New Competitive Map: Thera

The headline addition in this update is Thera, a brand-new competitive map set in a Mediterranean coastal town. Thera features a traditional two-bombsite layout with an emphasis on mid control and vertical gameplay.

The map has been in beta testing for several weeks and has received positive feedback from professional players for its balanced layout and clear sightlines. Thera is immediately available in Competitive and Premier matchmaking.

Weapon Balance Changes

The M4A1-S receives a slight damage increase at range, bringing its kill reward more in line with the M4A4 in long-distance engagements. Valve noted this change aims to make the choice between the two rifles more meaningful.

The Deagle’s jumping inaccuracy has been increased, addressing a long-standing community complaint about lucky airborne kills. Standing accuracy remains unchanged.

SMG prices have been adjusted: the MP9 drops to $1150 (from $1250) and the MAC-10 drops to $950 (from $1050), making force-buy rounds more viable on both sides.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

Over 30 bug fixes are included in this update, addressing issues across multiple maps, weapons, and UI elements. Notable fixes include resolved clipping spots on Mirage and Inferno, a fix for the smoke grenade rendering bug that caused one-way smokes in specific conditions, and improvements to the buy menu responsiveness.