It has been almost 2 years since Valve announced their intent to replace Counter-Strike: Global Offensive with Counter-Strike 2. Since said transition, from CS:GO to CS2, there have been plenty of complaints about the AWP.
Many players have expressed frustration with the AWP, claiming that it feels "nerfed" compared to CS:GO. But is the AWP really worse in CS2? Or are players simply struggling to adapt?
A Look Back: The 2022 AWP Nerf
Even before CS2 was announced, Valve made a major adjustment to the AWP in CS:GO at the end of 2022. They reduced the magazine size from 10 bullets to 5, which immediately sparked controversy. Many players were unhappy, arguing that this was an unnecessary nerf. However, in hindsight, this change was actually healthy for the game. Reducing the magazine size made AWPers more careful with their shots and prevented excessive spamming through smokes or walls. Instead of just mindlessly firing, each shot became more meaningful, and reloading became an important factor in gameplay.
With this context in mind, let’s examine: Is the AWP truly worse in CS2, or do the changes to the game simply require a different approach?
The Subtick System: A Problem for Passive AWPers?
One of the biggest differences between CS:GO and CS2 is the new subtick system, which affects how shooting mechanics and movement work. In CS:GO, holding an angle as an AWPer was incredibly effective. Players could wait for an enemy to peek and instantly click, often securing a kill before their opponent could even react.
However, in CS2, "peeker's advantage" has become significantly more noticeable. This means that players who aggressively swing into angles often get the first shot before the holding AWPer can react. This has led to a shift in playstyle, with many passive AWPers struggling to find the same level of dominance they once had.
Perhaps the best example of this is the rise of Danil "donk" Kryshkovets, the latest CS2 Major MVP. His aggressive, run-and-gun style thrives in the CS2 meta, where swinging angles at the right time can give you a significant advantage. The old-school "hold an angle and click" approach is becoming less effective, and many riflers are taking advantage of this.
Has the AWP Really Gotten Worse in CS2?
Despite these issues, is the AWP itself actually worse in CS2? Many have assumed so, but a recent analysis suggests otherwise.
YouTuber bird conducted a thorough test comparing AWP accuracy in CS:GO and CS2. Using an auto hotkey script for added precision, he performed a controlled experiment to determine how consistent flick shots were in both games.
His findings were surprising:
- In CS2, AWP bullets actually land more consistently than in CS:GO.
- The new subtick system ensures that shots register in a more precise manner, compared to CS:GO's varied tick rates (64 tick in matchmaking, 128 tick on FACEIT and pro play).
- While CS:GO allowed for slightly faster shots due to its tick rate, CS2 provides better accuracy and consistency.
So why do people feel like the AWP is worse? The answer likely lies in muscle memory and adaptation. Many AWPers are still using their CS:GO habits in CS2, which results in overflicking – moving the crosshair too far past their target. The game is more precise now, meaning that if you don’t adjust your aim, you will miss more shots.
Why Some AWPers Thrive and Others Struggle
A perfect example of adaptation is Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov from G2 Esports. Many regard him as the best AWPer in CS2, and his success comes from how quickly he adjusted to the new mechanics.
Meanwhile, veteran AWPers like Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo and Florian "syrsoN" Rische have struggled to reach the same level of dominance they once had in CS:GO.
At the start of CS2, even riflers like Nikola "NiKo" Kovač had trouble adapting. Over time, they refined their playstyle, and the same will likely happen for AWPers. The meta is shifting, but that doesn't mean the AWP is bad – it just requires a different approach.
What The Community Thinks
Following bird’s video, many users shared their thoughts on the current state of the AWP in CS2. redeyedrandy645 summed it up well:
"So it’s actually more consistent in CS2 but different enough so that people have to get used to it. So long term it’s probably good for the game."
Another user, EmApex, even offered a tip for struggling AWPers:
"If anyone is having issues with the AWP and your muscle memory from CSGO doesn’t work, the trick is to intentionally delay your shot by a very small amount."
This highlights the core issue: the AWP isn’t worse – players just need to retrain their muscle memory.
Is The AWP Still Fine Then?
Absolutely. The AWP remains a deadly weapon in CS2. The key takeaways:
- The AWP is more consistent and precise than in CS:GO.
- The five-bullet magazine is enough for any skilled AWPer to dominate a round.
- The meta has changed – aggressive peeking is more effective now.
- Players that train to adapt their muscle-memory will find success.
If you feel like everyone is peeking and destroying you, maybe it’s time to switch up your play style. Try swinging more, take aggressive angles, and stop relying on the old CS:GO habits. Don’t be a passive AWPer – don’t be a baiter!