Big CS2 update: New buy menu, Mirage and movement updates

Valve has just pushed a new update to Counter-Strike 2, and fans complaining about how stale Dust 2 is will be overjoyed to find that the map has now been replaced with Mirage.

Well… apart from the fans that think Mirage is stale too…

Mirage in the map pool

Mirage’s addition as the current map in rotation is the most obvious change in this update. The first map in the competitive pool to actually be added to the game, there’s plenty to talk about.

Dust 2 was clearly visually different, but the changes to that map didn’t highlight the strengths of the Source 2 engine the way Mirage has. The map looks great, and the visual elevation on the map is a great improvement.

CS2 provides new updates

Palace has a shine to it, the B bombsite has a green glow, and lighting across the map is more atmospheric. Overall, the map is far brighter, cleaner, and fitting of a game releasing in 2023.

The map is mostly the same, but spare a thought for connector players; their favourite one-way smoke is no longer achievable.

Farewell buy wheel

You may not have thought about it before, but it’s actually quite impressive how instinctive buying weapons in CS:GO has become. Try closing your eyes and buying in the game, did you get what you wanted?

If you did, that’s great. It doesn’t matter anymore. Potentially the biggest change, the buy wheel is now gone in CS2. Instead, there is a buy menu, and that’s not the only change.

We know we don’t talk about V*LORANT, but one of the best features of that game is that you can sell things after a miss buy. In CS2 you will be afforded the opportunity to do the same, selling items back after the inevitable miss buys that will come with the loss of the buy wheel.

Custom loadouts

Players have long been asking for the ability to use both M4s in a game, and their wish has finally been granted.

In Counter-Strike 2, the new buy menu also means that players will have access to a unique loadout on each side. Choosing from a starting pistol, four extra pistols, four mid-tier weapons, and four rifles, players can optimise their loadout to be both a good teammate and support their own playstyle.

If you're unsure what mid-tier weapons mean, this will encompass the SMGs and heavy weapons.

Smokes and movement update

Smokes and movement have also undergone changes. Movement on the sub-tick system is now regarded as feeling less ‘floaty’ and is ‘more precise’. Honestly, we’re not sure what that means, but it’s based on player feedback, so we’ll say it’s a positive.

Lighting on the smokes has also been improved, and the time grenades impact smokes has also been reduced. Shotguns will also make a larger hole in smokes when shooting through them.

Head over to the changelog for the full update.