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What to expect from CS2 Premier Season 4?
Later today, season 3 of CS2 Premier will come to an end. This means that in a few days CS2 Premier will enter Season 4.
This means a major CS2 update after almost three months (barring the Major hub update). The last big update introduced four community maps, a new observing tool, and a new mode: Retake.
So what would the upcoming CS2 Premier Season 4 have in store for us?
Map Pool Change: -Train +Anubis
With only a year out of the map pool, Train is already on its way out. Replacing it will be Anubis that exited the pool at the start of season 3. Anubis’ return also adds the much needed T-sided map to the pool which was previously absent. This was essential especially after the CT economy changes that helped the defense play more buy rounds, balancing the game.
While many expected Cobblestone or Cache to officially return to the competitive map pool, the devs likely need more time to finish the maps. Moreover, the maps usually first debut in the competitive pool before making their official entry in the Premier and official CS map pool. On that note let’s take a look at maps that are expected to come to CS’s other modes.
New Competitive Maps
Every four months, CS2 community maps are cycled, and this time the maps that are expected to be added to the game are:
- Stronghold - 5v5 classic defusal (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3477094554)
- Alpine - 5v5 Hostage rescue (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3221491619)
- Warden - 5v5 classic defusal (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3256988376)
- Sanctum - Wingman (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3643331442)
- Poseidon - Wingman (https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3522144043)
Alongside these community maps, Cobblestone and Cache are expected to join the competitive pool in preparation for the eventual addition to the map pool in later seasons. This information comes from various sources, including @Gabefollower, the popular CS2/Valve data miner.
New Collections/Case
The last collection added to the game was the Genesis collection, including the terminal. That was four months ago. This means we are due new weapon skins with this new update.
This includes a new Limited Edition Item that will take up the slot previously acquired by M4A1-S | Solitude.
We can also expect two new collections coming to armory:
- One centered around Arabesque Art & Arabian Mythology (possibly new Anubis Collection)
- A Spy/Tech inspired collection
The possibility of new collections is especially high because the last weapon collection added to the armory was 8 months ago.
As for a new case to be added to armory, it has been speculated that Valve is moving away from them. In case that is true, Fever Case (added on April 1) was the last case to be added to the game.
Instead there will be alternate ways to get a knife/glove, one of which is likely the previously leaked betting system which hasn’t been implemented in the game.
Major Game Updates
An update to the game itself is highly unlikely as the previously implemented changes to the CT economy have balanced the game. While there can be small changes to weapons, a major overhaul doesn't seem likely.
Instead, the long-awaited third person AnimGraph2 updates should be shipped soon, if not with the new season. Additionally, changes to movement and network architecture together should make CS2 feel better in the new season.
When does CS2 Premier Season 4 start?
While season 3 ends tonight, the new season likely won't start immediately. Similar to the previous seasons, we expect CS2 Premier Season 4 to start on January 21st or sometime this week.
Don't forget to check out Strafe Esports for all the latest Counter-Strike 2 news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured Image Credit: Valve
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