Welcome to the Maps Workshop!
7 Feb 2013 - 
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Maps Workshop for CS:GO. Now it’s easy to discover and play new maps and game modes designed by the Counter-Strike community. Speaking of new maps, today also marks the release of a classic hostage rescue map: cs_assault.
We’re on sale through the weekend, so now is the perfect time to pick up a copy for yourself and your friends!
Using the Maps Workshop is easy! Just use the new client Map Browser and select the “Maps Workshop” tab, visit the workshop from the CS:GO Game Hub, or click the image below.
Browse the Maps Workshop, vote for your favorites, and subscribe to any map that grabs your interest. Your game client will automatically download the map, and it will update every time the author makes a change. You can quickmatch into a community server running your new map, set up a private match through Play With Friends, or explore the map offline with bots.
The Maps Workshop also has a ton of features for server operators and map makers. If you’re running a server, you can use the Maps Workshop to quickly find the most popular community maps. All you have to do is subscribe, and you’ll always have the most up to date version available.
Working on a map? Don’t hesitate to get your rough draft up on the Workshop. You can update your map as often as you’d like, and players and servers will stay current. The best way to test a map is to get players in there, so publish early and publish often!
Beyond the overall design of the map, map makers can now specify a wide range of gameplay-affecting settings. Stick to the standard CS formula, or create a totally new experience for players. The Maps Workshop provides infinite gameplay, with every kind of Counter-Strike the community can dream up.
New maps, new gameplay, and an easy way to join and contribute to the CS:GO community. What are you waiting for?
GO! GO! GO!
CS:GO Pro Tip Series: GeT_RiGhT
1 Feb 2013 -
Over the past few months pro players from around the world have been providing tips to help players at every skill level.They’ve described the early game economy, when and where to plant the bomb, how to handle specific weapons, and how to throw precise smokes and flashes.
In today’s pro tip, we hear from NiP’s GeT_RiGhT, who provides a broad introduction to the ‘backup’ role in competitive play, and demonstrates how backup players can position themselves to make the biggest impact on a round in de_inferno.
Counter-Strike players can have many roles, from snipers and riflers to backup players and defenders. Find your own play style in Competitive Matchmaking, hone your weapon skills in Deathmatch, or watch your friends in action to learn how they approach a round!
Update: Weapons and Spectating
30 Jan 2013 -
Last week we made some big changes to weapons based on pro feedback. Those changes were just a first step in the evolution of weapon balance in CS:GO, and that process continues with today’s update.
We’ll continue to monitor player performance in the weeks to come, so head into a Deathmatch server and give the newest adjustments a shot.
This update also includes an easy new way to watch your friends in action.
To spectate your friends, just head over to the “Play With Friends” menu. If your friend is on an official matchmaking server, you’ll see a WATCH button next to the JOIN and INVITE buttons.
Spectating is a great way to learn some new tricks, or to root for your favorite players while they’re in a match!
Update: Weapon Changes, Deathmatch!
23 Jan 2013 -
Today’s update is a big one. After gathering feedback from pro players around the world, we’ve made significant changes to weapon balance with global changes to recoil that affect all weapons, as well as specific adjustments to rifles, pistols, and the P90. We’ve also made some changes to the messaging system, so check the notes for details.
To try the weapon changes out for yourself, we’ve also added a new game mode to matchmaking and offline play: Deathmatch.
You can join a Deathmatch on either the Classic maps or the Demolition and Arms Race maps. Practice your aim with individual weapons like the pros, spawn with a random weapon, or boost your score by taking advantage of bonus timers. There’s no wrong way to play.
Deathmatch mode is also a useful way to learn a new map. Find out where you’re exposed, and experiment with new angles and approaches.
Speaking of maps, today also marks the launch of a private beta for the Map Workshop. If you’re a map maker, mail csgo_sdk@list.valvesoftware.com with the subject “Map Workshop Beta” and your Steam ID in the content, with a link to maps shipped or in progress that would be suitable for the workshop.
Update: 1/9/2013
9 Jan 2013 -
Today’s update to CS:GO includes a new Server Report panel, which will allow you to provide feedback about specific servers (inappropriate content, poor performance, etc.).
You can find the Server Report panel in the pause menu.
In addition to fixes and gameplay tweaks driven by community feedback, there’s a lot more in store for CS:GO fans.
For you map-makers out there, get your custom maps together! We’re working on the Map Workshop, so stay tuned for more details soon.
