Valve released a major CS2 update with a whole set of new features

On the night of July 16, Valve rolled out a major patch for Counter-Strike 2, affecting several key aspects of the game — from the map pool to the economy. Notably, the update introduced a new feature allowing players to cancel trade deals, which should significantly improve CS2's in-game economy.

Overpass Returns

The biggest highlight is the return of Overpass to the active map pool. The map was previously removed in April and replaced with Dust2, but it's now back, taking the spot of Anubis. Overpass has received a light visual redesign. The current competitive map pool now includes: Ancient, Dust2, Inferno, Mirage, Nuke, Overpass, and Train.

Premier Season 3 Begins

As previously announced, Season 2 of Premier Matchmaking has ended, and Season 3 is now underway. To earn a season medal, players must win at least 25 matches and have an active rating by the time the season ends.

The end date for the new season hasn't been revealed yet, but it's expected to run until the conclusion of the Budapest Major (December 14, 2025).

Balance Updates: Buffs and Nerfs

Valve introduced changes that will notably impact Counter-Terrorist (CT) gameplay:

• Molotov fire now spreads faster — making it harder for attackers to push positions.

• MP9 nerfed: spray control is now harder, and jump accuracy is significantly reduced.

• economy update: every kill on a Terrorist now grants $50 bonus to the entire CT team.

Anti-Scam Measures

Valve also implemented a new system that allows trade cancellations within 7 days after being made. However, canceling a trade will result in a 30-day restriction on new trades and access to the Steam Market. This is part of Valve's ongoing efforts to combat scams on the platform.

It's worth noting that Dota 2 players are still awaiting a major patch ahead of The International 2025. Fans of Valve’s MOBA have long expected a large-scale update tied to TI — but so far, it hasn’t arrived.