Pros are suspicious of CS2 subtick servers, here’s why

Subtick is supposed to be one of the most advanced gameplay changes coming in Counter-Strike 2, but the future CS2 pro community has its doubts.

The few players who managed to get into the CS2 limited beta test have now had time to evaluate the new gameplay changes, including the flashy new subtick servers. However, the reception has been mixed, with some pros claiming that 128 tick will remain the competitive standard. Here’s what pros are saying about subtick and what Valve hopes to fix with the new servers.

Almost all pro players already have access to the new version of the game, and their opinions are the most important for Valve to listen to. Unfortunately, feedback has not been entirely positive. Star FaZe Clan rifler and Intel Grand Slam winner Robin “ropz” Kool is the most recent downplayer. He called the new system “not good enough” and claimed that pro play should continue on 128-tick servers.

He’s not alone, as popular CSGO streamer Jason Ruchelski has also decried the new server system as a scam. He compared the new system to the old 64-tick servers currently used for Valve matchmaking. 

While many players claim that they can feel the difference between tick rates, the average CSGO fan certainly can’t. The feel of the game is essentially the same, though certain grenade lineups can fail if they’re designed on a different tick rate. Still, if pro players and streamers are criticizing the system, it’s important for Valve to consider their feedback before the official launch this summer.

What does subtick even mean in CS2?

Subtick is supposed to provide continuous server updates every time a CS2 player makes an input, but it’s not clear exactly how this is supposed to affect gameplay.

In Valve’s current 64-tick standard, the server is updated 64 times every second with new information on player movement, fired weapons, and physics objects. Many claim that 64 ticks are not enough, and competitive CSGO is almost entirely played on 128-tick servers. Doubling the tick count was an extremely common request before the reveal of CS2, but Valve decided to go a different route entirely.

Counter-Strike 2: Moving Beyond Tick Rate

The new subtick system is designed to be a continuous stream of server updates, meaning that players don’t have to wait for the milliseconds between ticks before their inputs register. In theory, this should make movement and gunplay smoother than before, though not everyone is feeling the theoretical benefits. It’s also possible that the new subtick system is less taxing on Valve’s equipment than 128. Expect Valve to revisit or tweak the system before the game’s official release later this year.