Valve has rolled out its first significant content update for Counter-Strike 2 in 2025, introducing a blend of new weapon collections, a fresh case, and notable adjustments to two maps.
Whilst the update aims to rejuvenate the game's content offerings, it has sparked varied reactions within the community. Below we have listed all the new features of the "Spring Forward" update.
Weekly Care Package Overhaul
The Weekly Drops have been supplemented by three new weapon collections, with over 70 new skins:
- Ascent
- Boreal
- Radiant
Ascent, Boreal & Radiant collections are also out You can receive them in your weekly care package, that includes over 70 new finishes pic.twitter.com/EH2GafahmA
— Counter-Strike News (@TheCSTimes) March 31, 2025
Armory Expansion
For the first time ever, new collections have been added:
- The Train 2025 Collection: A modernized skin collection inspired by the remake of the classic Train map.
- The Fever case: A new case containing a selection of vibrant and unique weapon skins, including the highly anticipated AWP | Printstream.
- Limited edition item: XM1014 | Solitude, a distinctive shotgun skin available for a limited time, adding exclusivity to players' inventories.
Map Adjustments
Two popular maps have been adjusted to improve gameplay and provide visual clarity.
Inferno
- Banana: Adjusted to more closely resemble its dimensions in CS:GO, aiming to restore familiar strategic dynamics.
- T Ramp and Pit: Backgrounds have been simplified to reduce visual clutter and improve player visibility.
- Bombsite B: Streamlined background elements to facilitate clearer engagements.
- Arch Hallway: Removal of side steps to create a smoother navigation experience.
- Coffins: Eliminated a pixel gap to prevent unintended sight lines.
- A Balcony: Crates adjusted to ensure consistent player movement.
- Props and Collisions: Various props have been modified or removed, and player and grenade collision mechanics have been refined throughout the map.
Train
- A Main: Resolved an issue where player shadows were visible through windows, maintaining the element of surprise.
- World Holes: Patched several gaps to prevent exploits and unintended visibility.
- Z Door and Upper B Entrance: Backgrounds have been simplified to enhance focus during gameplay.
- A-Site: Shortened the roof rail, to facilitate easier utility throws into the site.
- Grating & Fences: Replaced with solid versions to standardize engagements.
- Ivy: Simplified brick wall, to remove unnecessary distractions.
- Grenade Collision: Improved collision on the Upper B Arch for more precise throws.
Community Reactions and Future Expectations
While many players are excited about new content for the Arsenal, there is also a lot of criticism:
- Too little changes within the Armory: Despite the expansion, many old collections were retained instead of being replaced.
- Disappointment about the lack of gameplay changes: No major changes to weapon balance or maps – for example, the new Cache map, the remake completed by FMPONE, was not integrated into the game.
- AWP | Printstream is the highlight: The Fever case is particularly popular because it contains this coveted skin.
The Newly released inspect animation of the AWP | Printstream pic.twitter.com/zPB2OdQVTX
— Counter-Strike News (@TheCSTimes) April 1, 2025
Despite the disappointment, there is also hope: Last fall, the Armory update was followed by a map update – and then the Major in Shanghai. With the Austin Major taking place in two months, one can remain hopeful that Valve will add more content to the game in the coming weeks.
Overall, the first major CS2 update of 2025 brings some welcome new features, but leaves much to be desired. The community remains curious to see whether Valve will deliver further updates in the coming weeks.