Recent Weapon Buffs in CS2

The transition from CSGO to CS2 brought significant changes to weapon mechanics and balance. With the latest update released on October 10, 2023, Valve has introduced several important buffs to some weapons while adjusting others. This post explores these changes in detail and analyzes how they might shift the meta.

AK-47: Subtle but Significant Changes

The iconic AK-47 has received minor but noteworthy adjustments that long-time players will immediately notice:

• First bullet accuracy increased by 5%
• Standing recovery time reduced by 0.05 seconds
• Slight reduction in horizontal recoil pattern

These changes may seem small on paper, but in practice, they make the AK-47 more reliable for those crucial first-shot headshots at medium to long distances. The faster recovery time also allows for slightly quicker taps in succession, which rewards precise aim more than before.

In our testing, we found that landing consecutive headshots at Dust 2's A site from pit to A site has become noticeably more consistent. This buff reinforces the AK-47's position as the premier T-side rifle but doesn't drastically change its overall feel.

M4A4: The Comeback Kid

Perhaps the most significant change in this update is the buff to the M4A4, which had fallen out of favor compared to the M4A1-S in recent years:

• Base damage increased from 33 to 35
• Armor penetration improved from 70% to 72.5%
• Magazine size increased from 30 to 32 rounds

These changes combine to make the M4A4 more lethal and efficient. The damage increase means the M4A4 now kills an unarmored opponent with 3 body shots instead of 4 at close to medium range. Against armored opponents, it still requires 5 body shots to kill, but deals more damage overall, making follow-up kills easier.

"The M4A4 changes finally give CT players a reason to choose it over the M4A1-S. It's not just about preference anymore - there are legitimate tactical advantages to both options."

— s1mple, Professional CS2 Player

The increased magazine size is also significant, allowing for more spray transfers and reducing the frequency of reloads during intense firefights. This buff directly addresses one of the key advantages the M4A1-S had over the M4A4.

Desert Eagle: The One-Tap Machine

The Desert Eagle has always been a favorite for eco rounds and pistol specialists. The new update has made subtle adjustments to its handling:

• Recovery time between shots reduced by 0.1 seconds
• Standing accuracy improved by 8%
• Running inaccuracy penalty slightly decreased

The faster recovery time means players can fire follow-up shots more quickly, making the Desert Eagle more forgiving if you miss your initial headshot. The improved standing accuracy reinforces the weapon's identity as a precision pistol that rewards patient, careful aiming.

Interestingly, the slight reduction in running inaccuracy penalty means that quick peeks and adjustments while firing are slightly more viable, though the Desert Eagle is still primarily a stationary weapon. This change adds a bit more dynamism to eco rounds and pistol force-buys.

MP9: The Budget Shredder

The MP9 has received some love in this update, enhancing its role as a cost-effective SMG for close-quarters combat:

• Rate of fire increased from 857 to 875 RPM
• Damage falloff at medium range reduced by 5%
• Movement speed while equipped increased by 1%

These changes make the MP9 even more deadly in close-range engagements and slightly more viable at medium distances. The increased rate of fire means faster time-to-kill in close quarters, while the reduced damage falloff helps the weapon remain relevant when caught in medium-range firefights.

The slight movement speed increase further emphasizes the MP9's role as a mobile, aggressive option for CT force-buys and anti-eco rounds. This buff solidifies the MP9's position as one of the best value weapons in the game when used in appropriate situations.

Meta Implications and Conclusions

These weapon buffs collectively point toward a more balanced and varied meta in CS2. The AK-47 remains the dominant T-side rifle but requires more skill to maximize its potential. The M4A4 vs. M4A1-S choice is now more situational and preference-based rather than one being strictly better than the other.

The Desert Eagle buffs make eco and force-buy rounds more unpredictable and dangerous, potentially increasing the importance of utility usage to counter aggressive pistol plays. The MP9 improvements reinforce the SMG's role in the economy meta, making second-round buys after winning the pistol round even more powerful.

Overall, these changes suggest that Valve is focused on creating more meaningful choices in loadout selection while maintaining the core gunplay that has made Counter-Strike successful for decades. The buffs feel measured and thoughtful rather than revolutionary, which is exactly what the transition to CS2 needs at this stage.

We'll be closely monitoring how these changes affect professional play in upcoming tournaments and will provide follow-up analysis as the meta continues to evolve.