Animgraph 2 Beta
CS2 introduces the Animgraph 2 animation system in a new beta build, optimizing CPU and networking performance while re-authoring all third-person animations.
Key Changes
- 1Introduction of the Animgraph 2 animation system
- 2Complete re-authoring of all third-person animations
- 3Significant reduction in CPU costs for animations
- 4Lowered networking bandwidth requirements for animation data
- 5Animation adjustments based on community feedback
- 6New 'animgraph_2_beta' opt-in branch available for testing
- 7Valve server connectivity disabled for beta participants
All Changes
🏃Animation System(3)
- newAnimgraph 2: Implemented the Animgraph 2 animation system to replace the previous architecture.
- changeThird-person animations: Re-authored all third-person animations for improved visual fidelity and technical performance.
- changeThird-person animations: Adjusted various third-person animations specifically in response to player feedback.
⚙️Performance(2)
- buffCPU: Reduced CPU costs associated with processing character animations.
- buffNetworking: Reduced networking costs and bandwidth usage for animation data synchronization.
🧪Beta Access(2)
- newanimgraph_2_beta build: Added a new 'animgraph_2_beta' build for public testing.
- removeValve servers: Disabled the ability to connect to official Valve servers while using the beta build.
Summary
Animation System Overhaul
Valve has launched a dedicated beta branch for Counter-Strike 2 to test Animgraph 2, a significant update to the game's underlying animation architecture. This system is designed to modernize how character movements are handled, providing both technical optimizations and visual refinements.
Performance & Networking
The transition to Animgraph 2 focuses heavily on efficiency. Players should see a reduction in the CPU overhead required to process animations, as well as lower networking costs, which may improve overall game stability and responsiveness in high-density player scenarios.
Visual Re-authoring
Every third-person animation in the game has been re-authored. Many of these movements have been specifically adjusted to address community feedback regarding how characters look and move in the game world.
Beta Participation
Players can access these changes by opting into the animgraph_2_beta build via Steam. Note that while this build is active, connectivity to official Valve servers is disabled.