CS:GO update adds major changes to three maps

Valve, the developer and publisher of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has released an update, which introduced some major changes to Train, Mirage and Dust II, which could have a significant impact on how the maps will be played, meaning it will also affect the competitive scene.

The recent CS:GO update, which went live this Wednesday, January 29, introduced several adjustments to Mirage, while also opening up skyboxes outside B-side on Dust II and near Ivy on Train map. The said changes might seem like nothing ground-breaking, yet there is already concern how will those effects the competitive play and how will it change the balance of power between T-Side and CT-Side on the said maps.

One of the most notable changes coming with the update is the opening of the skyboxes from B halls into B-site on Dust II. This change was previously speculated would find its way into the game, following the map rework back in October 2017. A similar change was implemented on Train, where the skybox over the building located between Ivy and A-site has also been opened up, meaning the T-side players now can throw grenades towards A-site. Train also received some minor bug fixes and visibility changes.

While both huge changes that will surely have an effect on how the maps will be played, it was Mirage that received the most adjustments which have been received with mixed feelings by the CS:GO community.

The most notable change implemented in Mirage is the addition of a small bench to the middle of the map, next to the Connector, which the players will be able to use to self-boost onto Window position, instead of using a teammate to boost them up. The said bench will also allow players to stand on it, thus getting a better view of the Catwalk. Furthermore, the T-side entrance into Mid has been widened, which will allow T-side more room for executing out. 

Adding to the said changes, the top of Mid has also been widened, the trim on the B-site Balcony has been lowered and a jump peek allowing players on B-site to see Catwalk has been completely blocked. Valve also added AWP wall bang spot from the Palace to the close corner of the Balcony. Lastly, spectator x-ray settings have been improved, adding the ability to draw outlines around dropped defuse kits and bombs.

All in all, the update is a positive one for CS:GO, as it adds some new elements to the map and allows for more diversity when players execute different parts of maps.

UPDATE RELEASE NOTES (1/29/2020):

MAPS

Cache:

– Various visibility improvements

– Optimizations

– Various minor bug fixes

– Updated radar

Studio:

– Fixed players not taking damage from bomb detonation

– Clipping improvements

– Improved visuals of CT / T streets

– Various minor bug fixes

Train:

– Opened up skybox over building separating Ivy/A site

– Various visibility improvements

– Various minor bug fixes

Dust2:

– Opened up skybox from B halls towards site

Mirage:

– Added AWP wallbang spot from Palace to scaffolding close corner, A site

– Added bench in Mid allowing jump up to window boost spot/peek towards Catwalk

– Widened T entrance to mid

– Lowered trim around B site Balcony

– Blocked a jump-peek from middle of B site towards Catwalk

MISCELLANEOUS

– Increased the size of HLTV broadcast server info message, controlled by a new setting “tv_broadcast_server_info_message_size_kb”.

– Added a setting spec_xray_dropped_defusers to show xray outlines on dropped defuse kits.

– Added a setting spec_xray_dropped_unoccluded to always xray dropped C4 and defuse kits.

– Game state integration now allows to control precision of reported floating point values using an additional configuration section:

“output”

{

“precision_time” “1”

“precision_position” “2”

“precision_vector” “2”

}