Counter-Strike 2 pre-release update “1.41.1.3-rc1” rolls out in the beta depot

Valve has shipped a new CS2 pre-release build to the beta depot (not compatible with public matchmaking). The update is labeled 1.41.1.3-rc1 and brings engine upgrades, CPU-usage reductions, small but meaningful gameplay tweaks around C4 defusing, UI improvements, and expanded map-scripting hooks. 

What’s in the patch

Engine

Updated Source 2 engine code to the latest version.

Reworked bullet-penetration simulation to reduce CPU load.

Better core utilization for certain particle and audio processing, lowering CPU usage during firefights.

Gameplay

While defusing, your weapon now lowers, scoping is blocked, and firing is delayed by 150 ms after canceling a defuse.

Fixed a case where one tick was wrongly subtracted from sv_predictable_damage_tag_ticks.

The C4 will no longer detonate during halftime intermission or after match end.

UI

Major Highlight clips can be viewed from the Spectator Loadout.

The currently selected player is more visible in the Team Counter.

Inventory context menus open relative to the cursor.

The HUD weapon-mode indicator moved to the ammo count.

Map scripting

cs_script enums can be imported and behave like TypeScript enums (e.g., CSWeaponType.PISTOL == 1, CSWeaponType[1] == "PISTOL").

New enums: CSRoundEndReason, CSHitGroup, CSLoadoutSlot, CSDamageTypes, CSDamageFlags, CSWeaponAttackType.

Added BOOSTS to CSGearSlot (gear slot for healthshots).

Multiple hook and trace updates (OnRoundEnd, OnBeforePlayerDamage, OnPlayerDamage, OnKnifeAttack, TraceLine/Sphere/Box, BulletTrace, Entity.TakeDamage).

New API: CSWeaponData.GetGearSlot().

How to opt into the beta depot: Valve’s official instructions are in Steam Support’s article (Betas tab in game properties). 

Related coverage & context (verified)

Defuse changes could affect ‘stick or fake’ mind-games. Community/press summaries highlight the new 150 ms post-defuse firing delay and the weapon-lowering/scoping restrictions as the standout gameplay shifts.

Today’s follow-up notes (public branch). A subsequent SteamDB entry mirrors these items and reiterates the defuse behavior and UI tweaks (timeline: Oct 14, 2025 UTC). 

Recent CS2 news to know: Last week Valve briefly removed the newly added Transit Wingman map after only two days, following reports of an offensive internal entity name in the map files; the incident drew wide discussion about content vetting.

Official updates hub: Valve’s CS2 update feed (for broader context on recent additions like collections, stickers, charms, and scripting) is here. 

What players are saying (sample quotes)

“Let’s hope they fixed the rapid-fire AWP/Scout bug lol.” — tabben on r/GlobalOffensive. Another commenter replies: “I tested it in-game and it’s fixed.” (discussion thread about the Oct 14 notes)

On the C4 not detonating during halftime/endgame: “…probably because the bomb adds a death to the scoreboard now and you can’t move at the end of a half/game.” — AnySmoke on r/GlobalOffensive.

On performance after the engine/CPU changes: “I ran several benchmarks yesterday… FPS is the same as pre-patch on the benchmark map… CPU optimization updates from today could actually improve real-world performance.” — Tostecles on r/GlobalOffensive (anecdotal).