CSGO vs CS2: A Player's Perspective on the Evolution of Counter-Strike

As a long time Counter-Strike player, I have seen the game evolve over the years. The transition from CSGO to CS2 has sparked a lot of discussion in the community.

Let's get into the main differences between CSGO vs CS2, and why some players are unhappy with the changes.

Engine and Performance: CSGO ran on the original Source engine, CS2 runs on the new Source 2 engine. This was supposed to bring better graphics and performance. But many players including myself have seen lower frame rates and less smooth gameplay in CS2 compared to CSGO. This is a big problem because Counter-Strike has always been known for its performance.
Movement and Responsiveness: One of CSGO's strengths was its crisp movement. In CS2 some players feel the movement is slower and less precise. The new "sub-tick" system which replaces the traditional tick rate hasn't quite lived up to the hype for many players.
Weapon Mechanics: Spraying in CS2 feels different from CSGO. Some players report that recoil control is less consistent, making it harder to master weapon patterns. This has been met with mixed reactions from the community.
Maps and Visuals: CS2 has updated all maps with visual upgrades, some have been completely overhauled. While the graphics are better some players feel the changes have affected gameplay and map knowledge they've built up over years of playing CSGO.
Smoke Grenades: One of the biggest changes in CS2 is the new dynamic smoke system. Smokes now interact with the environment, lighting and can be manipulated by gunfire. While this adds a new layer of strategy it's a big change from CSGO's predictable smokes.
Audio: Some players have reported audio issues in CS2, especially with footsteps and other in game sounds. This can be a big problem because sound cues are key in Counter-Strike.
User Interface: CS2 has a new UI, new menus and HUD elements. Some like the modern look, others miss the simplicity of CSGO's UI.
Matchmaking: CS2 has changed the matchmaking system, visible skill ratings and new game modes. The switch from MR15 to MR12 in competitive matches has also been a point of contention.

CS2 has a lot of new features and improvements but it's clear not everyone is adjusting well. Valve is working on the feedback and fixing the issues but some long time CSGO players are having a hard time to adapt.

As with any big update to a game we love, it will take time for the community to adjust and for the developers to iron out the kinks. Will CS2 win over the haters or will some players go elsewhere? Only time will tell.

What's certain is that the debate of CSGO vs CS2 will continue as the game evolves. While we wait to see how CS2 develops, some players are finding other ways to enjoy the Counter-Strike experience, like CSGO gambling.