New CS:GO update — matchmaking and map changes

On the night of August 2, Valve released a new CS:GO update that affected all players who had previously earned ranks in matchmaking games.

The adjustments to the matchmaking algorithm resulted in the reset of ranks in all modes. To regain a rank, players now need to win one match in each of the modes. Until then, a player’s skill group will remain hidden.

Valve’s update announcement stated:

“Typically when we ship changes to CS:GO’s matchmaking system, the adjustments are small enough that we don’t include them in our release notes. However, today’s update affects all CS:GO players so it requires some explanation.

When you launch CS:GO, you’ll notice that your Skill Group is not displayed–you’ll have to win one more match to reveal your Skill Group. Most of you will notice a change to your Skill Group, but some of you may find that you were already in the right place.”

List of changes

General

• Several changes to the matchmaking algorithm required rank recalibration to ensure accuracy. The rank will not be displayed until the user wins the match. This applies to all modes.
• The in-game instructor now properly reloads the saved state when disabled and enabled again.
• In-Game Instructor Tooltips have been disabled in Competitive Matches.

Ember Map

• Changed the angle of the north cannon.
• Cannon speed has been doubled and cannons can now be aimed upwards. 
• There are now 3 fire rates that can be changed with the RMB.
• The gun’s spread multiplier has been reduced.
• Weapon icons added to killfeed.
• Powerful screen shake and additional particle effects when firing from a cannon.
• The base model of the cannon now also rotates.
• Added damage falloff to cannonballs after their initial collision.
• Fixed ability to push the mine away from the cannon and maintain control.
• Fixed a bug due to which the cannons continued to rotate when they were no longer used.
• A bus was added to the bus stop in the industrial zone.

From Nova to Global in just one step

Before the update took effect, CS:GO players from all over the world noticed the strange work of the title system after the update. Many began to share stories of how they upgraded their rank from Gold Nova to Supreme or Global Elite in one match. Screenshots and links to profiles were posted by users on Reddit.

If these claims are to be believed, most of the cases of such sharp jumps up the ranking hierarchy are observed in North America. But similar cases were recorded on European servers. Perhaps this is due to the difference in time zones, since for residents of the European region, the update was released at night, while in North America it was still evening and most users were able to try out the innovations without leaving the checkout.

Header: Valve