CS2 Terminology
Essential terms and definitions for Counter-Strike 2 players
Whether you're new to Counter-Strike or transitioning from CSGO to CS2, understanding the terminology is crucial. This guide covers essential terms used by the community, from game mechanics to strategies.
Game Mechanics Terminology
Buff
An improvement or enhancement to a weapon, character, or game mechanic that makes it more powerful or effective.
Nerf
The opposite of a buff - a change that weakens or reduces the effectiveness of a weapon or feature.
Meta
The current optimal strategies, weapons, and tactics considered most effective by the community.
Sub-tick
CS2's new networking system that processes inputs between server ticks, resulting in more responsive gameplay.
Tick Rate
The frequency at which the game server processes updates. CS2 uses a different system than CSGO's traditional tick rates.
Hitbox
The invisible shapes used to detect when a weapon hit connects with a player model.
Hitreg
Short for "hit registration" - how accurately the game recognizes when shots connect with targets.
Weapons & Equipment Terminology
Eco
A round where players save money by purchasing minimal or no equipment.
Full Buy
When players purchase their preferred weapons, armor, and utility.
Force Buy
Purchasing weapons despite having limited funds, often sacrificing utility or better weapons.
Drop
When a player gives a weapon to a teammate.
Utility
Non-weapon items like grenades, flashbangs, smokes, and molotovs.
Glass Cannon
Buying an AWP without armor - high damage potential but very vulnerable.
Strategies & Tactics Terminology
Rush
A fast-paced strategy where the team quickly moves to a bomb site together.
Default
A balanced initial setup where players spread across the map to gather information.
Split
Attacking a site from multiple directions simultaneously.
Fake
Creating the impression of attacking one site while actually planning to attack another.
Retake
When CT players attempt to reclaim a bomb site that Terrorists have taken.
Post-plant
The strategy employed by Terrorists after planting the bomb to defend it until detonation.
Community Slang
Whiff
Missing shots that should have been easy to hit.
Clutch
Successfully winning a round when outnumbered by opponents.
Ace
When one player eliminates all five opponents in a single round.
Trade
Quickly killing an enemy who just killed your teammate.
Wallbang
Shooting and hitting an opponent through a wall or object.
Boosting
When one player stands on another player to reach higher positions.
Update Terminology
Patch
An update to the game that fixes bugs or makes balance changes.
Hotfix
A small, quick update that addresses critical issues outside the normal patch schedule.
Balance Update
Changes specifically aimed at making the game more fair and competitive.
Rework
A comprehensive redesign of a game element, like a weapon or map.
Quality of Life
Updates that improve the user experience without changing core gameplay.
Meta Shift
When updates change the game enough to create new optimal strategies.
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