The update on August 15th for the Counter-Strike 2 limited test brought more than just changes to a map and the way smoke works. Leaks from the game’s backend showed significant alterations to how ranked CS2 might function once the full sequel is released. Fans of VALORANT might find the new format quite familiar.
Also Read: Valorant vs Counter-Strike: The Battle for Supremacy
A reliable source for CS2 leaks, Aquarius, revealed these backend changes shortly after Valve’s update went live. In a surprising move, Competitive and private matchmaking were disabled for the first time during the ongoing CS2 limited test. Additionally, a significant change has been spotted in the “mp_maxrounds” value, usually set at 30 for Competitive mode, which now appears to be lowered to 24, referred to as “MR12.”
Subtle, but significant Matchmaking changes in the latest Counter-Strike 2 update:
– From now on Competitive is first to 13 rounds (including Premier)
– Seems like the devs are getting rid of Short Competitive
– Premier matches will have 20s freezetimes, 1 overtime (the game… pic.twitter.com/8iP6jb4tHO— Aquarius (@aquaismissing) August 16, 2023
We’re unsure if this change will be permanent, especially as Competitive mode is currently disabled for the limited test. However, it’s a significant shift for Counter-Strike (CS) because it has been using the MR15 format for over a decade.
Potential Changes to CS:GO’s Format and Overtime Rules – Leaks Spark Discussion
When VALORANT came out in 2020, it introduced a format where the team winning 13 rounds first would win the game. This format has been around for longer than even CS:GO, which is another popular shooting game. In 2004, the Electronic Sports World Cup used MR12 in Counter-Strike 1.6, and then Valve changed it to MR15.
It took a while for players to get used to the new format, but many players and viewers like it because it’s easier to understand and watch. However, this format works well partly because of how Riot Games designed the in-game economy. If CS:GO changes to MR12 but keeps its current economy system, it would be a big shift, affecting things like the importance of the starting rounds. It will take time for players to adjust to this change.
CS:GO players are known for being resistant to changes, so there might be some resistance to this new format even before trying it out.
The leaks also showed that ranked matches might have overtime rounds. This is a feature usually seen in matches played on special servers from third-party companies like FACEIT or ESEA. In these overtime rounds, teams play three rounds on each side (a total of six rounds), and the first team to win four of those rounds wins. If the game is still tied after these overtime rounds, it will end in a draw.
This overtime feature seems to be only for the new Premier Competitive matchmaking mode. In this mode, teams will have longer breaks between rounds and more timeouts according to the leaks. The Short Competitive mode, introduced with Operation Riptide in September 2021, might not be used anymore.
Nothing is confirmed yet because Valve, the company behind CS:GO, hasn’t talked about these leaks officially. The idea of changing the competitive format in CS:GO was surprising since the game has been successful for many years.
We won’t be sure about these changes until Valve tells us directly or until we get to try out the new mode ourselves. This might happen sooner than we expect.
