New CS2 update adds Train, makes big Overpass changes

Train Returns with a New Look

Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over, Train is back! The classic map is back in CS2 with a complete new theme; the rain-soaked look replaces the classic look of the map. This new aesthetic is eerie and gives the map a fresh feel, and the absence of the ladder room opens up new tactics. It will be interesting to see how these changes affect competition, but there’s no doubt that Train is going to be a game changer.

Currently, Train is not included in the Active Duty map list because of the ongoing PW Shanghai Major 2024 RMRs. However, once the Major concludes in mid-December, there’s a strong chance it will be rotated in, providing both pros and fans with something fresh to enjoy.

New Community Maps Open Up New Territory for CS2

The update doesn’t end with Train—Valve has also included new community maps to spice things up. Basalt and Edin are added to Competitive, Casual, and Deathmatch categories, while Palais and Whistle are added to Wingman. After spending some time on Basalt, I can say that it is a good fit and a lot of fun. Palais also looks promising, though I haven’t yet explored Edin and Whistle.

Major Overpass Overhaul

Overpass may not be back in Active Duty yet, but it has received a series of updates that suggest it will be soon. Valve has removed water from “water” on B-site, improved visibility, and reworked Heaven drop-down mechanics to allow direct drops without obstructions. These changes, alongside numerous graphical and layout updates, aim to enhance the player experience and improve strategic gameplay.

Overpass has always been popular among players, so these changes are good news for fans who hope to see it return to competitive play soon.

Counter-Strike 2 Update – 11/13/2024 Release Notes

Damage Prediction

• Added damage prediction settings for audio/visual effects of damage without server confirmation, improving shooting responsiveness.
• Body shot and head shot effects are disabled by default; kill ragdolls are enabled by default.
• Damage prediction is inactive with high ping.

Animation

• Updated third-person animation for player blinding by flashbang, reflecting visibility level more accurately.
• Fixed an issue where legs didn’t animate correctly when taking damage.

Graphics

• Added ambient occlusion for first-person legs for better environment grounding.
• Optimized performance for molotov and incendiary effects.

Grenades

• Added axis labels to the grenade lineup reticle tick marks.
• Preview camera now shows jump throw results when jump button is held.

Map Guides

• New map guide for Train, demonstrating four Terrorist grenade line-ups.
• Concommands for annotation creation, saving, and loading are added in /annotations/ folder.

Miscellaneous

• New game settings for radar map blending and background opacity.
• Fixed Armory Pass progress display issue.
• Improved Chinese input via Microsoft Input Methods.

Maps

Train

Added Train to Competitive, Casual, and Deathmatch modes.

Community Maps

• Basalt and Edin added to Competitive, Casual, and Deathmatch modes.
• Palais and Whistle added to Wingman mode.
• Removed Thera, Mills, Assembly, and Memento from all game modes.

Map Fixes and Adjustments

Ancient

• Fixed lighting errors, collision gaps, bad wall bang spots, and a stuck spot.

Italy

• Fixed bad boost spots.

Mirage

• Fixed a pixel peek.

Overpass

• Removed water from B-site.
• Reworked Heaven drop-down mechanics.
• Performance improvements in canals and B-site.
• Enhanced visibility with object adjustments, prop exclusions, and additional lighting adjustments.

Shoots

• Improved performance in specific areas.