The Armory: A Revolutionary Update to Counter-Strike

On October 3, 2024, Counter-Strike players worldwide were greeted with an exhilarating new update introducing The Armory. This game-changing addition elevates the way players collect and customize in-game items. With over 100 new items, including weapon collections, charms, stickers, and a limited-edition weapon, this update is exciting for every player.

Introducing The Armory Pass

The Armory Pass is at the heart of this update, a ticket to unlocking a treasure trove of new content.

• Earn Armory Credits: By activating an Armory Pass, you start earning Armory Credits whenever you gain experience points (XP). There’s no need to alter your playstyle—credits accumulate as you play.
• Redeem for Rewards: These credits can be redeemed in The Armory for a wide array of items, from weapon finishes to charms and stickers.
• Stack Up for More: Eager to maximize your rewards? You can have up to five Armory Passes active at once, making progress on all simultaneously.

Weapon Charms: Personalize Your Arsenal

One of the standout features of this update is the introduction of Weapon Charms—dynamic accessories that add a personal touch to your favorite weapons.

Customizable Placement

• Drag and Drop: Charms can be precisely placed anywhere on your weapon using a simple drag-and-drop interface.
• One Charm per Weapon: Each weapon can sport one charm at a time, allowing you to showcase your style without clutter.

Charm Collections to Suit Your Style

Missing Link Charms

If you’ve ever wanted to add a whimsical touch to your gear, the Missing Link Charms are perfect. Featuring quirky designs—like tiny sausage-shaped characters—they bring a fun and unexpected element to your weaponry.

Small Arms Charms

For those who appreciate a nod to the game’s heritage, the Small Arms Charms offer miniature versions of classic Counter-Strike weapons. Crafted from recycled CS:GO weapons, they’re sentimental keepsakes that honor the past.

Managing Your Charms

• Detach and Reuse: To remove a charm, use a Charm Detachment, returning it to your inventory for future use.
• Complimentary Detachments: When you redeem a charm from The Armory, you receive three free Charm Detachments. Need more? Additional detachments are available for purchase.

New Weapon Collections and Cases

Expand your collection with three new weapon sets and a fresh weapon case, each offering unique designs.

Overpass Collection

Inspired by the iconic graffiti of the Overpass map, this collection features 16 weapon finishes that range from bold and vibrant to subtle and intricate, capturing the essence of the locale.

Graphic Collection

The Graphic Collection explores traditional print media techniques, presenting 16 weapon finishes with bright colors and striking patterns. It’s ideal for players looking to make a visual statement.

Sport and Field Collection

Designed with competition in mind, the Sport and Field Collection offers 16 sleek and modern weapon finishes. These are perfect for players who want their weapons to reflect their competitive spirit.

The Gallery Case

Celebrating the creativity of the Counter-Strike community, The Gallery Case includes 17 community-designed weapon finishes, showcasing a wide range of art styles and visions.

Elemental & Craft Stickers: Mix, Match, and Create

Express yourself with two new sticker collections that encourage creativity.

Customization Enhanced

• Scrape Preview: A new feature allows you to preview how stickers will look when scraped before applying them, giving you full control over your weapon’s appearance.
• Endless Possibilities: Mix and match stickers from the Elemental and Craft collections to create unique designs that reflect your personality.

Limited Edition Heat Treated Desert Eagle

Don’t miss out on the Heat Treated Desert Eagle, a limited-edition weapon available exclusively through The Armory.

• Unique Patterns: Each weapon boasts a one-of-a-kind wear pattern, making it a unique addition to any collection.
• Collectors’ Item: Available for a limited time, it’s a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Enhancements and Fixes Across the Board

The update isn’t just about new items—it also brings numerous improvements to enhance gameplay.

Inventory and Item Adjustments

• Trade Restrictions: Items obtained from the in-game store, trade offers, or the Steam Community Market now have a seven-day trade and market restriction.
• Preview Before You Apply: You can now preview how stickers, patches, and charms look on your weapons before applying them.
• Improved Customization: Adjustments to sticker application and scraping, as well as nametag previews, make customizing your gear more intuitive.

Animation Improvements

• Smoother Movement: Character animations have been refined for more natural posing on slopes and ladders.
• Eliminated Glitches: Issues like unwanted leaning or pose “popping” during movements have been addressed, providing a seamless visual experience.

Gameplay Tweaks

• Grenade Mechanics: Flashbangs and HE grenades no longer detonate prematurely when exceeding their bounce limit, allowing for more strategic plays.

Graphics and Audio Enhancements

• Video Settings: A display selection option has been added for fullscreen mode, and graphical artifacts have been fixed.
• Sound Fixes: Audio issues, including UI sound positioning and voice chat functionality, have been resolved for clearer communication.

Networking and Performance

• Network Diagnostics: New telemetry options help diagnose jitter and packet misdelivery, improving in-game performance.
• Optimized Measurements: Adjustments to how network issues are measured provide a smoother gameplay experience.

Map Updates

Improvements have been made to several maps to enhance playability:

• Ancient and Anubis: Fixed issues like disappearing geometry and improved player movement through adjusted clipping.
• Italy: Now added to competitive matchmaking, with animation fixes for a better experience.
• Other Maps: Adjustments to Dust II, Mirage, Nuke, and Overpass address various gameplay hindrances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an Armory Pass?

Armory Passes are available for purchase in-game or via the web for accounts with Prime Status.

Can I trade or sell Armory Passes or Credits?

No, Armory Passes and Armory Credits are non-transferable and cannot be sold or traded on the Steam Community Market.

How many Armory Credits can I earn with one pass?

Each Armory Pass includes 40 credits. You receive the first credit upon activation, and the rest are earned through gameplay.

Can I earn credits faster by boosting XP?

No, the progress toward Armory Credits is consistent and not affected by XP boosts or reductions. Play at your own pace!

Is it possible to buy Armory Credits directly?

Armory Credits cannot be purchased directly; they are earned exclusively through gameplay with an active Armory Pass.

Jump Back into the Action

This update marks a significant evolution in the Counter-Strike experience, offering players more ways to personalize their gameplay and express themselves. Whether you’re excited about the new weapon finishes, eager to adorn your guns with charms, or looking forward to the latest gameplay enhancements, there’s never been a better time to dive back into the game.

Activate your Armory Pass, start earning credits, and explore all the new content waiting for you. See you on the battlefield!