What is Source 2 and How Will It Impact CS:GO?

If you have no idea about the improvements associated with the release of Source 2, as well as the fate of your skins and achievements, this article is for you.

What is Source 2 and How Will It Impact CS:GO? (Credit: Steam)
By Karthik Raman | Aug 1, 2023 | 4 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Looking forward to diving into CS:GO on Source 2? We are also looking forward to this. However, what do you know about the changes that are inevitable with Source 2? If you have no idea about the improvements associated with the release of Source 2, as well as the fate of your skins and achievements, this article is for you.

What is Source 2?

The CS:GO video game is based on the Source engine from Valve, which was presented in 2004. This engine is used in Half-Life, CS Source, and CS:GO games, but it is outdated.

In 2015, the company announced the release of Source 2, an improved version of the engine. After this release, the company upgraded MOBA, so such a popular video game as Dota 2 uses Source 2. CS:GO fans have been waiting for a long time for the shooter to switch to an improved engine, and now is the time to find out about specific changes.

Features of Source 2

CS:GO on Source 2 engine uses all the features and tools of this product. The company improved the game’s classic maps, changed some levels, and added better lighting, reflections, and physics.

Enhanced Graphics

Players with high-end PCs will immediately experience a visual improvement in CS:GO on Source 2. The experiment of integrating CS:GO maps and weapons into the Half-Life Alyx shooter, which runs on the Source 2 engine, has shown significant improvements in lighting and shadows. Therefore, we can assume that the skins of weapons and agents will look much better in Source 2.

Improved Physics

Source 2 is an opportunity to feel an even greater reality in Counter-Strike. One of the improvements is the better use of smoke grenades. On the new engine, smoke grenades create a realistic 3d cloud that perfectly passes bullets and allows players to track the results of hitting opponents. In addition, grenade throws will be more accurate. Enhanced accuracy is to be expected for throws over 20 meters. Moreover, players will see the same smoke regardless of position and location.

Better Audio Quality

Sounds in Counter-Strike 2 were completely re-recorded to better match the physical environment, be more expressive and convey more information about the situation around the player.

More Efficient Performance

Valve has made a sub-tick update architecture, which means that the tick rate does not affect moving, shooting, or throwing. With the new update, servers understand the exact moment when a player’s movement or shot starts. The performance will improve, as the tick rate no longer affects the accuracy of maneuvers performed.

How will Source 2 Impact CS:GO?

The transition of CS:GO to the Source 2 engine is expected to improve the shooter in many ways. It is worth recognizing that the current version has areas that need improvement. Developers work more efficiently with a responsive product than with legacy code. Players will get a better gaming experience, but it’s still worth putting in a lot of effort.

Potential Challenges and Issues

Since the transition to a new engine is a complex process, minor issues are not ruled out. Players will experience a completely new experience with in-game items and maps, as well as new visual and audio effects.

Community Response

CS:GO players have been looking forward to the release of the shooter on Source 2 for a long time, as this will reduce the cases of cheating and bugs in the game. Players with the recommended system requirements should not worry about performance degradation. Moreover, the community is looking forward to the release of new CS:GO Source 2 cases.

Compatibility with Older Systems

The experience of using inventory items is expected to improve. In the inventory, of course, all skins, stickers, and player models will be saved. Skins will likely look different depending on the lighting. However, as the experience of Dota 2 has shown, the appearance will only improve.

Technical Issues

Improvement of the graphics in the game will occur due to the increase in detail, in particular the rendering of textures, improved lighting, etc. Most likely, the innovations will lead to a decrease in performance for players with a weak PC and an increase in the minimum system requirements for CS:GO on Source 2. However, we can assume the requirements for CS:GO on the new engine based on the requirements for Dota 2 on Source 2:

  • OS: Windows 7 or later.
  • Processor: 2.80 GHz dual-core processor from Intel or AMD.
  • RAM: 4 GB RAM.
  • Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 8600/9600GT, ATI/AMD Radeon HD2600/3600.
  • DirectX: version 11.

Bugs and Glitches

The release of the shooter on the new engine is designed to eliminate all existing bugs. Moreover, developers will be able to quickly and efficiently respond to player complaints and fix bugs. However, at the beginning of the launch of CS:GO on Source 2, bugs are not ruled out. 

Wrapping It Up 

The new graphics engine will strengthen Counter-Strike’s position in the competitive shooter market. With it, the game can be modernized and at the same time retain all its main advantages.