Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Playing ‘Counter-Strike 2’

Counter-Strike 2 is here, revitalizing the CS experience. While an update to CS:GO, it boasts a new engine, enhanced grenade physics, and redesigned maps. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-690c0c49-dcd0-4dfa-a1d9-a7cd37bd0c08","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-79d9329d-c5dd-4f14-95cc-5ecbadaf84e4","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 194.75301%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5c2afee0-544f-4e0f-99af-b97878d5fe80 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Thousands explored the CS2 Limited Test, gaining a head start. Learn from their insights as you begin your CS2 adventure. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-891445d4-3508-4046-a492-b2f215cc55a0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7f3e27eb-84e8-4d3a-86d6-15d3ec4549c5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 234.44462%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b2aedd12-6bfa-4b7a-9d41-7cf28f51717f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Here are five crucial tips to consider before diving into Counter-Strike 2 for the first time: Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-40768495-9443-462a-8ce3-c6741cec2ccf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-63fcdd93-c352-4a7d-9390-175cab59f717","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 171.51297%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3a88dd3d-0e90-4be8-b93d-646f2178f4c8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] In CS2, smoke grenades have evolved. Shooting through them gives away your location. For strategic vision, use HE grenades to clear the smoke. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-3b44933a-107f-487e-9404-78a077d32a7f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a5f6f3bb-fccd-4b27-9cd0-83a2be5615f8","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 171.51297%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-59000958-30ed-49a7-b5fe-a7d82c86f04e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] The new buy menu allows you to have both M4 variants in one match, giving you flexibility on the CT side. Customize your buy menu to suit your preferences. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-1f084a4d-798e-4041-8a40-24e079fe3bb7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e103c45b-cbb9-48ba-a39d-3671a727a44f","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 171.51297%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-baef00da-9984-43d5-8f42-42a04f8a5045 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] CS2 introduces an MMR system, and you need to play Premier matchmaking to earn a CS Rating. This mode allows map bans, promoting diverse map gameplay. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-00af9d4f-3038-4a21-ad82-4a1487243a4e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-859b0012-675a-460b-9bbd-51e10b3f2a1a","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 192.08520%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b898d29f-c4e9-4f37-bd52-e2d1d39a5d38 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Lag issues can affect peeking and player visibility. To counter this, pre-fire corners and angles based on audio cues to gain an edge. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-7a8bff52-a5a8-4bd4-92ad-2041e0eab09c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9b4f25b8-b86e-47f8-958e-133fd8832a88","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 194.82497%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b5627c35-a485-482b-901d-05d0982a11a6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] CS2's iconic maps have seen changes. Before entering Premier matchmaking, tour them offline to understand the alterations. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-35bc70fa-bf9a-4492-819a-dd3b493fab86","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-66aa7c80-0ad7-4dab-969a-fb382a00b0a0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 198.93450%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-43488d79-a70a-486f-bc15-4fe007c88beb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-1.0658141036401503e-14%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Exploring new maps in offline games and casual matches is a smart way to adapt to CS2's map changes and improve your gameplay. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-47957a96-0012-4b4d-b4e5-012bdfa85ceb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ecbab41d-38eb-4ef0-8fc0-83cab824bea0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 171.51297%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e5785f44-a5bc-4203-9e7e-129b3ab334a9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] While it's tempting to jump into Premier matchmaking immediately, doing so without understanding the new maps can negatively impact your CS Rating. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-240e0cfa-3383-453e-ac7c-2fb849ce7d87","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-156e82f8-4dd2-4c8a-9def-869df94bf3ed","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 192.08520%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2538b114-aba7-42fa-b0d5-2bc5b10d12be [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Counter-Strike 2 brings exciting changes, but remember that shooting through smoke may reveal your position and create only a small gap. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-c2e31d5d-1a50-4417-b667-5bff11e1301e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c1a1402c-2933-47e9-afe6-86c2eba61349","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 192.08520%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e6704eee-2d76-47be-914c-771ebe93dce5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Customize your buy menu to have both M4 variants available, offering more versatility in your gameplay. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-aa526673-ae8b-4cf5-bc09-d5ef89dbb5a8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-81775feb-d0fc-46c9-9077-3372d5312ac5","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 192.08520%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b5405017-7787-436d-8bff-cb7373f1f9cf [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] To improve your CS Rating, play Premier matchmaking, the mode that features map bans and encourages map diversity. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-f15a02fe-7c33-4d86-bd7c-67c66cf568fa","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-be7bab43-dec9-443f-ba09-8f8c2dc2b1e1","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 192.08520%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-787247f2-c48c-4ece-b523-6cf6eac6164d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Combat lag issues by pre-firing corners and angles, relying on audio cues to gain an advantage. Image Source: YouTube

[{"selector":"#anim-89c77cbf-d997-4ed4-bff3-9c2775f0ac20","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8f585e9b-6922-4a19-8962-37e6b9fff540","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 171.51297%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-66ae23b5-a9e3-4e54-a873-0a2e15b14fcc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Familiarize yourself with map changes before playing Premier matchmaking to avoid getting caught off guard by the alterations in iconic CS:GO maps. Image Source: YouTube