Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test Update Reveals Major Changes to Ranked CS2
The recent update to Counter-Strike 2’s limited test on August 15th brought more than just a map rework and smoke updates. Backend leaks have revealed significant changes to the ranked system in CS2, giving it a format that may seem familiar to VALORANT fans.
Reputable CS2 leaker, Aquarius, revealed the backend changes shortly after Valve’s update went live. The Competitive and private matchmaking modes were unexpectedly switched off for the first time since the limited test began. One notable change is the update to the “mp_maxrounds” value, which historically has always been set to 30 for Competitive matches. It appears that this value has now been updated to 24, commonly known as “MR12.”
We can’t be certain if this change will stick since Competitive is currently switched off for the limited test. However, this is a massive change for CS, as it has run at MR15 for well over a decade.
VALORANT’s Influence on the New CS2 Format
VALORANT’s launch in mid-2020 introduced the first-to-13 format, which has been around even longer than CS:GO. The final event to feature MR12 was the 2004 Electronic Sports World Cup, played on Counter-Strike 1.6. Valve then switched to MR15.
While it took some time to adjust to, players have grown to appreciate the first-to-13 format as it is more enjoyable for both players and viewers. However, changing ranked matches to an MR12 format while keeping CS:GO’s current economy system will require players to adapt to new strategies, particularly with pistol rounds.
As always, CS:GO players are known for their stubbornness when it comes to change. Many have expressed their dislike for the plan to switch to a shorter format without even trying it themselves.
Overtime Rounds and Changes to Competitive Matchmaking
The leaks also revealed the introduction of overtime rounds to ranked matches, a feature currently only available on third-party servers like FACEIT or ESEA. Competitors will play a single overtime in the MR3 format, with the first team to win four rounds declared the winner. If the match is still tied, it will end in a draw.
Overtime rounds will only be available in the new Premier Competitive matchmaking mode. This mode will also have longer freeze times and four 30-second timeouts for teams, as reported in the leaks. The shorter MR9 format from Operation Riptide seems to be losing popularity.
Although Valve has not publicly addressed these leaks, the idea of a new CS Competitive format being considered after the success of CS:GO is surprising. We’ll have to wait for Valve to confirm these changes or try the new mode ourselves, which may happen sooner than we expect.
Counter-Strike 2, CS2, VALORANT, ranked, matchmaking, MR12 format, overtime rounds, Premier Competitive, CS:GO economy system, pistol rounds