CS2’s New Armory Pass: What You Need to Know
The long-awaited CS2 update is here after a three-week hiatus, and it’s packed with exciting features.
The highlight of this update is the introduction of a new Armory Pass, bringing in new skins, collections, keychains, and more. This update is a game-changer for both casual and competitive players looking to dive deep into the aesthetics of CS2. For those curious about the latest features and how to maximize their in-game experience, this is everything you need to know about the new CS2 Armory update.
New Armory Pass: Levels and Rewards
The CS2 Armory Pass is the centerpiece of the update, priced at $15.99. Once purchased, players will have access to tokens and unlockables. The Armory Pass operates on a level-up system, where players can earn Armory credits by playing and gaining XP.
Players can earn up to 40 stars in one pass, and the system allows up to five passes to be leveled up simultaneously. However, you’ll need a Prime account to buy the pass, and you cannot purchase stars – they must be earned through gameplay.
Unlike other passes, you must play Valve modes like Matchmaking and Deathmatch to progress. Faceit matches won’t count toward your XP accumulation, making it necessary to engage in standard game modes to maximize the Armory Pass rewards. For more details about Prime accounts, check here.
The Armory Pass Features: Skins, Keychains, and Collections
One of the most enticing features of the Armory Pass is the selection of skins, keychains, and collections available for purchase with earned stars. Here’s a breakdown:
Limited Edition Skins: The highlight of the Armory Pass is the limited edition Desert Eagle skin, “Heat Treated,” costing 25 stars. This Deagle boasts stunning blue flame accents, making it a must-have for any CS2 skin enthusiast.
Keychains (Charms): A highly anticipated addition, keychains have made their way into the game. These small, customizable charms can be attached to your weapons, adding a personal touch to your loadout. They come with three detachments, allowing you to remove and reattach them as you see fit. You can preview and position these keychains on your weapons.
Collections and Cases: There are several collections available in this update, including the much-discussed Overpass Collection, which has led to speculation about Overpass returning to active duty. Collections cost four stars each, while cases, requiring two stars, still need a key purchase to open.
Overpass Collection: Is the Map Coming Back?
The Overpass Collection is one of the most talked-about additions in the Armory Pass. With skins like the MP5 "Neon Squeezer" and M4A1-S "Tilted Eagle," it’s clear that the Overpass theme has inspired several weapon designs. This has led many players to speculate whether Overpass is being reintroduced to the active duty map pool in a future update.
The Overpass map was recently redesigned for CS2, featuring classic graffiti designs and vibrant textures reminiscent of older versions. Players are excited at the prospect of seeing this legendary map return to competitive play.
CS2 Game Fixes and Improvements
While the Armory Pass stole the spotlight, the update also addressed several game fixes and quality-of-life improvements. Key updates include:
Player Models and Animations: Valve fixed an issue where player models’ legs appeared misaligned when crouching or walking. This fix significantly improves the visual experience during movement.
Ragdoll Physics: The bizarre "splitting" of ragdoll bodies, such as the notorious Twist leg glitch, has been fixed. Players can now enjoy smoother transitions when falling from heights or during in-game deaths.
Map Updates: Maps like Anubis and Nuke saw notable improvements. Pixel boosts and wall gaps have been addressed, ensuring more balanced gameplay. Notably, the Anubis mid-door pixel angle was patched, and the cave cheetah wall glitch, which allowed unfair player movement, was fixed.
The Future of CS2 After This Update
Looking forward, it’s clear that Valve is committed to continually enhancing CS2. With the addition of new cosmetic items and improvements to gameplay mechanics, this update provides a balance between visual appeal and technical fixes.
For now, the introduction of keychains, Overpass-inspired skins, and the Armory Pass ensures that players have plenty to keep them engaged until the next big update drops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the price of the CS2 Armory Pass? The CS2 Armory Pass is priced at €15.19 or $15.99.
Can I buy stars for the Armory Pass? No, stars must be earned by playing Valve game modes like Matchmaking or Deathmatch.
How many passes can I level up simultaneously? You can level up to five Armory Passes at the same time.
Is Overpass returning to active duty? While the Overpass Collection suggests its return, Valve has not officially confirmed if Overpass will be added back to the active duty map pool.
Are there any mission-based rewards in the Armory Pass? No, the current Armory Pass focuses solely on cosmetic rewards such as skins, keychains, and cases.
For more details and updates on CS2, check out the official CS2 website.
