CS2 Receives New Update with Official Retake Mode
Valve released a comprehensive update for the popular shooter Counter-Strike 2. With this update, the long-awaited Retake mode was added to official matchmaking servers. Additionally, trade-up contracts were expanded to allow trading rare red (Covert) items for knives and gloves. These changes also impacted the game’s economy; many Covert items’ prices rose to several times their original value.
Retake Mode: Fast-Paced Action Returns
The update’s most notable feature is Retake mode. This classic mode offers a fast-paced experience in 4v3 post-plant scenarios. Each round, you select your loadout card, check the map to coordinate with your team, and use your limited resources wisely to defuse (or defend) the bomb. The mode supports Defusal Group Alpha and Defusal Group Delta maps.
Additionally, Molotov and smoke interaction logic was fixed for situations where multiple smokes are active. This will provide smoother gameplay, especially during intense firefights.
Map Updates and Optimizations
Maps also received Valve’s attention. Maps updated with the latest versions from Steam Community Workshop include:
- Golden, Palacio, and Rooftop: Latest versions loaded as specified in workshop notes, bringing visual and gameplay improvements.
- Inferno: Visibility adjusted at top of Quad and under Balcony. Performance increased through various optimizations.
Revolution in Trade-Up Contracts: Knives and Gloves Added
Trade-up contracts were one of the game’s most popular features and have now become even more powerful. With 5 Covert quality items, the following trades can be made:
- 5 StatTrak™ Covert items → One StatTrak™ knife (from the collection of one of the items provided).
- 5 regular Covert items → One regular knife or gloves (from the collection of one of the items provided). This expansion increased the value of rare items. Many Covert items in the market rose to several times their previous prices.
Other Improvements: A More Stable Experience
The update also brings several optimizations.
- Performance optimizations in the main menu and item inspect UI.
- Fixed inventory icons rendering in blurry state or not rendering.
- Prevented server-side sound events from triggering multiple times.
- Overall stability improvements. Valve doing things again.