The April 1 Counter-Strike 2 update saw Valve launch its public Beta test for Animgraph 2 animations. Despite the date, it is no April Fools, but a rehaul of CS2 animations that has been promised for months.
What is Animgraph 2?
Animgraph 2 is the next generation of Valve’s animation system, replacing the original AnimGraph model used in prior titles on the Source 2 engine.
Counter-Strike was originally released fully on AnimGraph, but has since had components updated to Animgraph 2 as CS2 gradually migrates over.
In July 28 2025, all first-person animations, including weapon deploy, firing, reload, and inspect animations were migrated over to Animgraph 2. Additionally, the in-game chickens also utilized Animgraph, a zero-consequence way of testing the build.
Now Valve seems to have enough confidence to put the system into more impactful parts of the game, testing the third-peron animations which players rely on for knowledge of where to aim, and if their bullets hit anything.
The system aims to create a snappier system for players by reducing CPU and networking costs associated with animation. Since CS2’s launch, the delay between hitting a headshot and getting feedback has been a sore spot for the FPS.
Valve is also attempting to make the animations more reliable for players, announcing adjustments to player height on sloped surfaces and in-air crouching animations.
How to access the CS2 Animgraph 2 Beta
Players will need to opt in to the CS2 Animgraphy 2 Beta in order to join in the testing.
To opt in to the CS2 Animgraph 2 Beta
- Go to your Steam Library
- Right-click on CS2 and select Properties
- Go to Game Versions & Betas
- Select ‘animgraph_2_beta’ from the list
- The game will then update to the Beta version, and you can play.
No online multiplayer modes are available when testing the Beta, so have fun shooting bots!
You can discuss Counter-Strike 2’s direction on our Discord server.
For other CS2 news, see how FaZe’s Cologne Major chances are still alive.
Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
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