Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has released its highly anticipated update, packed with new features that players have been eagerly awaiting.

At the heart of this update is the introduction of the Armory Pass, offering a variety of new skins, collections, keychains, and more. Whether you’re a casual player or deeply invested in the competitive scene, this update brings an array of exciting content for every kind of player. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Armory update and how you can take full advantage of it.

Introducing the Armory Pass: Levels and Unlockable Content

Priced at $15.99, the Armory Pass is the highlight of the update, providing players with tokens and rewards upon purchase. Operating on a level-up system, players earn Armory credits by gaining experience points (XP) through gameplay.

Players can accumulate up to 40 stars per pass, with the option to level up five passes at once. However, a Prime account is required to buy the pass, and stars cannot be purchased separately—they must be earned. It’s important to note that only standard Valve modes, such as Matchmaking and Deathmatch, contribute toward XP; third-party matches on Faceit won’t count towards progression in the Armory Pass.

Exclusive Skins, Keychains, and Collections

The Armory Pass is packed with cosmetics, including skins, keychains, and themed collections. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Limited Edition Skins: The standout item is the limited edition “Heat Treated” Desert Eagle skin, priced at 25 stars. Its stunning blue flame design is sure to become a sought-after cosmetic among skin collectors.
  • Keychains (Charms): One of the most anticipated additions is keychains, also known as charms. These customizable items can be attached to weapons, adding a personal flair to your setup. Players can detach and reattach keychains up to three times, allowing flexibility in customizing weapon aesthetics.
  • Collections and Cases: A variety of collections are available, including the highly-discussed Overpass Collection, fueling speculation about Overpass’s return to the competitive map pool. Each collection costs four stars, while cases are priced at two stars but still require keys to open.

The Overpass Collection and Map Speculation

One of the most buzzed-about features in the Armory Pass is the Overpass Collection, which includes skins such as the MP5 “Neon Squeezer” and M4A1-S “Tilted Eagle.” Many players are speculating that this indicates a potential return of Overpass to the active duty map pool in a future update. Overpass has recently undergone a redesign in CS2, with refreshed graffiti and textures reminiscent of its classic version, further hinting at its comeback.

Game Fixes and Quality of Life Improvements

Alongside the cosmetic additions, this update addresses several bugs and issues within the game, enhancing overall player experience:

  • Player Models and Animation Fixes: Valve has corrected a visual bug that caused player models’ legs to appear misaligned during crouching or walking, providing a smoother gameplay experience.
  • Ragdoll Physics Improvements: The infamous ragdoll “splitting” bug, particularly noticeable with the Twist leg glitch, has been fixed, ensuring more seamless animations when characters fall or die in-game.
  • Map Adjustments: Notable changes were made to maps like Anubis and Nuke. For example, Anubis’s mid-door pixel boost has been adjusted, and the notorious “cheetah wall” glitch in the cave has been patched, leveling the playing field.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for CS2?

With this substantial update, Valve has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing both the gameplay experience and the visual appeal of CS2. The introduction of keychains, Overpass-themed skins, and the Armory Pass guarantees that players have plenty to keep them engaged in the coming months. Players and fans alike are eagerly awaiting future updates to see what’s next for Counter-Strike 2.