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Counter-Strike has always been about fine margins, strategy, and the interplay between the two sides: Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. With the transition from CS:GO to CS2, Valve introduced several tweaks to the gameplay. Among them, a seemingly subtle change to the HE grenades has caught the attention of professionals. This tweak, according to Fredrik “REZ” Sterner of Ninjas in Pyjamas, may disadvantage the CT side.
The Sound Cue Problem in CS2
In CS2, a distinct sound cue emerges whenever a HE grenade detonates near a player, causing damage. This was different in CS:GO, where the sound was only triggered if the grenade directly hit the player. As per REZ, this small alteration can be a game-changer, particularly favoring the Terrorist side.
In a recent tweet, REZ expressed his concerns, stating, “Not a fan of being able to clear positions with HE’s sound queue. A lot of aggressive spots you take as CT are gonna be extremely risky, since one nade will expose you.”
Despite being on the defensive side, CTs can’t simply bunker down in bomb sites. They often push out to control parts of the map, limiting the Terrorist’s freedom of movement. The sound cue from the HE grenade can change this dynamic. Consider a situation where CTs control a key position like the Secret on Nuke. Instead of meticulously checking every corner, Terrorists can throw a few HE grenades. They immediately gain information on CT positions if they hear the damage sound.
This could force the CTs to change their positions abruptly or face a coordinated attack from the Terrorists.
Adapting to New Mechanics
The HE grenade isn’t the only change in CS2. Other adjustments have also been introduced, like the revamped smoke grenades and an expanded C4 blast radius. As the pros transition from CS: GO to CS2, evident during the IEM Sydney matches, it’s clear that adapting to these changes will be key in shaping the game’s competitive landscape.
Check out more of our CS2 coverage by reading articles like How To See The Damage Dealt in Counter-Strike 2, How to Show FPS in CS2, and The Best CS2 Crosshair Codes.