Valve rolled out a CS2 update on November 5, 2026, introducing new mechanics for Retakes mode and changes to the entity system. Key changes include faster round endings in Retakes, reduced freeze time, and new chicken behaviors during freeze time.
The Steam text also includes several code-level additions and changes for developers, such as new methods in the entity system and updates to deprecated functions.
In this update, retake rounds are affected by the faster bomb defusal mechanic, which will now instantly finish if there is enough time left and no active utility. Freeze time and round restart delays are also reduced.
Quick glance at the key changes
| Change | Where | What the note says |
|---|---|---|
| Retakes mode bomb defusal | In-game during Retakes | Bomb defusal will instantly finish when there is sufficient time and no active u |
| Freeze time and round restart | In Retakes mode | Freeze time and round restart delay have been reduced. |
| Pinging chickens | During freeze time | Pinging pet chickens will now request a trick from them. |
| Hidden chicken names | When item text is hidden | Pet chicken names are no longer displayed when the item text is hidden. |
Full list of changes
Steps to understand the update
01
Retakes bomb defusal speed
During Retakes, the bomb will now instantly finish defusing when there's sufficient time and no utility. Look for this in the Steam text under 'Bomb defusal in Retakes mode will now instantly finish...'.
02
Reduced freeze time and round restart
Freeze time and round restart delay are shorter in Retakes mode. This is noted in the Steam text as 'Reduced freeze time and round restart delay in Retakes mode.'
03
Pinging pet chickens
During freeze time, pinging your pet chicken will trigger a trick. This is listed as 'Pinging pet chickens during freeze time will request a trick from them.'
04
Hidden chicken names
When the item text setting is hidden, customized chicken names no longer appear. This is covered in 'Pet chicken names are no longer displayed when customized item text game option is set to hidden.'
Does this update affect all game modes?+
No. The changes are specific to Retakes mode and the entity system used by developers.
Will the chicken names always be hidden when the item text is hidden?+
Yes. The Steam text confirms that customized chicken names will not appear under that setting.
Can I still use the old entity methods after this update?+
Yes, but they are deprecated. The Steam text mentions that moved and renamed methods are still available in their original locations but marked as deprecated.
What happens if I call a method on an invalid entity?+
The system now reports that the entity is invalid when you try to call a method on it.
Sources
- Community Announcements · 2026-11-05