The iconic catwalk boost is now a thing of the past in CS2 as the newest update makes it a one-man affair.
Dust 2 is one of the oldest locations in Counter-Strike, and despite constant updates, it remains mostly the same. The last major update to the map layout came out in 2021 when Valve added a wall towards T spawn to allow CTs to cross mid safely. The latest update further enhances CT mobility on A site, building this momentum.
The July 22 release notes removed a massive obstacle on bomb site A that prevented CTs from quickly reaching short.
The most recent Dust 2 update has removed the iconic catwalk boost, allowing CS2 players to jump onto A short all by themselves.
Valve has added another box on the stack right outside CT spawn to allow players to reach A short quickly. The smaller box eliminates the need for a second player’s assistance, as the stack now allows for a solo jump over the ledge with ease. This update is game-changing considering just how bothersome the catwalk boost was in CS2. To reach mid in time, players had to seek help from a teammate, which was a nightmare in a solo queue.
To top it off, the catwalk boost wasn’t simple even with a cooperative teammate. Firstly, both players must rush the boxes as quickly as possible if they want to reach short before the Ts. A single misstep on the triple stack could prove disastrous, as it would leave two out of five players temporarily out of position, creating a significant vulnerability for teammates.
Despite the risk involved, the catwalk boost was a popular tactic in CS2 due to its viability. Reaching A short in time could be a great help for the mid AWPer and A long players. Due to its high efficacy, Valve has likely made it easier for CTs to move around A site in a historical update.
However, not all players are happy with it. Some are calling it “CS2 on easy mode” since team tactics like boosting add depth to gameplay. But a large chunk is happy to be able to navigate A site without relying on a teammate.
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