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.
3694vitaliiD
The CS Major Returns to Cologne in 2026 First Major of 2026 is known! IEM Cologne Major 2026, return to CS Cathedral in Cologne after 9 years!2857vitaliiDSpirit destroy MOUZ in IEM Cologne 2025 Grand FinalSpirit dominate MOUZ 3-0 in the IEM Cologne 2025 Grand Final. Full match recap, map details, top stats, and what sealed the title for Spirit.
1832vitaliiDMOUZ to face Spirit in the IEM Cologne 2025 Grand FinalMOUZ will face Spirit in the IEM Cologne 2025 Grand Final. Match preview, semifinal recaps, and full breakdown ahead of the title clash at one of CS2’s biggest summer events.
2569vitaliiDMOUZ beat Vitality in IEM Cologne 2025 Semi-finalMOUZ eliminate Vitality 2-0 in the IEM Cologne 2025 Semi-final. Map breakdown, MVP highlights, and full playoff bracket updates in this detailed report of IEM Cologne 2025 results.
2035vitaliiDSpirit eliminated Natus Vincere in IEM Cologne 2025 Semi-finalSpirit defeat Natus Vincere 2-1 in the IEM Cologne 2025 Semi-final. Full match stats, MVP highlights, and bracket updates in this breakdown of the latest IEM Cologne 2025 results.
2149stawraith
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.83fauesde
FURIA snatch victory over FUT and advance to the main stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026FURIA defeat FUT in a close best-of-three, with molodoy starring as they clinch the last qualification spot for BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 in Malta.109fauesdeTeam Vitality defeat EYEBALLERS and qualify for the LAN stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026Vitality edge past EYEBALLERS at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Closed Qualifier, surviving a dramatic Anubis overtime to qualify for the LAN finals in Malta.94fauesdeTeam Spirit defeated Inner Circle and advanced to the LAN stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026Team Spirit advanced to the LAN stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 after a convincing 2–0 win over Inner Circle, with donk delivering a standout MVP performance.199fauesdeLiquid defeat Gentle Mates and advance to the main stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026Liquid advance to the main stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 after a 2–1 win over Gentle Mates, dominating Mirage and Nuke to qualify for the LAN event.213fauesdeHEROIC defeat paiN and become the first team to qualify for the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 LANHEROIC outplayed paiN to become the first team qualified for the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 LAN in Malta, with nilo earning MVP honors in the series.303fauesdeFURIA defeat 9INE and secure the final spot in the next stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026FURIA defeat 9INE on Anubis and Inferno to qualify for the next stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026. molodoy leads the way as 9INE exit the event.
