CS2 Patch Notes Archive
Complete history of Counter-Strike 2 updates and balance changes
Latest Update
Version 1.87
2025-02-20 • Mid-Season Balance Update
- Adjusted M4A4 recoil pattern for improved consistency
- AWP movement speed reduced by 5% to balance aggressive play
- Increased Deagle accuracy recovery time by 15ms
- Utility economy changes: Smoke grenade price increased to $600
- Fixed exploits on Inferno main area
Mid-Season Balance Update
2025-02-20
v1.87
- Adjusted M4A4 recoil pattern for improved consistency
- AWP movement speed reduced by 5% to balance aggressive play
- Increased Deagle accuracy recovery time by 15ms
- Utility economy changes: Smoke grenade price increased to $600
- Fixed exploits on Inferno main area
Anti-Cheat System Enhancement
2025-01-15
v1.86
- Improved detection algorithms for aim-assist cheats
- Reduced false-positive reports in VAC system
- Updated behavioral analysis for suspicious patterns
- Enhanced cooperation with third-party anti-cheat providers
Operation Shattered Web - Season 14
2024-12-10
v1.85
- New operation launched with 10 exclusive maps
- Operation Pass grants access to weekly missions
- New weapon cases featuring St. Marc community designs
- 4 new souvenir-eligible maps added
- Battle pass progression system refinement
Nuke Competitive Rework
2024-11-22
v1.84
- Reworked Upper site for better rotational play
- Adjusted lighting in trophy room area
- Added new exit route from Yard to Outside
- Rebalanced T-side timings across all positions
- Improved frame rates on lower-end systems by 8%
Ranking System Overhaul
2024-10-30
v1.83
- New rating system replaces ELO-based ranking
- Improved placement matches for new accounts
- Adjusted RR gain/loss calculations
- Rating decay now applies after 14 days of inactivity
- Enhanced leaderboard accuracy
Spray Control Standardization
2024-09-18
v1.82
- All rifle spray patterns standardized for consistency
- AK-47 and M4A1-S spray patterns simplified
- Recoil compensation improved with visual crosshair feedback
- New practice range features spray visualization
- Training room preset updated for spray drills
Mirage Quality of Life Update
2024-08-25
v1.81
- Improved textures and lighting throughout map
- A site plant box repositioned for better gameplay
- Reduced visibility issues around connector area
- Added new soundscapes for better audio cues
- Fixed floating debris in market area
Major UI Redesign
2024-07-12
v1.80
- Complete redesign of main menu interface
- New inventory system with better organization
- Improved notification system for events
- Dark mode optimization for OLED screens
- Accessibility improvements for colorblind players
Inferno Competitive Balance
2024-06-05
v1.79
- Adjusted bombsite timings and rotations
- New wallbang locations added for utility use
- Improved line-of-sight from A main to site
- B site CT positioning rebalanced
- Banana area reworked for better flow
Pistol Economy Adjustment
2024-05-18
v1.78
- Pistol round rewarded utility cost reduction
- Light armor price adjusted to $400
- P250 accuracy improved for anti-eco rounds
- Deagle price remains at $700 for consistency
- Post-plant utility economy refined
Vertigo Competitive Return
2024-04-22
v1.77
- Vertigo returned to competitive map pool
- Major visual overhaul with new atmosphere
- Simplified gameplay mechanics from previous iteration
- Enhanced performance optimization
- T-side pressure routes redesigned
Weapon Balance Pass
2024-03-30
v1.76
- Increased damage falloff for SMGs at range
- Improved magazine capacity for utility weapons
- Magazine size adjustments across rifle category
- Reduced recoil for shotguns in close range
- UMP-45 accuracy improved by 12%
Spring Offensive - New Case Drop
2024-03-01
v1.75
- New weapon case with 18 community designs
- Souvenir drops enabled for Major event
- Updated drop system for better rarity distribution
- Collection items refreshed with new themes
- Capsule system improvements for esports items
Cache Competitive Refinement
2024-02-10
v1.74
- Adjusted cache timings for T-side pressure
- New rotation options from B to A site
- Mid area visibility improvements
- Removed pixel-walk locations for consistency
- Improved frame rates in high-traffic areas
New Year Balance Update
2024-01-15
v1.73
- Headshot multiplier adjusted to 2.5x for precision
- Armor damage model improvements
- Full buy economy adjusted for round 4
- Force buy options expanded for teams
- Economic penalties for early rounds refined
Winter Event & Case Release
2023-12-20
v1.72
- Limited-time winter event with exclusive cosmetics
- Snowflake-themed weapon finishes
- Special holiday souvenir drops
- Winter sticker collection added
- Event-exclusive drops until January 10
Operation Shattered Web Extended
2023-11-25
v1.71
- Operation extended by 4 weeks due to popularity
- Additional missions for extended pass holders
- Increased XP rewards for veteran players
- New weekly challenges introduced
- Operation end date set for December 30
Major Utility Rebalance
2023-10-15
v1.70
- Smoke grenade spawn time reduced from 1.5s to 1.2s
- Molotov/Incendiary area of effect expanded by 15%
- Flash grenade blindness duration adjusted
- HE grenade damage falloff improved
- Combined utility purchase limits refined
CS2 Launch - Full Release
2023-09-30
v1.69
- Counter-Strike 2 officially launches as free-to-play
- Source 2 engine replaces Source engine completely
- All cosmetics migrated from CS:GO
- New ranking system replaces old skill groups
- Subtick servers replace tick-based system
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does CS2 receive updates?
CS2 typically receives balance updates every 2-4 weeks, with larger content updates once per month. Critical bug fixes and hotfixes are deployed as needed.
Where can I find official patch notes?
Official CS2 patch notes are posted on the Counter-Strike blog at counter-strike.net and in-game via the main menu. You can also follow the official CS2 social media accounts for announcements.
How are balance changes decided?
Valve uses data from millions of matches, professional esports feedback, and community testing to inform balance decisions. Major changes are often tested on experimental servers first.
What's the difference between balance patches and content updates?
Balance patches adjust weapon stats, economy, or map design. Content updates add new items, cases, operations, or major features. Both types are essential for keeping CS2 fresh.
Are patch notes retroactive to demos?
No, existing demos use their original patch version. New demos recorded after a patch will reflect the changes. Competitive demos are stored server-side with their patch version.