Counter-Strike 2 is one of the most anticipated games in 2023, which continue the legacy of one of the most iconic shooters in PC gaming history. Instead of a new game, CS2 will be released as an upgrade to the existing CSGO.
When the game was initially revealed, it was featured that it would be powered by Source 2 engine. Thus, bringing changes to various things like servers, smoke systems, and much more. The game is in a limited test phase and has brought numerous changes.
One of these changes includes one of the most used mechanics: the buy menu. Throughout versions the menu in the Counter-Strike franchise has seen various versions starting from the linear menu in 1.6 to the circular one in CSGO. However, another change to the buy menu will soon arrive with the upgrade.
Buy menu changes with Counter-Strike 2
For anyone familiar with Valorant, the similarity with CS2’s buy menu is almost uncanny. The buy menu follows a boxed structure with no sub-menu of any sort. So armors, pistols, SMGs, and other weapons are on one page. Accessibility-wise, this change is more targeted towards player simplicity and ease of access. In addition to the visuals, the features in the buy menu are also changing with Counter-Strike 2.
The new system will feature a loadout option, allowing players to carry five weapons in a single category. The categories are divided into pistols, mid-tier, and rifles. So if players wish to take M4A1-S and M4A4 together, this is undoubtedly possible with Counter-Strike 2.
This system also adds the possibility of the addition of new weapons like fan-requested SCAR-L and other weapons to the upcoming shooter title. This will add more depth to the loadout system, as players must pick their weapons of choice strategically. However, this is only a possibility and depends on whether Valve will have new weapons.
Another great feature of this new buy menu in Counter-Strike 2 is the ability to sell accidentally bought weapons. Until now, if any weapons were accidentally bought in a game, they would have to be thrown away or used by force. However, like Valorant, CS2 will add a refund feature that will allow players to sell back the weapons they bought accidentally.
Unlike Valorant, players won’t be able to sell back their weapons in Counter-Strike 2 if it is used after buying. So, if a player ends up firing even one bullet from the guns, they cannot sell it back.
Will this new system affect the meta?
There is a high likelihood that this will impact the gameplay and meta of Counter-Strike. Players must be more strategic with which weapons they bring and who do not. Additionally, players will have to coordinate with teammates more to get a suitable set of weapons, as options will be limited to five weapons per category.
However, this also has its cons for players who like to queue for ranked solo. There might be instances when a team might miss out on required weapons according to the situation. So, this system might be a little problematic for these players overall.
Nonetheless, it is pretty early to say these possibilities, as the game is constantly being changed in its limited test phase, and this might also see a few changes. So, all these things can be shared for sure after the main game’s release in Summer 2023.
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