CS:GO has been around for a considerable amount of time, so the introduction of CS2 feels somewhat surreal. However, this step was necessary as the advanced technical capabilities of a more modern game engine have the potential to enhance the overall playing experience of Counter-Strike.

Now, after several reveals and some first-hand experience, we can precisely discern the impact Source 2 has on our favorite shooting game. Which aspects have been enhanced, and how do these improvements influence the dynamics of the matches?

Enhanced Visuals in CS2

This point, while being a broad feature, is intrinsically linked to the gaming experience. Leveraging the cutting-edge technology of Source 2, in-game objects are rendered with heightened realism. As players traverse the landscapes, they can savor the vibrant colors and intricate reflections — a substantial visual enhancement that could potentially incentivize players to invest more time in CS2, thereby honing their skills.

Additional Visual Enhancements:

• The ability to view your character’s legs and feet when looking downwards;
• Visible AWP bullet trajectories;
• More authentic blood effects, mirroring the impact of the weapon;
• Advanced graphics for explosions, smoke, fire, and lighting effects — these visual enhancements also serve practical functions, which will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

Dynamic Smoke Effects

With the enhanced physics of this new game engine, the performance of smoke grenades has significantly improved — and the impact extends beyond mere visual enhancement. Developers have refined the structure of these virtual objects, leading to numerous practical modifications. This is one of the most crucial new features in CS2.

As officially disclosed earlier, the smoke can dynamically permeate the map environment, contingent on the precise location where the grenade is deployed. This adjustment modifies the game’s situational dynamics, and committed players might want to revisit their conventional smoke deployment areas.

Smoke Jumps

The texture of the smoke has also been altered. In contrast to previous versions where players could gain an edge by jumping within a smoke cloud to spot and shoot opponents, this tactic is no longer viable in CS2.

Instead, enemies now have a higher probability of spotting you leaping through the smoke. If this was a tactic you frequently used in Counter-Strike, it might be time to rethink your strategy and conduct additional experiments. The effectiveness of jumping may vary significantly in this new version.

Smoke Dispersal from Shots and Explosions

High explosive grenades can now temporarily clear smoke for approximately two seconds. This brief window is sufficient to spot a CT player attempting to surreptitiously defuse the bomb. However, the utility of this feature in Counter-Strike 2 extends beyond this scenario. Both teams frequently use smoke to conceal their movements and positioning. A quick peek behind this “curtain” could potentially disrupt your or an opponent’s plans. Keep this in mind!

Similarly, shooting through smoke temporarily disperses the cloud, creating holes that allow you (and your enemies) to see what’s happening on the other side.

Colorful Smoke

Another intriguing feature of CS2 smoke is more aesthetic than functional. The color of the smoke clouds varies slightly depending on who has purchased the grenade. CT smokes have a more blue-ish hue, while T smokes lean towards a yellow-ish tint.

Enhanced Fire from Molotovs

The flames have been significantly improved in CS2, and when it comes to Molotov, the impact on gameplay is tangible.

There’s no smoke hovering above the fire, resulting in enhanced visibility.
The fire spreads across a larger area.
Smoke grenades neutralize Molotov. If smoke only partially touches the fire, it takes a few moments to completely extinguish it.

Sound

This is also a notable aspect of CS2 — the game’s sound effects have been significantly enhanced. They provide players with a more precise understanding of their opponents’ locations and actions at any given moment.

Optimizing this feature may require some additional practice. Each dropped item produces a distinct sound. With a trained ear, you will be able to identify what’s out there: an explosive grenade, smoke, or a decoy.

The radar (mini-map) assists players in determining the extent of their audible range. Observe your dot on the map and take note of the blue circle. This represents the radius within which your opponents can hear you.

CS2 Map Changes

A more detailed discussion of this aspect would be beneficial following the release of CS2. As it stands, we are aware that certain changes are unquestionably on the horizon for the updated game. The developers have outlined three types of changes:

Overhaul maps have undergone terrain adjustments and have been completely remodeled for Source 2, an experience we’ve already encountered on Overpass.
While the “physical” structure of the upgrade maps remains unchanged, their appearance has been transformed due to the enhanced lighting in CS2. This can be observed in Nuke.
Touchstone maps, for instance Dust II, have been given new textures. However, in terms of practicality, there isn’t a significant difference when compared to CS:GO.