Today’s update is a big one. After gathering feedback from pro players around the world, we’ve made significant changes to weapon balance with global changes to recoil that affect all weapons, as well as specific adjustments to rifles, pistols, and the P90. We’ve also made some changes to the messaging system, so check the notes for details.

To try the weapon changes out for yourself, we’ve also added a new game mode to matchmaking and offline play: Deathmatch.

You can join a Deathmatch on either the Classic maps or the Demolition and Arms Race maps. Practice your aim with individual weapons like the pros, spawn with a random weapon, or boost your score by taking advantage of bonus timers. There’s no wrong way to play.

Deathmatch mode is also a useful way to learn a new map. Find out where you’re exposed, and experiment with new angles and approaches.

Speaking of maps, today also marks the launch of a private beta for the Map Workshop. If you’re a map maker, mail csgo_sdk@list.valvesoftware.com with the subject “Map Workshop Beta” and your Steam ID in the content, with a link to maps shipped or in progress that would be suitable for the workshop.