Valve has updated the test version of Counter-Strike 2 — build “1.41.1.3-rc1”, available in the Steam beta depot. The update is not compatible with public matchmaking but introduces a series of technical and gameplay improvements that lay the groundwork for the next major patch.
Source 2 engine update
The most important part of the update is the upgraded engine code to the latest version of Source 2. Valve has deeply optimized CPU performance, particularly in the simulation of bullet penetration, as well as sound and visual effects. Now, particle and sound processing during shooting put less strain on the processor, which should positively impact FPS stability during dynamic scenes.
The bullet penetration system has also been rewritten to reduce computational load — a critical step ahead of the full release of CS2.
Pre-Release Notes for today are up. To test these, opt into the beta depot “1.41.1.3-rc1”:https://t.co/mpNApKzqH9
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) October 14, 2025
Gameplay: changes during defuse
Valve introduced a small but important update to player behavior during C4 defuse. Now, while defusing the bomb, the weapon model is lowered, sniper scopes are blocked, and shooting is delayed by 150 milliseconds after the defuse is completed. This change is intended to make transitions between actions more realistic and eliminate potential exploits that previously allowed instant shooting after releasing the bomb.
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Additionally, Valve fixed a bug where one tick was incorrectly subtracted from sv_predictable_damage_tag_ticks, which affected the accuracy of predicted damage calculations.
Interface: small but noticeable changes
The update also touched on the game’s UI visuals. Valve added the ability to watch Major Highlight clips directly from the Spectator Loadout, and made the selected player more visible in the Team Counter panel. The inventory menu now opens next to the cursor, and the weapon mode indicator has been moved closer to the ammo counter, improving combat readability.
This is part of Valve’s ongoing work on refining the HUD’s visual logic — the experimental changes are already gathering feedback from beta users.
New opportunities for modders and scripters
Significant updates were made to the map scripting system, giving creators more control over map logic. Valve added support for cs_script enums (enumerated data types), which now function similarly to TypeScript. New enum groups introduced include:
- CSRoundEndReason
- CSHitGroup
- CSLoadoutSlot
- CSDamageTypes
- CSDamageFlags
- CSWeaponAttackType
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Additionally, the updated TraceLine, TraceSphere, and TraceBox functions now support ignoring multiple entities and tracing by hitboxes, with the result able to return hitGroup data — significantly expanding possibilities for creating custom events.
Valve also added a new BOOSTS slot in CSGearSlot — designed for items such as healthshot.
How to join the beta test
The update is currently available only in the CS2 Beta Depot, where players can test upcoming features.
To activate the beta version:
- Open Steam → Library.
- On the Counter-Strike 2 page, click Manage → Properties.
- Go to the Betas tab and select the desired build.
- Launch the game — the client will automatically download the required files.
Official Valve matchmaking does not work in this mode, and to leave the beta, simply select “None” in the same menu.
What this means
Although the update doesn’t add new content, it shows that Valve is actively refining the technical foundation ahead of the next major CS2 patch. Engine optimization, gameplay improvements, and expanded scripting support are typical preparatory steps before a large-scale update or the integration of new functionality. It’s possible that this pre-release version will serve as the base for the long-awaited autumn content update that the community has been anticipating for months.
