The first major update for Counter-Strike 2 since the PGL Copenhagen Major wrapped up a month ago is here, and it comes packed with huge changes to the game, including the first adjustment to the Active Duty map pool since the release of CS2 and the return of the Overwatch system.
The "On the Other Hand…" CS2 Update
The iconic map Dust 2 makes its first return to the Active Duty pool since the new version of the map launched during the game’s extended beta, with Overpass as an unfortunate casualty. The ongoing tournaments ESL Pro League Season 19 and ESL Challenger Melbourne remain in the previous map pool and patch, but expect to see plenty more Dust 2 across Premier and professional play.
Overwatch, the player-controlled policing system used in CS:GO, is back, giving players the chance to judge their peers in cases of cheating and griefing. While no replacement for an anti-cheat like VAC (which has received a few upgrades), it is a welcome addition as Valve grapples with a cheating epidemic infecting CS2.
Players who have been clamoring for features like left-hand view models will be happy with the update, with a console command and standard toggle key added to switch between the two. We’ve also seen some changes to weapon balancing, with the CZ kill reward returned to its classic $300 level and the XM auto-shotgun reward seeing a slight nerf.