CS2 Leak Hints at Valorant-Inspired Changes
| Tags: CS2
| Author The News One
Latest leaks suggest that CS2 is about to imitate Valorant in some capacity
Recent findings by dataminers point to a substantial modification in CS2's most recent update, suggesting a shift back to Counter-Strike's fundamental essence with the introduction of MR12 matches in competitive play, mirroring the approach seen in Valorant.
MR12 or MR15? What’s The Ideal Match Length?
Image credit: Valve
Counter-Strike players have grown accustomed to CSGO and the MR15 match length for over ten years. The first team to reach 15 points places their adversaries on the edge of defeat and ensures at least overtime if the score reaches 15-15. Reaching the 16-point threshold signifies a decisive victory.
Look I'm not saying mr15 is bad, nor am I saying mr12 is the best.
We have a problem with CS:GO maps lasting too long, and the absolute worst part is most don't seem to have a clue about why that's even remotely an issue…
The solution? Let's figure that out together
— Jacob “Pimp” Winneche (@PimpCS2) July 10, 2021
Players have long debated the duration of matches. Some advocate for combining MR15 with shorter round times, whereas others have clamored for MR12, where securing 13 rounds is necessary for victory, reminiscent of the early days of 1.6.
The introduction of the MR12 system in Valorant by Riot Games has received substantial acclaim, particularly in competitive gaming and esports circles. This has led to speculation that CS2 could potentially take a similar route.
The mid-2020 launch of Valorant introduced the modern player base to the 13-points-wins model, a structure that has a longer history than even the origins of CSGO. Dating back to the 2004 Electronic Sports World Cup, when Counter-Strike 1.6 was the focal point, MR12 was the standard until Valve's subsequent transition to MR15.
While there was a learning curve involved, players have grown to appreciate the format, which could be seen as more user-friendly both for players and those watching. A significant contributing factor to its success lies in Riot Games' unique weapon economy design. Transforming ranked matches into an MR12 structure while keeping CSGO's existing economic system intact would represent a significant shift in gameplay strategy, potentially magnifying the significance of pistol rounds and demanding an adjustment period.
Is CS2 About To Adopt MR12 Like Valorant?
While the C2 limited beta test continues to be a select group, dataminers have managed to gain access to the August 15 update and explore its underlying details.
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
A dependable source, Aquaris (AquaIsMissing), has reported that Valve is making alterations to CS2‘s Competitive and Premier matches, making them adopt a first-to-13 format. This change also means an end to shorter competitive matches, which used to finish within a maximum of 16 rounds, requiring a team to reach nine rounds first for victory.
Adopting MR12 would represent a slight deviation from the norm that players and fans have become accustomed to throughout the past ten years of CSGO. The success of Valorant's adoption of this path, however, has laid the groundwork for an alternative course.
The leaked details have brought to light the introduction of overtime rounds into ranked matches, a feature that was formerly exclusive to matches played on third-party servers like those hosted by FACEIT or ESEA.
In these overtime rounds, participants will take part in a single overtime period utilizing the classic MR3 format—consisting of three rounds per side, with the team that secures four victories first claiming the win. In the event of a continued tie, the match will conclude with a draw.
The leaks also suggest that overtime will be limited to the upcoming Premier Competitive matchmaking mode, coupled with extended freeze times and the allocation of four 30-second timeouts for teams.
Valve has chosen not to comment on these leaks publicly, leaving us without official confirmation. The idea that a new CS Competitive format is being considered is rather surprising, given the enduring success of CSGO. Until Valve decides to share the changes officially or until we have an opportunity to test the new mode ourselves—possibly sooner than expected—we're left with speculation and uncertainty.