Valve Releases Major Counter-Strike: Source Update After Four Years

For the first time in four years, Valve has released a significant update for Counter-Strike: Source. This patch, which installs automatically upon restarting the game, introduces 64-bit system support, improved video settings, and several technologies borrowed from the Half-Life 2 update. Additionally, developers have fixed client-side prediction issues, refined weapon model behavior, and improved movement synchronization for a smoother gameplay experience.

Key Changes in the February 18 Update:

• 64-bit system support added – The game will now launch 64-bit binaries automatically on compatible operating systems.
• Borderless window mode – A new option in the video settings for seamless transitions between applications.
• Enhanced lighting – Bicubic lightmaps from the Half-Life 2: 20th Anniversary Update.
• Improved atmospheric effects – Radial fog, also sourced from Half-Life 2: 20th Anniversary Update.
• Steam Networking integration – Improving online connectivity and performance.
• UI scaling for high-resolution displays – Enhancing interface readability on modern screens.
• Better default settings:

1. Local game servers will now automatically include the player’s name in their default name.
2. The game now starts at the default screen resolution instead of 640×480.

• Client-side prediction fixes:

1. Reduced lags and rollbacks in certain scenarios.
2. Addressed an issue where the camera displayed incorrectly when standing up from a crouched position in tight spaces.
3. Fixed a bug that prevented gifts from dropping randomly during winter events.

1. Fixed a prediction error where player movement wasn't accounted for in certain actions.
2. Improved prediction when walking on objects and other dynamic entities.
3. Some client components now trigger local-only prediction errors, preventing global disruptions.
4. Fixed weapon model bobbing prediction.
5. Resolved weapon idle animation prediction issues.
6. Fixed a bug where destructible objects didn't break correctly.
7. Addressed player position desynchronization issues with the server in specific cases.
8. Fixed player speed desynchronization between client and server, particularly when moving on conveyors and moving objects.

This long-awaited update brings several technical advancements and gameplay refinements to Counter-Strike: Source, ensuring an improved experience for both new and veteran players.