Counter-Strike has been a sought-after title for the first-person shooter genre for a long time. It has one of the most prestigious esports scenes with a massive prize pool and viewership. Despite the glory, the game has been dated with exclusive problems ruining the player experience. Hope for a change remains as leaks aired surrounding a potentially new Counter-Strike entry.
If the rumors are true, Counter-Strike 2 might become reality, but will need certain changes to succeed. There are elements that fans want to see in the Source 2 version that can be beneficial in the long run. Here are five features that the new Counter-Strike needs to be a big success.
5 important features that will help Counter-Strike 2 become the next big esports title
1) 128-tick servers
As of now, CS:GO official servers run on a 64-tick rate, which is not enough considering a game that requires high precision. A lower tick rate implies lower server responsiveness, which directly ties player’s experience. Issues regarding bad hit registry, choppy gameplay, and nade throw tie back to the servers used.
One of the reasons why hardcore veterans play on FACEIT is that it offers fluid 128-tick rate servers. Counter-Strike 2 should acknowledge the existing issue and come up with an answer. It should provide a 128-tick rate server or even better to be a worthy entry in the franchise.
2) Better anti-cheat system
The Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) system came out with CS:GO and it is outdated. The core design is to identify cheats that have been registered in its system. It can only detect a program that is directly influencing the game while it’s running. The title has to tackle numerous hackers daily and its anti-cheat is lacking in that regard.
Modern-day cheat detection software such as Riot’s Vanguard is much more reliable. It automatically detects any suspicious background program, showcasing its efficiency. Counter-Strike 2 should redesign its anti-cheat to counter modern-day hackers and scripters. This will improve the in-game experience that players would love to have.
3) More playable maps
For a game as old as CS:GO, there are limited maps that are chosen by players at a competitive level. There are only seven Active Duty maps that are recorded and the reason behind such a short number is connected to map design.
Counter-Strike 2 should feature more maps that are designed to be functional. It should house balance for both the terrorists and counter-terrorists to create an organic impact. There should be frequent rotation in the map pool to allow fans to try out something new.
4) Improved UI
Perhaps, the UI is somewhere that the Source 2 Counter-Strike can work on. Over the years CS:GO has witnessed quite a few interface changes but there is still a lot to work on. One of the major highlights in this regard is the replay controls in-game. It is not at all user-friendly and has a small box clustered with unnoticeable buttons.
The new game should make some desirable changes to amp up its UI design. Valve has already established Dota 2 on its new engine, which comes with a fantastic interface. It should use the existing knowledge to improve the user experience on the upcoming Counter-Strike game.
5) Regulate the skin market
Most of the CS:GO skin market is unchecked. People have created a lucrative business out of skin trading and gambling, which mostly flies under the radar. Counter-Strike’s loot-box system is designed like a spin-wheel game. Players spend money on keys in hopes to get pricier cosmetics that they can easily convert into real money.
Even gambling websites are out in the open with no age restrictions. In-game skins can be transferred to these third-party sites via bots, which can then be used for tournament bets.
Counter-Strike 2 needs to acknowledge the problem and regulate the market. Skins should be completely cosmetic and they should hold a fixed price tag. This way, they might lose some money but overall the title will be able to keep its nose clean.
