The Secrets to Mastering ‘Counter-Strike 2’: Five Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

Counter-Strike 2: What You Need to Know Before Jumping In

The Excitement of Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2, the highly anticipated update to CS:GO, has finally been released and is garnering attention from gamers worldwide. This update brings new features, including a new engine, grenade physics, and reworked maps, making it feel like a brand new game. With thousands of players already experiencing the game during the Limited Test, there are valuable lessons to be learned before diving into the world of CS2.

Bullets Versus Grenades

A standout feature of CS2 is the introduction of new smoke grenades. Unlike the previous set shape, these grenades naturally fill a space due to their new physics. One interesting aspect is that shooting a bullet through the smoke creates a small hole for visibility. However, this tactic has its drawbacks. Shooting through a smoke reveals your position, leaving you vulnerable to opponents on the other side. Additionally, the tiny hole created by bullets may not offer enough visibility. On the other hand, throwing a high explosive (HE) grenade into the smoke disperses a larger area, providing a more useful space to look through. Players should aim to throw grenades from a safe location, allowing them to remain hidden while gaining a strategic advantage.

M4 Versatility

While the smoke change may be a significant adjustment from CS:GO, the most notable change in CS2 lies in the new buy menu. In CS:GO, players had to choose between the M4 and the M4A1-S in each match, compromising their preferred loadout. Fortunately, CS2 allows players to customize their buy menu, granting access to both M4 options in a single match. This flexibility is especially valuable for solo players who adapt to different positions on the CT side. Therefore, players should customize their buy menu before joining a game to ensure they have all their favorite weapons immediately available.

Ranking in Premier Matchmaking

CS2 has introduced an MMR (Matchmaking Rating) system, replacing the badge system. To improve their ranking, players must strive for a higher MMR, matching them against players of similar skill levels. However, it is essential to note that CS Rating is only obtained by playing the Premier matchmaking mode. This mode gives players the opportunity to ban maps until only one is left to play, allowing for a diverse selection from the active duty maps. The introduction of this mode promotes playing on all maps rather than relying solely on popular choices like Dust 2. To establish a strong CS Rating early on, players should prioritize playing in Premier matchmaking.

Pre-firing Angles to Combat Lag

Although it is expected that Valve will address any lingering issues before the final launch, the CS2 Limited Test revealed notable concerns regarding peeking and visibility. Players reported instances where they were shot around corners by unseen opponents due to discrepancies between the client’s updating speed and real-time events. To cope with this, pre-firing corners and angles, and shooting at suspected locations before visual confirmation, seems to be the current workaround. While not a perfect solution, it has proven effective in dealing with potential lag-related discrepancies. Valve must address this issue to ensure fair gameplay experiences for all participants.

Redesigned Maps

Before embarking on Premier matchmaking, players should familiarize themselves with the updated CS2 maps. While some maps only underwent minor visual improvements, others, such as the iconic Inferno, feature significant changes. Exploring the new maps in offline mode allows players to gain a sense of their layout, learn strategic positions, and adapt to altered terrain. Jumping directly into Premier matchmaking without prior knowledge of the maps may result in a negative impact on CS Rating. Therefore, it is advisable to explore the maps offline and perhaps participate in casual matches to get acquainted with the changes before competing in Premier matchmaking.

Conclusion

Counter-Strike 2 presents exciting new features and changes to the CS:GO franchise, offering players a fresh experience. However, it is crucial to be aware of the intricacies brought about by these updates. Understanding the dynamics of smoke grenades, leveraging the M4 flexibility, prioritizing Premier matchmaking, adapting to potential lag issues, and familiarizing oneself with the redesigned maps are all key elements to mastering CS2. By following these guidelines, players can enhance their gameplay and fully immerse themselves in the world of Counter-Strike 2.

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.