What is sub-tick in CS2? 64 vs 128 tick rate in Counter-Strike 2
ValveA server’s tick rate determines the precision and smoothness CS2 players will experience. With Valve introducing a new sub-tick architecture for their CS2 servers, here’s everything to know about sub-tick, including how it will affect your in-game performance.
CS2 has received its full release, with fans of the ever-popular franchise jumping into queues for the new Premier mode. The franchise’s latest title brings a plethora of changes and additions as Counter-Strike finally gets its game engine upgraded to Source 2.
One such change is to the tick rate system in the matchmaking servers. With many in the community demanding higher tick rate servers for the previous title, Valve confirmed the implementation of a brand new system called sub-tick in CS2.
With that said, here’s all you need to know about the sub-tick change for the servers, and how it will affect your CS2 matches.
Sub-tick explained: What is the tick rate of CS2 servers?
A tick rate in CS2 is the frequency with which a server calculates its updates. Valve has completely changed how servers process players’ actions by introducing sub-tick architecture. With sub-tick making its way into CS2, the servers will now be able to calculate each player’s precise actions between ticks.
The tick rate is measured in hertz (Hz), and a higher tick rate allows players to receive quicker updates from the server. As a result, high tick rate servers feel significantly responsive and smooth, when it comes to shooting and movement.
While all the CS:GO servers operated with a 64 Hz tick rate, Valve confirmed that CS2 servers are “Moving Beyond Tick Rate” with the sub-tick updates.
Simply stated, CS2 servers will know the “exact moment you fired your shot, jumped your jump or peeked your peek.” This will eliminate server registration problems that existed in CS:GO.
CS2 sub-tick vs CS:GO’s 64 and 128 tick rate
Despite the devs implementing a new sub-tick system in CS2, many in the community feel it’s inferior to the 128-tick rate servers that were available with third-party platforms like FACEIT in CS:GO. On the other hand, some players are enjoying the update and feel it’s a step up from the 64 Hz servers.
For most casual players, the difference between 64-tick and 128-tick isn’t noticeable, however, CS legend s1mple feels that CS2’s matchmaking servers feel worse, at the time of full release.
That’s all you need to know about sub-tick in Counter-Strike 2. For more CS2 content, make sure to check out the following guides:
How to convert Valorant to CS2 mouse sensitivity | Best CS:GO & CS2 crosshair codes used by pros | Is Counter-Strike 2 on macOS or Linux? | How to show FPS in Counter-Strike 2: Enable & disable commands | Best Counter-Strike 2 PC settings: High FPS, resolution, and more | Counter-Strike 2: All map changes | How to change FOV in CS2 | Can you play CS2 on console? Is there a PlayStation & Xbox version? | Best NVIDIA Reflex settings for CS2