Steven R. August 1, 2019
A big patch has arrived in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
With the professional scene cooling down en route to the StarLadder Berlin Major, a number of big changes have arrived in the game. A new matchmaking option has been implemented, two new defusal maps have been added to official servers, and Vertigo received yet another overhaul.
Most players will immediately notice the new addition to Competitive mode. In addition to the traditional rotation of maps like Dust 2 and Mirage, the ability to play on “Scrimmage Maps” has been added. Scrimmage games play like a standard competitive game, but take place in a separate map pool. There are no restrictions in terms of party members, and results will not impact players’ ranks. Players can still receive penalties if they leave before the game’s completion.
The Scrimmage Map pool consists of Ruby and two new additions.
CS:GO gets two new maps, updates Vertigo
Breach takes place in a fictional tech company’s office building. The map consists of a number of enclosed areas, including a cafe, server room, and quad, which are all connected by tight chokepoints. That said, each area has multiple entryways to ensure teams can still rush and retake.
Alongside Breach is the return of Seaside. The staple map from Operations returns to official servers for the first time since being removed from the game’s files in 2016. It is defined by its expansive bomb sites, ample cover, and various areas where players can fall into the sea and drown.
In addition to Scrimmage, all three maps are included in Defusal Group Sigma.
Vertigo also received a number of tweaks. The B bomb site was once again shaken up with major changes to the stairwell leading towards the bombsite. The stairs now run longer, and do not have the area underneath that allowed players to shoot up through the grated floor towards the area next to the site. Helping the T side out a bit is the removal of the rafters over the stairwell.
The elevator shaft outside the T-side spawn has been sealed. A new corridor and ladder room have been added, connecting the area with the bridge towards the A bomb site. There is also a window in the ladder room that opens up utility options towards the site.
The full patch notes can be found on the official CSGO blog.