CS2 Animation Update: Animgraph 2 Beta Now Available

Valve has released a new beta build for Counter-Strike 2, introducing a major overhaul of the animation system with Animgraph 2. This update focuses on improving performance, reducing network load, and refining player animations based on community feedback.

Players can already test the update by selecting the “animgraph_2_beta” version in the game settings. Note that Valve servers are not accessible while using this beta.

Animgraph 2 Overview

The animation system has been upgraded to Animgraph 2, bringing both technical and gameplay-related improvements:

• Reduced CPU and network load related to animations

• All third-person animations have been re-authored

• Several animations adjusted based on player feedback

• Improved smoothness of in-air crouch transitions (first and third person)

• Refactored player height logic on sloped surfaces

• Player height is now consistent on ramps regardless of movement direction

• Grenade lineups on slopes may have changed due to updated player positioning

Engine Update

The game engine Source 2 has been updated to the latest version, ensuring better stability and future scalability.

CS Script Changes

• Added new function: GetRoundRemainingTime

Gameplay Improvements

• Player occlusion now uses a GPU query system

• Prevents player models from clipping through thin walls when fully hidden

• Improves visual clarity and competitive integrity

Sound Updates

• Improved mix to emphasize jump landing sounds during combat

• Added a new C4 equip sound

• Minor ambient sound adjustments

• Fixed missing ambient sounds during team selection and end-of-match screens

• Fixed missing UI sounds in the main menu

• Updated audio mix when taking damage

• Fixed an issue with DeathCam music causing prolonged volume ducking

• Improved vertical sound transitions on Nuke and Vertigo

• Additional audio improvements on Baggage, Shoots, Ancient, Nuke, and Vertigo

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Known Issues

• In rare cases, turning your head may cause a slight unintended camera shift

Update Size

• Approximately 3.1 GB

How to Access the Beta

• Open CS2 in Steam

• Go to Properties → Betas

• Select animgraph_2_beta