Counter-Strike 2: Year in Review 2024. Key Updates and Pro Scene Highlights of 2024.
The first full year with the new version of the game is drawing to a close, making it the perfect time to recap. 2024 brought significant changes, and unlike the sentiment at the end of 2023, nostalgia for CS:GO has largely faded. Some argue that VALVE left players with no choice but to embrace CS2, while others commend the game’s evolution into a polished state. This article reflects on the most pivotal events and developer updates that shaped 2024.
Game Updates: What Does CS2 Look Like After a Year?
At the start of 2024, the game’s state wasn’t much better than at its launch. Bugs persisted, shooting mechanics felt random, and both pro players and casual users constantly tinkered with settings in search of stability. Among the most memorable issues was the infamous “Michael Jackson Peek,” which became a widespread meme. VALVE had reworked player model realism, especially leg movements, leading to some bizarre strafing animations that induced more laughter than frustration. While this problem was addressed over time, it wasn’t until autumn that the movement system was fully refined to resemble the fluidity of CS:GO.
Alongside these movement fixes, the developers released updates improving shooting mechanics. A new hit registration system was introduced, though it initially had an amusing bug where headshot victims would fall and then immediately stand back up, alive. Fortunately, this was swiftly resolved, and shooting now feels more precise and reliable.
Why Were Binds Removed? The Year’s Biggest Loss
In summer, Razer introduced Snap Tap-enabled keyboards, which quickly gained traction among professional players. This feature enhanced precision and responsiveness, subtly aiding shooting mechanics. Enthusiasts devised bind-based solutions to replicate the functionality, prompting VALVE to ban not only this specific command but also custom additional settings altogether.
The removal of the jump-throw bind was a particularly bitter blow. Less experienced players and even pros began misplacing grenades more frequently, often influencing the outcome of rounds.
Return of Legends: Is the Map Pool Near Perfection?
In spring, after the first CS2 Major, the developers reintroduced the beloved Dust2 and removed Overpass. The decision sparked mixed reactions. While Overpass was popular, many had anticipated Vertigo’s departure. Instead, Vertigo received yet another overhaul.
Throughout the year, influencers criticized VALVE’s decision, and pro players largely ignored Vertigo. However, the community was given hope in autumn with the return of the legendary Train and a revamped Overpass, now free of FPS issues caused by water areas. As a result, fans eagerly anticipate further map pool changes, including the possibility of adding and removing two maps at once or even expanding the pool to nine maps.
Economy Adjustments: Striving for Balance
This year saw significant efforts to improve balance, with developers aiming for a more dynamic CS experience rather than dominance by one side. For instance, Dust2 introduced a self-boost option for CTs to reach short, simplifying Counter-Terrorist gameplay.
To address the advantage of attacking, T-side teams now receive $600 instead of $800 for planting the bomb. Meanwhile, incendiary grenades and the M4A4 became $100 cheaper for CTs, leveling the playing field. Nearly all maps now show balanced win rates for both sides—a noteworthy achievement for the developers.
How Was the Year for the Pro Scene?
In 2024, we witnessed two Majors. Alongside traditional ESL and BLAST events, new tournament operators emerged. This change stemmed from VALVE’s ranking system, which determines invitations based on accumulated points. The more a team competes, the more points it earns, encouraging participation in various tournaments.
Although the system will be fully implemented in 2025, peculiarities are already apparent. For instance, the star-studded women’s team Imperial currently qualifies for IEM Katowice 2025 and BLAST Bounty. While the idea is intriguing, we’ll see how it unfolds in practice.
donk, m0NESY, ZywOo: A Fierce Rivalry
From the outset of 2024, the rivalry among donk, m0NESY, and ZywOo dominated discussions. Each of these players delivered outstanding performances, clinched victories at Tier-1 events, and earned multiple MVP awards. Such a competitive battle for the top spot hasn’t been seen since 2018, when s1mple and ZywOo vied for the throne. All eyes now turn to the HLTV Awards.
As for teams, NAVI and Team Spirit—the Major champions—deserve recognition for their stellar seasons. G2 also made a strong showing, currently holding the #1 spot in both VALVE and HLTV rankings.
The year ends with a flurry of transfer rumors, making early 2025 already look exciting.
Steam Updates, Skins, and the Long-Awaited Operation
With CS2’s release, players eagerly awaited an event from VALVE, as there hadn’t been one in over two years. In autumn, the Arsenal update finally arrived, introducing over 100 new skins, charms, and passes. The community enthusiastically dove in, though the excitement waned due to the lack of additional content. Progression now requires grinding official servers, as stars can no longer be purchased.
The update also brought two new cases and a new knife type—the Kukri. Additionally, cases introduced a rental feature, allowing players to rent all items (except knives and gloves) for seven days instead of outright opening them.
The most significant market impact came from the seven-day trade ban on new items, leaving players guessing their true value. This change, combined with a ten-day invisibility period for new skins in inventories, initially disrupted trading. However, the community quickly adapted, with most users barely noticing the difference.
Sticker customization also saw a revolution. Players can now adjust sticker placement, tilt, and utilize a fifth slot, sparking a trend of unique sticker crafts that have diversified skin appearances.
Reflecting on all these changes, 2024 was undeniably a packed year for CS2. Developers experimented extensively, fixing issues on the fly, which, while sometimes disruptive, enabled the addition of numerous features. We hope this “testing” year sets the stage for even more exciting updates and refinements in the future.
