CS2 Balance Changes Before IEM Cologne 2025 & Premier New Season
Premier Season Three is now live in Counter-Strike 2. Overpass is back in the Active Duty pool, replacing Anubis. The update also includes a few key balance changes: the incendiary grenade spreads fire faster, the MP9 got nerfed, and CTs now get bonus money for each T eliminated, win or lose.
Premier is CS2’s competitive mode with a visible CS Rating. Players compete for a seasonal medal, which depends on their highest rating and total wins. Based on the length of previous seasons, CS2 Premier Season Three is expected to last around 5.5 to 6 months, likely ending in late December 2025 or early January 2026. To earn the medal, players need 25 match wins, an active rating, and a clean account.
Valve dropped Patch 1.45.0 right before IEM Cologne 2025. It might impact teamplay changes. Here’s Patch Notes – July 16, 2025 (1.45.0):
- Overpass added to the Active Duty Map Pool
- Anubis removed from the Active Duty Map Pool
- Incendiary grenade fire spreads faster
- MP9: Increased recoil, reduced jumping accuracy
- CT economy buff: CTs receive $50 per T eliminated, even on round losses
IEM Cologne 2025 is one of the biggest tournaments of the year, hosted in Germany. It runs from July 29 to August 3, with a $1,000,000 prize pool. Top international teams are set to clash at the LANXESS Arena in this prestigious S-Tier event.
Vitalii Diakiv writes gaming blogs and guides, focusing on the latest announcements and games matched with pop-cultural phenomena. Second, he covers esports events Counter-Strike 2, Marvel Rivals, League of Legends, and others.
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MOUZ Defeat FURIA 2–1 to Advance to IEM Cologne 2025 SemifinalsMOUZ secured a 2–1 victory over FURIA in a high-stakes playoff clash at IEM Cologne 2025, eliminating the Brazilian squad and moving on to the semifinals.37fauesde
The MongolZ crush 9z and advance to the playoff decider at Thunderpick World Championship 2025A dominant 2–0 victory by The MongolZ over 9z at Thunderpick World Championship 2025 showcased senzu and bLitz in top form, bringing the Mongolian squad to the brink of playoffs.48fauesdeFURIA confidently overcomes OG and takes a step toward the playoffs at Thunderpick World Championship 2025FURIA secure a strong 2:0 victory over OG at the $850,000 Thunderpick World Championship 2025, as spooke shines with a 1.27 rating despite the loss.51fauesdeCS Asia Championship 2025 Day 1: Upsets, Comebacks, and Playoff Spots SecuredDay 1 of the CS Asia Championship 2025 in Shanghai set the stage for an intense tournament with thrilling BO1 matches and a massive $1 million prize pool.117fauesdeFUT Create a Sensation: Comeback from 0:8 Against FaZe at CS Asia Championships 2025At CS Asia Championships 2025, FUT stunned the favorites FaZe with a 13:11 victory after an epic 0:8 comeback. The Shanghai event runs October 14–19 with $400,000 on the line.287vitaliiDVitality Win ESL Pro League Season 22Team Vitality defeated Falcons 3-0 in the ESL Pro League Season 22 Grand Final in Stockholm. FlameZ led with a 1.60 rating, earning MVP honors and securing Vitality the $100,000 top prize.
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