Unable to Verify Your Game Session

Smoke Grenades are becoming Real

Smokes have always been a key part of winning matches in Counter-Strike, and that is no different in its sequel. However, Smoke Grenades in Counter-Strike 2 have become dynamic in nature, allowing equalization across all playing fields. Smokes in the sequel will actually exist in the game world and not just be a graphic. This means that everyone will see the smoke in the same way. Additionally, smoke will bend around objects realistically, and will even be affected by outside sources, such as gunfire being shot through it. Grenades will even cause smoke to authentically disburse in real-time.

Maps are Evolving

Counter-Strike is a game that has an absolute ton of maps, both community and official, that can be played. Valve is very aware of this fact and has decided to approach maps in Counter-Strike 2 in three specific ways:

• Touchstone Maps - These are classic Counter-Strike maps with strong foundations that need minimal changes coming over to the sequel.
• Upgraded Maps - These maps will use the new Source 2 engine's strengths to significantly improve their graphic fidelity.
• Overhauled Maps - These are CS's oldest maps that are receiving total overhauls using everything the Source 2 engine has to offer to bring them up to modern times. Additionally, the tools being used on these maps will be fully available to community map makers.

As more information comes out, we'll be updating this article with every single change that is announced. In the meantime, check out How to gain access to the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test and keep an eye on Pro Game Guides.