CS2 Rush Hour Update: New Rush Game Mode and Other Changes

The change allows teams to put more of their strongest maps into the vote. However, the final selection will still be random from among four options, so there is no guarantee that a team's preferred map will be chosen. According to Valve, the change is intended to place greater emphasis on players' map-specific practice.

Crosshairs, hit markers, and clan tags

The update adds new shapes and customization options for crosshairs and scope reticles. These settings can be found in the game's crosshair and scope menus, where players can create a reticle that suits their preferences. Hit effects have also been updated: blood splatter is now more visible, and bullet impact points are easier to distinguish.

Clan tags are returning to the game. Players can select a Steam group from their profile, and its tag will appear next to their name while playing.

Slow loading costs time

In CS2, you can now reload a weapon silently by holding down the reload key. In the English-language interface, this feature is called silent reload. Silent reloading takes longer than a standard reload, trading speed for stealth. Use it when the sound of reloading could reveal your position, but allow extra time before your next encounter.

Unscoping is now silent as well. This changes the audio cues an opponent can pick up from a player's actions, but does not remove the sounds of gunfire, movement, or other events.

Starjunk 95 Music Kit

The Rush Hour update added the Starjunk 95 Music Kit to the game. It brings a new selection of music to CS2 and can be obtained subject to in-game availability and terms.

What does the Rush Hour update include?

The update’s most significant gameplay changes include the Rush game mode, map voting in Premier, revamped crosshair settings, and audio changes for reloading and using scoped weapons. More visible hit effects, clan tags, and a new music kit round out the update.

If you're returning to CS2 after a break, try Rush as a standalone game mode and check out the new map selection system when moving to Premier. In competitive play, it's worth practicing the silent reload separately: the longer reload time can determine whether your team makes it back into the fight in time.