Train Added to CS2! Overview of Major Update in Counter-Strike 2
On the night of November 14, VALVE released a surprise update with loads of exciting new content. Most notably, without teasing the community, they finally brought the iconic Train map back to the game. But they didn’t stop there, delighting players with several new features. Of course, there are a few bugs, but lately, the developers have been addressing issues quickly, so let’s focus on the key updates.
Changes to Maps in Competitive Modes
Thera, Mills, Assemble, and Memento, which were introduced in the summer of 2024, have been removed from all game modes. Replacing them are four new community maps: Basalt, Edin, Palais, and Whistle. Palais and Whistle are available only in Wingman mode, while Basalt and Edin are accessible in Competitive, Casual, and Deathmatch. This rotation encourages map creators to keep refining their products, and perhaps one of these maps will find a place in future tournaments.
Turning to competitive Counter-Strike, Overpass has returned to most game modes, although it’s not fully back in the active duty map pool yet. The developers modified the water areas on Overpass, which had previously caused FPS drops and crashes for many players. The familiar Overpass looks slightly duller now, but it has resolved frame rate issues. Minor adjustments were also made to the A site and the pathway to B through heaven.
New Damage Prediction Settings
This feature visually indicates whether your shot hit the target. After testing, here’s what we found:
- All Indicators Enabled: Shows a visual hit registration effect. For example, you fire a Glock-18 at an opponent’s head and believe you dealt 90 damage, but the server didn’t register it. With this option, you’ll know if you hit or not by observing the opponent’s model jerk.
- All Indicators Disabled: Disables visual hit registration. For instance, you believe you hit the head, but your opponent appears untouched. You’ll lack feedback to know if you missed or just dealt insufficient damage.
This feature is likely to undergo further tweaks, as players are experiencing some visual glitches, such as opponent models falling as if they were headshot, only to stand back up.
The Long-Awaited Train Map Overview
The biggest highlight is the return of Train, missing for nearly three years. While some parts of Train appeared in CS2 trailers, the version released today has significant changes.
Visual Enhancements
Train’s outdoor areas now feature rain, a visual upgrade many were hoping to see with the switch to Source 2. Rain effects, drops, and smudges on weapons, hands, and player models bring a AAA-level immersion even at medium settings. Despite the rain and animated trains, VALVE optimized the map so well that FPS performance is stable.
Developer Easter Eggs
VALVE generated excitement by leaving hints in social media posts leading up to Train’s release. Within hours, players found graffiti, posters, and references, including lyrics from the iconic Soviet rock band “Kino.” The map lore is rooted in the Soviet era, and the detailed references create a uniquely immersive experience.
The main Easter egg catching players’ attention is a track map showing train stops:
- Shoreline: Likely a nod to the classic Lake map or even the beloved 1.6 map Tuscan.
- Castle: Most likely Cobblestone, which the community has long awaited, especially with the snow-themed version leaks.
- Warehouse: Presumably the Assault map, a fan-favorite on casual servers.
- Bank: A map featured in one of CS
’s operations.
Potential Pet Feature Hint
Another notable Easter egg includes missing chicken posters, with a reward offered for finding them. In the game files, there’s a “m_iPetPopulation” parameter, hinting at possible chicken customizations. Maybe it’s a nod to holiday outfits for chickens or even a new in-game pet item.
Gameplay Changes on Train
Some of the changes to Train will significantly impact gameplay. Notably, both bomb sites are more open, with certain train cars removed. This adjustment supports easier site entry for terrorists but also makes post-plant situations more challenging to hold.
The “Up/Down” position has been revamped. Now, players in B-house can access A-site via a corridor controlled by defenders. This is an innovative change, though its competitive impact remains to be seen.
Another prominent change is the upper scaffold on B-site, making it harder for defenders to monitor terrorist advances. Additionally, Heaven on A has been removed entirely, simplifying A-site retakes but eliminating a hiding spot for attackers.
Additional Updates
VALVE updated radar settings, allowing players to adjust overlay transparency. Training mode now includes grenade-throwing guides, which display axis lines and points for precise line-ups.
This update has introduced a wave of changes to Counter-Strike 2, with a balance of nostalgia and innovation that is sure to keep the community engaged.
