Valve has officially rolled out an update introducing Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 Stickers and the fan-favorite Pick’Em Challenge to CS2. Released on November 27, this update coincides with the highly anticipated Shanghai Major and provides players with a variety of intriguing features, collectibles, and possibilities to participate in the event. Don’t forget to make your Major match predictions to dive into $20,000 giveaways and snag that coveted diamond medal on your Skin.Club profile!
Welcome to Counter-Strike 2’s second Major. Tournament items are now available: https://t.co/YXWEmfC8MY
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) November 27, 2024
Here’s a full overview of what’s included in this patch and why you should jump into the action now:
A Closer Look at Shanghai Major Stickers
Stickers have become a cultural cornerstone for CS2 Majors, and the Shanghai Major is no exception. These collectible stickers allow players to showcase their allegiance to teams, players, and the event itself while adding flair to their in-game weapons.
Four Categories of Stickers
- Contenders Stickers
This capsule represents the lowest-ranked teams in the Shanghai Major. While they may not carry the prestige of Legends stickers, their rarity could increase significantly if any of these underdogs outperform expectations. With Gold variants being the rarest, Contenders stickers are an exciting gamble for fans who love rooting for the unexpected. - Challengers Stickers
Representing the mid-tier teams, these stickers strike a balance between popularity and rarity. Fans of these teams have a great opportunity to support them while potentially snagging stickers that may increase in value depending on tournament outcomes. - Legends Stickers
The Legends capsule is the highlight of the sticker lineup, featuring top teams such as G2 Esports, Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, and HEROIC. These stickers not only look great, but they also represent the pinnacle of competitive CS2 gaming. The Gold-tier Legends stickers, in particular, are likely to become prized possessions for collectors. - Champion Stickers
These stickers are reserved for the winning team, to be revealed after the Major concludes on December 15, 2024. These highly exclusive items will likely see significant demand and could become some of the rarest and most valuable stickers in CS2.
Player Autographs
Valve’s choice to require hand-drawn player autographs during the RMRs guarantees that all participants are represented, avoiding delays caused by late submissions. While the autographs may be less creative than in previous events, their consistency makes them an important element of the sticker collection.
Each player’s autograph is available in four finishes:
- Basic
- Glitter
- Holo
- Gold
Pick’Em Challenge: Predict, Play, and Win
The Pick’Em Challenge adds an interactive element to the Shanghai Major, allowing fans to participate in the tournament by predicting results throughout different stages. This feature is not just a game, it also lets fans test their knowledge while earning in-game rewards.
How to Participate in Pick’Em
- Prime Status Access
All players with Prime status can place their predictions for free. However, to earn rewards and upgrade your Shanghai 2024 Coin, you’ll need a Viewer Pass. - Viewer Pass Options
- Standard Viewer Pass: Unlocks the Pick’Em Challenge and grants an upgradeable Shanghai 2024 Coin.
- Viewer Pass + Souvenir Tokens: Includes three Souvenir Tokens in addition to the benefits of the standard pass.
- Pick’Em Stages
The Opening Stage is live now, and players must correctly predict at least 5 out of 10 picks to stay in the running for the coveted Diamond Coin. Subsequent stages, such as the Elimination Stage and Playoffs, will unlock progressively. - Souvenir Packages
Complete challenges and earn Souvenir Packages, which feature exclusive skins tied to iconic tournament moments.
Pick’Em Tips for Success
Here are some tips to maximize your Pick’Em performance:
- Research Team Performance: Study recent results from the RMRs and group stages to make informed picks.
- Diversify Your Choices: Avoid putting all your picks on one type of outcome—spread your predictions across strong favorites and potential upsets.
- Set Reminders: Each stage has a deadline, so don’t forget to finalize your picks. Missing a stage could cost you valuable points and rewards.
Other Exciting Features in the Shanghai Major Update
Music Kits: “Ay Hey” by Perfect World
Valve has introduced a brand-new music kit, titled “Ay Hey” by Perfect World. Available in both Standard and StatTrak versions, this kit provides a fresh soundtrack to accompany your matches. Its release aligns perfectly with the festive mood of the Shanghai Major.
Weapon Rentals: A Nostalgic Twist
For the first time, players can rent weapons from previous CS:GO cases. This feature allows fans to revisit beloved skins and brings an added layer of nostalgia to the game. It’s a thoughtful addition that lets long-time fans relive some of CS:GO’s greatest moments.
Gameplay Tweaks
Valve has incorporated several gameplay improvements to enhance the whole gaming experience:
- Movement Adjustments: A new setting (sv_quantize_movement_input) ensures fair movement mechanics, preventing players from exploiting fractional-speed binds.
- Weapon Persistence: In custom servers, weapons no longer disappear when switching between game modes mid-match.
The Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 update is a significant milestone for CS2, combining competitive excitement with collector enjoyment. This update offers something for everyone, from the artistically drawn stickers to the strategic Pick’Em Challenge. If you are a spectator, a collector, or a competitive player, there are numerous ways to get involved in the action.
Don’t miss your chance to participate in this historic event. Grab your stickers, finalize your Pick’Em picks, and get ready to experience CS2 at its finest!