Major CS2 gameplay update could change how gunplay works

When it comes to most shooter games, including CS2, the reload mechanic has been, as some would say, more casual. Some others would even call it unrealistic. With the latest update, Valve has changed that and it could greatly affect how and when players reload their weapons, potentially adding more intensity to matches.

Through its community page on Steam, Valve announced a few updates and changes for CS2. Key among them was changes to reload. Typically, when you reload in CS2, or most other shooters, the leftover ammo in the magazine is added back to the inventory. Meaning, with an AK-47 with 30 rounds in a magazine, reloading after firing five shots would return the remaining 25 to the supply with the next magazine essentially topping off the clip. Of course, your overall ammo count still drops by the number of bullets shot. With the new update, however, players will lose those 25 rounds and get a fresh 30 round magazine, more realistically depleting their total supply.

This could significantly change how players reload during matches. The idea is to have a full magazine at all times so most shooter players instinctively reload even after firing a single shot. With the fear of losing the remaining rounds in the magazine, players will have to retrain themselves and be more considerate with their reloads. It would require more planning when reloading and when purchasing ammunition, as well as closely monitoring supply.

Along with this change to reloading weapons, Valve also announced map guides being enabled during the first five rounds of the half, in competitive matches. For custom games, friends can now join in through the Friends list. Those who create their own custom games can turn on “Open Party” in the Play menu to allow their friends to easily join in.