Counter-Strike 2

The return of the classic Cache map marked a significant update in Counter-Strike 2 during this window, alongside the release of the Dead Hand Collection, which introduced 22 new gloves and 17 finishes from community contributors. Other notable additions included the TrueView demo playback feature, enhancing the viewing experience by accurately reconstructing player actions.

• New Map: Cache returned to the game, available in Casual, Competitive, Deathmatch, and Retakes modes as of April 28, 2026.
• New Collection: The Dead Hand Collection launched on February 25, 2026, featuring 17 finishes and 22 all-new gloves, enhancing player customization options.
• TrueView Feature: The TrueView demo playback feature, added in late 2025, improved the accuracy of observed player experiences by re-running client-side predictions.
• Game Mode Addition: The Retakes mode was reintroduced on October 14, 2025, allowing players to engage in fast-paced 4v3 scenarios.
• Gameplay Changes: Reload mechanics were redesigned on March 18, 2026, so that reloading discards the used magazine and remaining ammo, increasing the stakes in combat situations.
• Seasonal Events: IEM Cologne 2026 Major Hub launched in May 2026, allowing players to purchase tournament items and participate in the Pick'Em Challenge.

The Shanghai 2024 Major Event launched on November 27, 2024, bringing a host of new content and features to Counter-Strike 2. This period also saw the return of the classic Train map, complete with gameplay adjustments, and the introduction of the Austin 2025 Viewer Pass, which included an upgradable coin and team graffiti.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Shanghai 2024 Viewer Pass released on November 14, 2024, featuring an upgradable coin and extra souvenir packages.
  • Austin 2025 Viewer Pass released on May 23, 2025, offering a coin upgrade through the Pick'Em challenge.
  • Return of Train map added on November 13, 2024, with gameplay adjustments for casual and competitive modes.

• New Community Maps:
  • Four new community maps introduced: Basalt and Edin in competitive and casual modes, Palais and Whistle in Wingman mode on November 7, 2024.

• Gameplay Adjustments:
  • Premier Matchmaking launched on January 28, 2025, enabling players to engage in ranked matches.
  • Deathmatch mode now allows unbalanced teams as of May 8, 2025.
  • Revisions to map layouts, particularly in Train, Inferno, and Overpass, improved gameplay flow and visibility.

• Balance Changes:
  • The MP9 received a nerf on July 16, 2025, with increased recoil and reduced jumping accuracy.
  • Adjustments to incendiary grenade fire spread made on July 16, 2025, aimed at better countering rushing tactics.

• Seasonal Events:
  • Premier Season Two began on January 22, 2025, bringing new rewards and recalibrations based on player performance.
  • Premier Season Three launched on July 2, 2025, with new eligibility requirements for medals.

Counter-Strike 2 launched as a free-to-play title on September 27, 2023, marking a significant shift for the franchise. This year also introduced the 2024 Service Medal and a major overhaul of the Competitive Matchmaking Skill Groups, making it easier for players to earn badges.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Counter-Strike 2 launched as free-to-play on September 27, 2023.
  • The 2024 Service Medal was introduced on January 1, 2024, rewarding players for participation in official game modes.
  • The Maps Workshop debuted on November 2, 2023, allowing community map makers to upload and host their maps.

• New Game Modes and Maps:
  • The Arms Race mode was added for workshop map submissions on May 1, 2024.
  • Overpass was removed and Dust II reintroduced in the Active Duty Map Pool update on April 25, 2024.
  • New maps Thera and Mills were integrated into Deathmatch and Casual modes on June 25, 2024.

• Gameplay Changes:
  • An overhaul of Competitive Matchmaking Skill Groups occurred on June 25, 2024, redistributing map-based skill groups for easier badge earning.
  • Automation restrictions on player inputs were implemented on August 19, 2024, kicking players suspected of using input automation.
  • Jump-throws became reliable without scripting on August 19, 2024.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The PGL Copenhagen Major 2024 was announced on March 14, 2024, featuring 24 competing teams.
  • Season One of Premier kicked off on September 27, 2023, introducing a competitive structure for players.

• Balance Changes:
  • Lag compensation was rebalanced on September 14, 2023, favoring lower-latency players.
  • Price adjustments were made for weapons like the M4A4 and Incendiary Grenade on May 23, 2024, to enhance the CT economy.

Counter-Strike 2 welcomed significant updates during Year 11, highlighted by the addition of the Ancient and Anubis maps to Deathmatch, Casual, and Competitive modes on August 2, 2023. This period also saw the introduction of Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools on June 6, 2023, enabling community contributors to create weapon finishes, stickers, and maps.

• New Maps:
  • Ancient and Anubis were added to Deathmatch, Casual, and Competitive modes in August 2023.
  • Italy was reintroduced and added to Deathmatch and Casual modes on August 15, 2023.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • A new loadout and buy menu launched on June 6, 2023, allowing players to customize weapons with a drag-and-drop interface.
  • Flashbangs became redeployable after being thrown, allowing for strategic gameplay with multiple flashbangs.

• Major Updates:
  • The 2023 IEM Rio Major Viewer Pass and the Paris 2023 Viewer Pass became available for purchase, offering exclusive rewards and access to souvenir tokens.
  • The new Bunny hopping feel closely matched CS:GO's mechanics, enhancing player experience.

• Balance Changes:
  • The bullet penetration system was reworked on August 17, 2023, leading to significant adjustments in gameplay dynamics.
  • M4A1-S damage was reduced at long ranges, and the AWP's magazine size was cut to five bullets.

• Seasonal Events:
  • The Ember Spring Update introduced festive changes on March 22, 2023, although the spring celebrations ended in late April.

Operation Riptide launched on September 22, 2021, introducing new maps, missions, and rewards, marking a significant content update for Counter-Strike 2. Additionally, the classic Tuscan map became available in all game modes on August 16, 2022, alongside the release of the 10 Year Birthday Sticker Capsule, featuring over 60 community designs.

• Major Content Drops:
  • 2021 Stockholm Major Viewer Pass Available: Players could purchase the Viewer Pass for exclusive rewards on October 21, 2021.
  • Team Patch Packs Introduced: Available for purchase starting October 21, 2021.
  • Team Sticker Capsules Released: Also launched on October 21, 2021.

• New Content:
  • Anubis and Breach Maps Added to Competitive Matchmaking: These maps were included in competitive play on August 16, 2022.
  • Release of the Recoil Case: Introduced on July 4, 2022, featuring 17 weapon finishes and rare items.
  • PGL Antwerp 2022 Champions Autograph Capsule Released: Celebrated champions with autograph stickers on May 24, 2022.
  • Private Matchmaking Queues: Introduced on September 22, 2021, allowing players to create private Premier matches.

• Gameplay Changes:
  • Grenade Dropping Mechanic: Players gained the ability to drop grenades like weapons on September 22, 2021.
  • Short Competitive Match Option: Added preference for match duration in competitive matchmaking on September 22, 2021.

• Seasonal Events:
  • CSGO10 Sticker Contest Announcement: Celebrated the game's 10th birthday by allowing players to submit sticker designs on March 29, 2022.
  • Birthday Coin Available for Prime Players: Offered to Prime status players for earning their first in-game drop of the week until August 22, 2022.

• Balance Changes:
  • Demolition Mode Adjustments: Reduced maximum rounds and adjusted weapon progression on September 22, 2021.
  • M4A1-S Body Damage Increase: Increased body damage for the M4A1-S on September 22, 2021.

Operation Broken Fang launched on December 3, 2020, introducing a host of new content including the Broken Fang Premier Mode, which allowed players to engage in 5v5 competitive matchmaking with map picks and bans. This update also brought new challenges and rewards, such as five new agents and a new weapon case. Other significant updates included the introduction of Unranked matches and major adjustments to the competitive matchmaking system.

• New Game Modes:
  • Broken Fang Premier Mode: A competitive 5v5 mode with map picks and bans.
  • Unranked Matches: Introduced for Competitive, Wingman, and Danger Zone modes, where Skill Groups are not impacted.
• New Content Releases:
  • Operation Broken Fang: Included new challenges and rewards, such as weapon collections and stickers.
  • Snakebite Weapon Case: Released on May 4, 2021, featuring community-designed weapon finishes.
  • Tacticians Music Kit Box: Launched on August 12, 2021, with six new music kits from various artists.

• Gameplay Adjustments:
  • Non-Prime Accounts: Restricted to Unranked matches, while Prime accounts can choose between Ranked and Unranked.
  • Competitive Matchmaking Presets: Added on July 6, 2021, allowing players to save and load favorite map selections.

• Balance Changes:
  • Active Duty Map Pool Update: Train was removed and replaced by Ancient, which also saw site changes.
  • Non-Prime Accounts: No longer earned XP, ranks, or drops through playtime starting June 4, 2021.

• End of Operation:
  • Operation Broken Fang concluded on May 4, 2021, though some features remained available in the game.

Operation Shattered Web launched on November 19, 2019, introducing a range of significant content including new equippable agents and a battle pass format. This major update set the stage for a year filled with additional missions, weapon collections, and gameplay enhancements. Notably, the new co-op Strike mission "It's Time To Take Out The Trash" was added, expanding cooperative gameplay options.

• New Operations and Missions:
  • New Operation Missions were introduced on February 25, 2020, as part of Operation Shattered Web.
  • Weekly missions were released weekly starting November 19, 2019, allowing players to earn stars and unlock rewards.
  • New Shattered Web missions, including "Secret Agent Man," launched on December 17, 2019.

• New Content Introduced:
  • The Warhammer 40,000 Sticker Capsule was released on May 27, 2020, featuring 17 unique stickers.
  • The Prisma 2 Collection Case launched on March 31, 2020, with 17 community-created weapon finishes.
  • Two community maps, Anubis and Chlorine, were added to matchmaking on March 31, 2020.

• Gameplay Enhancements:
  • A revamped buy menu was introduced on February 25, 2020, featuring an interactive preview of character weapon handling.
  • Crosshair customization options were added, allowing players to personalize their crosshairs.

• Seasonal Events:
  • A holiday event featuring snowballs and festive chickens took place on December 10, 2019.
  • The final mission card for Operation Shattered Web went live on March 3, 2020, allowing completion of missions until March 30, 2020.

The introduction of the Danger Zone Battle Royale Mode on December 7, 2018, marked a significant shift for Counter-Strike 2, blending traditional tactical gameplay with fast-paced battle royale mechanics. Alongside this, the game became free to play, greatly expanding its player base.

• New Game Mode: The Danger Zone Battle Royale Mode launched, offering a new way for players to engage with the classic CS:GO gameplay.
  • Danger Zone Case: This update included the Danger Zone Case, featuring 17 community-designed weapon finishes and rare Horizon knives.
  • Loyalty Badge: Existing players received a Commemorative Loyalty Badge as a token of appreciation for their continued support.
  • Prime Status Upgrade: All current players had their accounts upgraded to Prime Status, enhancing their matchmaking experience.

• Anniversary Event: The 20th Anniversary Workshop Event was announced on June 20, 2019, inviting creators to contribute to a themed Weapon Case and Sticker Capsule.

• Workshop Improvements: An updated Workshop Submission Process was implemented on April 3, 2019, requiring email verification for first-time submissions to prevent scams.

• Workshop Submission Deadline: The deadline for submitting content for the Anniversary event was set for September 19, 2019.

Operation Hydra launched on June 1, 2017, introducing a variety of new gameplay modes and features, including a 2v2 competitive mode and a 5v5 mode with unique twists. This update also brought a host of new community maps, a new case, and a revamped Operation Coin system.

• New Gameplay Modes: Operation Hydra added several unique gameplay modes, such as heavy armor, low-gravity sniping, team deathmatch, and knife and Zeus-only modes.
• New Community Maps: A set of new and returning community maps became available for casual and competitive play.
• Operation Hydra Case Released: This new case included various skins and items for players to collect.
• Operation Coin Upgradable to Diamond Level: Players could now upgrade their Operation Coin to a new Diamond level, enhancing their prestige within the game.
• WebAPI for Official Playtime: A WebAPI was introduced, providing public access to official playtime distribution on Operation Hydra maps in both Competitive and Casual modes.
• Full Guardian Mission Campaign: A complete campaign for Guardian Missions was introduced, offering players new challenges and objectives.

Counter-Strike 2 saw a notable announcement of the next weapon case items during this window, revealing a list that included the M4A1-S and G3SG1. Additionally, Operation Wildfire introduced significant visual upgrades, enhancing both gameplay experience and community content creation.

• New Weapon Case: The next weapon case was announced on August 25, 2015, featuring items such as the M4A1-S and G3SG1.
• Visual Upgrades: On February 25, 2016, lighting and shader improvements were introduced with Operation Wildfire, benefiting mapmakers and community content creators.
  • - The update also included enhancements specifically for the map de_nuke.
• Design Submission Deadline: The deadline for design submissions for the upcoming weapon case was set for September 7, 2015.

Operation Bloodhound launched on May 28, 2015, introducing a wealth of new content including modes, campaigns, and maps. This update followed the earlier release of Operation Vanguard on November 12, 2014, which featured unlimited free access to six community maps and introduced Campaigns. Players also gained access to new gameplay systems and balance changes throughout this year.

• Major Operations:
  • Operation Bloodhound: Introduced new modes, campaigns, and four new maps: Log, Rails, Resort, and Zoo, along with returning maps Season and Agency.
  • Operation Vanguard: Featured unlimited free access to six community maps and included Campaigns for players to complete missions.

• New Gameplay Features:
  • Profile Rank System: Players could improve their Profile Rank by earning XP, which rewarded them with weapon drops.
  • Competitive Scorecard: This feature allowed players to track key stats from competitive matches on Vanguard and Active Duty maps.
  • Introduction of Campaigns: Completing missions in Campaigns rewarded players with Operation Vanguard Cases or weapon drops.

• New Content Introduced:
  • Gunsmith Paint Style: Allowed players to customize weapon appearances with engraved or patinated looks on weapons like the AK-47 and Sawed-Off.
  • Falchion Weapons Case: Introduced the Falchion knife and community-created weapon finishes.
  • New Campaigns in Access Pass: Added two new campaigns, Marksman and Revolution, featuring unique stories and co-op challenges.

• Balance Changes:
  • Arms Race Overhaul: Updated rules and added three maps previously restricted to Demolition mode to Arms Race, enhancing gameplay variety.

Operation Phoenix launched on February 20, 2014, introducing a wealth of new content, including community-chosen maps and an upgradable Operation Coin. The update also featured the addition of Cobblestone and Overpass maps, enhancing the gameplay experience.

• Major Content Drop: Operation Phoenix Pass launched, offering access to eight new maps and the exclusive Operation Phoenix Case.
  • Operation Phoenix Passes became available for purchase, allowing players to access new content.
• New Maps: Cobblestone and Overpass were added, available in community servers and offline play, with limited official matchmaking.
• Gameplay Enhancements: A reconnect feature for disconnected teams was implemented, allowing players to finish matches without termination.
• Balance Changes: Skill group adjustments were reverted for banned players, impacting recent wins for their teammates and opponents.
• UI/UX Improvements: Players gained the ability to adjust HUD elements, including player count position and radar size, enhancing customization options.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive launched on August 22, 2012, marking a significant expansion of the classic gameplay with new game modes and over 45 weapons. The game introduced a fresh experience with updated visuals, a variety of new maps, and leaderboards featuring over 165 Steam achievements. Additionally, Operation Payback launched on May 2, 2013, offering limited-time updates and rewarding popular mapmakers.

• Major Content Drop: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive launched on August 22, 2012, introducing a variety of new maps, game modes, and over 45 weapons.
• Operation Payback: Launched on May 2, 2013, this operation included popular Workshop maps and provided financial incentives to mapmakers.
  • Limited-Time Update: Operation Payback offered rewards for mapmakers and was live until July 31, 2013.
• New Gameplay Features: Players could purchase a pass for $2.99 to access the Classic Casual map group, which included seven top-voted Workshop maps.
• Enhanced Visuals: The game featured updated graphics compared to previous titles, enhancing the overall player experience.
• Challenge Coin Reward: Purchasing a pass granted players a unique challenge coin that could be upgraded and showcased with their avatar.