CS2 Update Shakes Up the Meta: Anubis Returns, MP7 & MP5-SD Buffed in Latest Patch

Valve has released a major Counter-Strike 2 update ahead of Premier Season 4, reintroducing Anubis to the Active Duty map pool while delivering weapon buffs, movement changes, and multiple quality-of-life improvements. The patch is already influencing both matchmaking and professional play, with tournament organizers split on adoption timing.

Anubis Replaces Train in Active Duty Map Pool

The headline change of the update is Anubis replacing Train in the Active Duty pool for Premier Season 4. Train, historically one of Counter-Strike’s most iconic maps, has been temporarily removed while Anubis returns with significant layout adjustments.

Key Anubis Changes in CS2

Bridge drop relocated closer to Mid Doors

Mid Doors orientation reversed, affecting mid control timings

New grenade gap between E-box and Back of B

A-site crates moved onto the walkway

Additional scaffolding added to the A pillar

These updates are expected to reshape default setups, utility usage, and retake patterns, particularly around mid control and B-site post-plant scenarios.

Anubis has historically divided opinion at the top level. Some teams viewed it as a strategic stronghold, while others struggled with consistency — making its return, and redesign, a potentially decisive factor early in the season.

MP7 and MP5-SD Receive Buffs and Price Reduction

Valve also introduced SMG balance changes, directly impacting eco and force-buy rounds:

SMG Changes in the Latest CS2 Update

MP7: Slight damage increase, reduced damage fall-off, price lowered to $1400

MP5-SD: Same damage and fall-off improvements, price lowered to $1400

PP-Bizon: Price reduced by $100

While described as “minor” adjustments, the combination of higher effective damage at range and a lower buy-in cost increases the viability of MP7 and MP5-SD purchases in second-round and low-economy situations.

These changes may subtly shift CT-side buy priorities, particularly on maps with frequent close-to-mid range engagements.

CS2 Movement Changes: Subtick Jumping and Bunnyhops Updated

Movement mechanics also received an under-the-hood update focused on jumping and landing calculations:

Jump landing timing is now calculated using subtick precision

Jumping no longer directly affects stamina

Landing speed penalty is determined by landing time

Jump inputs within a defined window can now register as successful bunnyhops

Servers can revert to legacy behavior using sv_legacy_jump

For experienced players, this may alter long-established muscle memory, especially when chaining jumps or attempting consistent bunnyhops.

Audio Improvements, Community Maps, and Armory Updates

Beyond gameplay balance, the patch includes several additional updates:

Audio & Performance

Reduced overall audio latency

Improved sound overlap handling

Higher-quality knife sound effects

Community Map Rotation

Removed: Golden, Palacio, Agency, Rooftop

Added (Competitive/Casual/DM): Warden, Stronghold, Alpine

Added (Wingman): Sanctum, Poseidon

Cosmetics & Drops

Weekly Care Package updated with Harlequin and Achroma collections

Older collections (Safehouse, Dust 2, 2018 Nuke, 2018 Inferno) removed

New Limited Edition skin added to the Armory: AK-47 | Aphrodite

Tournament Impact: ESL vs BLAST Patch Split

The update has already created divergence in the competitive calendar:

BLAST events, including the Bounty Finals, will continue on the previous patch, meaning teams will play on the older version of Anubis.

ESL has confirmed immediate adoption of the new update, affecting ongoing qualifiers and future events.

As a result, some teams may need to prepare two different versions of Anubis depending on the tournament organizer — a rare but impactful scenario early in Premier Season 4.

What This CS2 Update Means Going Forward

With Anubis returning in a reworked form, SMGs becoming more cost-efficient, and movement mechanics subtly adjusted, the latest CS2 patch is more than a routine update. It sets the tone for Premier Season 4 and could influence early-season results both in matchmaking and professional competition.

Teams that adapt fastest — particularly in utility usage on Anubis and optimized force-buy strategies — are likely to gain an early edge.