CS:GO Patch – Ancient and M4A1-S adjusted

In the first CS:GO patch since the PGL Antwerp Major 2022, Ancient and the M4A1-S have been changed, but Inferno also got something! Valve seemingly heard the feedback of the CS:GO community and responded to its criticism of the silent M4. 

However, the changes to the M4A1-S only affect the size of the magazine, which has been reduced to 20 shots again — the state before March 2019. The silent M4 has been a reason for discussions since September 2021, when it started knocking out opponents with just four bodyshots. Coupled with the light recoil, its cheaper price compared to the M4A4, and 25 rounds in the magazine, this change has led to a very CT-heavy meta. 

It is unlikely that the decrease to 20 rounds will discourage pros from buying the weapon, as the eco advantage still speaks for the M4A1-S. In matchmaking, however, spray gods will definitely consider twice whether to take the M4A4 or A1 with them.

Ancient (finally) changed

Some changes have been made to Ancient, most notably the A spot. Until now, it was very easy to retake as the CTs came relatively easy and protected, very close to the spot itself. This has now changed as the tunnel has been shortened to make it easier for the Ts to hold the A. In addition, the boxes in the middle of the T have been removed and the column on the B spot has been widened. 

The Idol Passage now offers a little more space for interesting fights. It is also important to note that the Excavation Site is now blocked in the Cave, which makes it a little easier to approach B. Since Ancient itself is not fully developed in one way or another and there are various different philosophies on the pro level, it might not have been a bad idea to do the changes now.

Inferno is not spared

Inferno also gets a small but nice change. The bomb radius has been increased so that players can no longer hide in the Pit when default is planned (i.e. for A-Short). This will force the T’s to line up a bit differently or allow the CT’s to put on some more pressure, however, unlike changes made to Ancient, it won’t have a big impact on pro play. 

Player break coming soon

As usual, the game update is well-timed, however, if Valve had waited for a player break with the changes, the update wouldn’t have had such a great impact on the competitive scene.  

On the other hand, players can now dig deep into the update before going for the deserved break. Otherwise, some teams could have had to shorten or even revoke their holidays in order to get used to the changes. All in all, the update is not that drastic, because as mentioned above, the M4A1-S will probably remain the most important weapon for the time being.

Image credit: Valve