If you’ve been playing CS2 lately, you’ve probably come across the terms “tick rate” and “subtick” being thrown around. These aren’t just fancy tech jargon—understanding them can actually improve how you approach the game! Players who have experienced latency issues or inconsistent hit registration will find this update particularly impactful. But CS2 takes things up a notch with its subtick system, which promises to make every move you make feel even smoother and more precise. In this guide we’ll explore how this system works, what the current server tick rate means, and what might be in store for the future of CS2.
What is Tick Rate and Subtick in CS2?
Tick rate refers to how frequently a game server updates the game state. The higher the tick rate, the more often the server refreshes, resulting in smoother and more precise gameplay.
- 64-tick server: Updates the game 64 times per second, which is the standard tick rate for CS2 matchmaking servers.
- 128-tick server: Updates the game 128 times per second, often used in third-party platforms. FACEIT and other third-party services have attempted to run 128-tick servers but Valve has limited this to 64 Hz.
The subtick system in CS2 eliminates many of the limitations of the traditional tick rate system by processing player actions (such as shooting, jumping, or throwing grenades) between ticks. This allows for:
- Exact timestamps: The server records player inputs at the exact moment they occur.
- Greater precision: Actions are no longer limited to predefined tick intervals, resulting in more accurate hit registration and movement.
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Subtick System in CS2
The subtick system is designed to capture and process every action a player makes, independent of the server’s tick rate.
- Instantaneous Input Processing: Player actions like shooting, moving, and jumping are registered precisely when they happen, regardless of tick intervals.
- Improved Hit Registration: Shots and hits are recorded in real-time, reducing delays and improving accuracy during fast-paced scenarios.
Subtick Key Features
- Input Time Stamping: Every player action is assigned a timestamp that ensures the exact moment it occurred is recorded.
- Server Calculation: The server processes the action at the precise moment it happened, reducing delays from traditional tick intervals.
- Gameplay Synchronization: This process ensures smoother gameplay by aligning visual feedback with player actions, even during high-stress gameplay moments.
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CS2 Server Tick Rate
Officially, CS2 servers operate at a tick rate of 64 Hz, meaning the server updates the game state 64 times per second. This tick rate is the same as CS’s matchmaking servers, but players often advocate for a 128 Hz tick rate. Many believe that a higher tick rate leads to smoother, more responsive gameplay, particularly in professional or high-level competitive matches.
However, with the subtick system in place, Valve has argued that the need for a higher tick rate is reduced. The subtick system aims to make the difference between 64 and 128 tick servers less noticeable by ensuring that player actions are recorded more accurately, even between tick updates. Still, some players remain skeptical, claiming that gameplay on 64-tick servers feels less responsive than on 128-tick servers, despite the subtick improvements.
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Future Updates for CS2
While the subtick system is a significant improvement, some players have reported issues such as:
- Inconsistent Hit Registration: While subticks improve accuracy, some players still experience discrepancies during gameplay.
- Increased Server Load: Subtick processing requires more server resources, potentially leading to stuttering or lag during intense matches.
In the future, Valve may refine the subtick system to address these issues. Possible updates could include:
- Server Optimizations: Improving the server’s ability to handle the increased load from subtick data.
- Introducing 128-tick Servers: Valve may eventually offer a 128 Hz option for pro players and high-level competitive scenes.
Given the ongoing feedback from the community, we can expect further refinements to the subtick system that will enhance precision and player experience.
Why Tick Rate Matters in CS2
CS2’s subtick system is undeniably a game-changer, giving us smoother gameplay and more precise actions. The traditional 64 Hz tick rate might seem like a limitation, but the subtick system does a great job of closing the gap between 64 and 128 tick servers. Some players tend to still believe that 128 Hz servers are superior to 64 Hz ones in everything, but the difference between them isn’t always so obvious. Moreover, Valve could still improve CS2 by refining the subtick system further, reducing server load, or even offering new server options like 128 Hz. Players will always push for the best performance, and we know how passionate the Counter-Strike community can be. What’s clear is that CS2 has set a new standard with the subtick system, and it’s exciting to see where the game goes from here.
