FPS fans rejoice – the next iteration of the highly popular Counter-Strike series has finally been announced. Releasing as a free and game-changing update for CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 will make a series of improvements and upgrades to the game, affecting everything from gameplay and custom maps to better visuals and audio.
Valve has showcased some of the new features that will be introduced, and while more changes are yet to be announced, there are already plenty of things for players to get stuck into on the newly released limited test. Here are all the things that Counter-Strike 2 changes from the base game.
8 Reworked Sounds
Anyone that has played CS:GO knows that audio can come in clutch. Hearing a soft footstep can give away someone’s position, and falsley defusing a bomb to lure defenders out of their hiding spots is a popular and often rewarding tactic.
Counter-Strike 2 doubles down on the importance of audio, with more distinct and balanced sounds introduced to elevate the tactical nature of the gameplay. The sounds have also been redesigned to better reflect the environment around the player, making for a more immersive and captivating experience.
7 Overhauled UI
CS:GO has been around for over a decade, and despite various updates to the UI over the years, it’s beginning to show its age. Counter-Strike 2 makes a bunch of new enhancements, with a fresh and polished UI for players to dive right into.
These changes not only look cleaner and more defined than previous versions, but also communicate critical game state info. With the updated system, players are more aware than ever of how the round is progressing.
6 Better-Looking Maps
All the CS:GO maps have been given some much-needed TLC to improve their appearance in Counter-Strike 2. There are three main categories that maps are classed under, with each category reflecting a different level of modification.
‘Touchstone’ maps (like Dust II) have only had a few changes, with small improvements to lighting and character read. ‘Upgrade’ maps (such as Nuke) have had major enhancements to their visuals. Finally, ‘Overhaul’ maps (such as Overpass) have been recreated from the ground up in Source 2. Players will now be able to appreciate the heightened beauty of all these maps.
5 Upgraded VFX
Alongside the nicer-looking maps, visual effects have also received a boost in Counter-Strike 2. Explosions, fire, smoke, muzzle flashes, blood spatters, water, and more have received upgrades, making the game more vibrant and colorful than ever.
The new VFX also adds to the gameplay, allowing players to better distinguish when their shots have landed, and determine where gunfire came from thanks to directional blood impacts on the floor and ground. This adds a whole new way to gather critical information, and while these new VFX may only be a minor inclusion, it adds another interesting layer to Counter-Strike‘s skill-based combat.
4 Better Skins
Valve is letting players carry over their entire CS:GO inventory into the new game, which will likely come as a relief to those who have valuable skins. Not only will these cosmetics be available to use in Counter-Strike 2, but they will also benefit from Source 2’s improved lighting and materials.
This means that many iconic items will look even better, especially as CS:GO’s weapons have been replaced with higher-resolution models. The visual upgrades to older skins, and the likely influx of new cosmetics after Counter-Strike 2 releases, will no doubt lead to a new golden age for skin trading and case openings.
Many of the best maps in CS:GO were designed by the community or members of the original Half-Life mod team. Following this tradition, Valve has decided to release Source 2 tools to players, making it far easier for them to design and create their own Counter-Strike maps.
This will no doubt help build a thriving community centered around creating custom maps and testing them out. Players should also expect more unconventional types of maps, such as aim practice, surfing, or 1v1 arenas, to make a return with these helpful new tools.
2 Better Tick Rate
A feature that has long been on the community’s wish list, Counter-Strike servers will now introduce an update to remove the tick system. Previously, time was only judged in short intervals called ticks, with nothing in-between registering until the next tick. This meant there were often a couple of milliseconds of delay in the game responding to inputs.
Now, Counter-Strike has overhauled the system, allowing the game to respond the exact moment it receives an input. This will more accurately follow the player’s movement and shooting, as well as making special maneuvers like bunny hopping easier and more consistent to pull off.
1 New Smoke Tactics
The most dramatic improvement announced so far, Counter-Strike 2’s new smokes are truly game-changing. Smoke grenades will now dynamically fill up the space they are in, and appear the same way for everyone, effectively removing exploitative one-way smokes from the game.
Smoke will be affected by lighting, and can be dispersed to create gaps of visibility by firing through the smoke or detonating a grenade. This adds a whole new tactical dimension to the game, as players will be able to interact with the smoke and use it to their advantage on both the offense and defense. Players should be ready for some cunning new plays with this revolutionary new feature.
Counter-Strike 2 is releasing summer 2023 for Windows.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
