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New CS2 Update Improves Animations, Brings Various Audio Adjustments, and More Changes

Sonu Banerjee
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New CS2 Update Improves Animations, Brings Various Audio Adjustments, and More Changes

Earlier today, Valve released a new update for Counter-Strike 2, introducing a set of improvements to the game’s animation system while also polishing the game’s audio.

The changes in the April 1st CS2 update include improved player animations, a series of audio adjustments, and various other smaller changes to enhance players’ overall gameplay experience.

In this article, we’ll go through all the new changes that the latest CS2 update has brought to the shooter.

New CS2 Update Adds Animgraph 2, Audio Improvements, and More

The biggest highlight of the April 1st update is the introduction of a new animation system to CS2.

For the unaware, the new CS2 patch has upgraded the game’s animation system to Animgraph 2, reducing CPU and networking costs associated with animation and improving player animations across the board. As confirmed by Valve, all third-person player animations in the game have been re-authored, and in several cases adjusted in response to player feedback.

For now, players will have to opt into a specific beta branch to enjoy the new animation system. You can check our detailed guide on the topic to learn how to access this new beta branch.

Valve Updates CS2 Movement Animations in Latest Update

CS2 April 1st Update: Patch Notes

Valve has already revealed the detailed patch notes for the April 1st CS2 update. Fans can check out the full list of changes below:

[ ANIMGRAPH 2 ]

The CS2 animation system has been updated to Animgraph 2, which reduces CPU and networking costs associated with animation.

  • All third-person animations have been re-authored, and in several cases adjusted in response to player feedback.
  • Smoothed in-air crouching transitions in first and third-person.
  • In support of Animgraph 2, the logic adjusting player height on sloped surfaces has been refactored.
    • Player height on ramps is now consistent and no longer depends on approach direction.
    • As a result of this change, grenade lineups on sloped surfaces may have changed.

[ ENGINE ]

  • Updated engine code to the latest version of Source 2.

[ CS SCRIPT ]

  • Added function GetRoundRemainingTime.

[ GAMEPLAY ] 

  • Player occlusion now uses a GPU query to prevent players clipping through thin walls when none of their bounding volume is visible.

[ SOUND ]

  • Mix adjustments to help accentuate jump landing sounds during combat.
  • New c4 equip sound.
  • Minor adjustments to ambient sound levels.
  • Fixed missing ambient sounds on team selection and end of match screens.
  • Fixed missing sounds in the main menu UI
  • Mix tweaks while taking damage
  • Fixed bug where DeathCam music cue was causing volume ducking for too long. 
  • Vertical occlusion is now more gradual at the edges of transition points in Nuke and Vertigo.
  • Various map audio adjustments in Baggage, Shoots, Ancient, Nuke, and Vertigo.

Valve Updates CS2 Movement Animations in Latest Update

Sonu Banerjee
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Valve Updates CS2 Movement Animations in Latest Update

Valve has rolled out a new update for Counter-Strike 2 on April 1, and while the rumored additions to the Armory are still nowhere to be seen, the latest patch does introduce a crucial change to player animations.

The new CS2 patch has updated the game’s animation system to Animgraph 2, reducing CPU and networking costs associated with animation while also improving player animations across the board.

As per the official patch notes, every single third-person animation has been redone, with many animations now responding better to player feedback.

At the time of writing, the new animation system is only available in a specific beta build. Luckily, any player can access the Animgraph 2 beta in only a few clicks.

How to Access CS2 Animgraph 2 Beta Branch

To update your CS2 to have the latest Animgraph 2 animations, you’ll need to opt into the game’s new beta branch.

To get access to the Animgraph 2 beta, simply follow these steps:

  • Head to your Steam Library
  • Right-click on “Counter-Strike 2”
  • Click on “Properties”
  • Go to “Game Versions & Betas”
  • From the list, select “animgraph_2_beta”
  • Launch Counter-Strike 2

What’s New in CS2 Animgraph 2?

By opting into the Animgraph 2 beta, you’ll be able to update all player animations to the latest version.

Upon hopping into an actual match, you should be able to see the differences in player animations and your game’s overall performance. The new animations are especially noticeable when a player switches their direction inputs when counter-strafing.

You can check out a comparison video of the old and new animations below:

Steam Deck 2 Delayed Till 2028

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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Steam Deck 2 Delayed Till 2028

Rumours have surfaced that the highly anticipated Steam Deck 2 is pushed as far back as 2028, indicating a longer wait time for the next generation of Valve’s handheld gaming consoles, possibly due to additional efforts in product engineering.

Why the delay?

As Valve has clearly addressed, they plan to make a generational leap in performance and efficiency with the new generation of the Steam Deck, and speculations have surfaced that this is responsible for pushing back the release date, with a possible longer R&D timeline from the developers. While 2028 may seem to be far away, this would ensure a better device instead of a minor spec bump.

While R&D might be a concern, the global shortage of NAND and RAM might also have an impact on the timeline more than we think. As they will struggle to manufacture products, taking a more lenient timeline would ensure that they have enough time before the supply chain is back to normal.

2022 saw Valve drop the Steam Deck, which may not have been a global sensation, but it showed promise that future generations would actually make portable gaming a more enjoyable experience. It goes without saying that they were limited by the technology, and therefore, 2028 should bring significant improvements to the console.

What to expect

With CPUs getting more efficient, by the time the Steam Deck 2 is ready, we might see it ship with the latest processors that are not only fast but are efficient enough to make the portable gaming experience worth it.

As things stand, these rumours are based on the current market situation, and unless Valve confirms it, it is better to take them with a pinch of salt. As of now, the rumours look believable coming from the trusted sources, and given the global supply chain situation, it will be anything but surprising if this actually comes to fruition.

Revenant XSparks Release Punk and JD Gaming from their BGMI Roster

Aditya Parsutkar
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Revenant XSparks Release Punk and JD Gaming from their BGMI Roster

Revenant XSparks has made a major change to its BGMI roster by releasing captain Punk and fifth player JD Gaming. The decision comes after the team finished 7th at the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2026 Grand Finals held in Chennai.

Revenant XSparks Drop Punk and JD Gaming Ahead of BMPS 2026

The organization confirmed the update on April 2, 2026. Ashutosh “Punk” Singh, who joined the team as an IGL in November 2025, is no longer part of the lineup. Along with him, Jay “JDGamingYT” Deshmukh has also been released.

Punk had a solid run with Revenant XSparks during his time as captain. Under his leadership, the team won the Skyesports Skirmish Series 2025 and also secured second-place finishes in Blizzard Battlegrounds and Upthrust Esports Pro Showdown 2026. Despite these strong performances, the team could not achieve a top finish at BGIS 2026, which may have led to this decision.

This move has surprised many fans, as Punk is known for his experience and leadership skills. However, it looks like the organization is planning a fresh start before the upcoming BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2026.

There are also reports that Revenant XSparks might look to bring back Shadow as their IGL. He previously led the team to major titles like BGIS and BMPS in 2024. At the moment, Shadow is part of Team Meta Ninza, so it will be interesting to see if a transfer happens.

Read More: BGMI Player Transfer Window Tracker (April 2026): All Rosters, Transfers and Latest Updates

Right now, the team has retained three strong assaulters—Pain, NinjaJOD, and TraceGod. While all three are skilled players, none of them has much experience as a captain. This means the team will likely sign a new IGL before the next big event.

The BGMI transfer window opened on April 1, and roster changes have already started across teams. Several top players are expected to switch teams in the coming days. Big names are available in the market, and organizations are actively looking to strengthen their squads before BMPS 2026.

Fans can also expect more big changes in the scene. Rumors suggest possible roster moves involving top players and teams, which could completely shake up the competitive BGMI landscape.

Ahmedabad to Host TEZ FFMIC 2026 Spring Grand Finals: Check Dates, Venue, and Format

Aditya Parsutkar
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Ahmedabad to Host TEZ FFMIC 2026 Spring Grand Finals: Check Dates, Venue, and Format

Garena has officially confirmed that the Grand Finals of the Free Fire MAX India Cup (FFMIC) 2026 Spring will be held in Ahmedabad. This is one of the biggest Free Fire MAX events in India, where the top teams will battle for the title and a prize pool of ₹1 crore.

FFMIC 2026 Spring Grand Finals: Dates and Venue

The Grand Finals will take place on April 25 and 26 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The venue is located in Gandhinagar (Sector 13C) and can host around 5,000 fans. Tickets are expected to be announced soon, so fans should keep checking Free Fire MAX’s official social media pages for updates.

FFMIC 2026 Grand Finals Format

The final stage will feature 12 teams who qualify from the online rounds. The competition will be played in two parts:

  • April 25 – Points Rush (played online)
  • April 26 – Champion Rush (LAN event with live audience)

In the Points Rush stage, teams will earn extra starting points based on their performance. These points will give them an advantage going into the final day.

On the second day, Champion Rush format will decide the winner, making every match important and exciting for fans.

Read More: Free Fire VIP Proxy Server App Explained: Can You Really Get OB53 Features?

Teams Qualified So Far

Six teams have already secured their place in the Grand Finals:

  • Gyan Gaming
  • RNX Esports
  • Total Gaming Esports
  • Team Hind
  • Gods Reign Pros
  • Fireeyes GA

The remaining six teams will qualify through the Knockout Stage Week 3 standings.

Where to Watch Free Fire MAX India Cup 2026 Spring

Fans who cannot attend the event live can watch all matches online. The tournament will be streamed on the official Free Fire MAX Esports India YouTube channel.

FFMIC 2026 Spring Grand Finals will take place on April 25 and 26 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Ahmedabad, where 12 top teams will compete for a ₹1 crore prize pool. The event will begin with the Points Rush played online, followed by the Champion Rush on LAN in front of fans. Six teams have already qualified, while the remaining spots will be decided through the Knockout Stage. Fans can attend the event once tickets are released or watch all the action live on the official Free Fire MAX Esports India YouTube channel.

How to Shoulder Ride in Fortnite April Fool Update

Aritra Patra
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How to Shoulder Ride in Fortnite April Fool Update

Epic Games surprised Fortnite fans with the v40.10 update for Chapter 7 Season 2 on April 1, 2026. Along with big heads and rideable Llamas, the patch added shoulder riding. Here is exactly how it works and what you can do while up there.

What Is the Shoulder Ride Feature in Fortnite?

The April Fools event is live for 24 hours, running from April 1, 2026, at 5:30 AM ET to April 2, 2026, at 5:30 AM ET. Shoulder riding is part of a batch of limited-time modifiers that also includes big heads, Finger Guns, Llama riding, and fall damage immunity.

The modifications apply to unranked Battle Royale and Blitz matches. All of these are also in effect in Unranked Reload, except for the big heads.

The feature does not cost anything. The Shoulder Ride emote appears in your library automatically when you load into a match, with no Item Shop purchase needed.

How to Shoulder Ride in Fortnite Step by Step

You need to be in a duo, trio, or squad. Solo players cannot use this mechanic.

Here are the steps:

  • Load into a Fortnite match with at least one teammate.
  • Open your emote wheel. On the controller, press Down on the D-Pad. On PC, press B.
  • Navigate to the Social Interactions section on the far right of the wheel.
  • Select the Shoulder Ride emote to send a ride invite to your teammate.
  • The teammate who wants to hop on must stand next to you and press the Interact button. On PlayStation/Xbox controller, that is Square or X. On PC, it is E.

Once both players confirm with a dap animation, the rider hops onto the carrier’s shoulders.

What Can You Do During a Shoulder Ride?

The two players have different abilities while the mechanic is active.

The carrier cannot use any weapons. They can move around the map, but combat falls entirely on the rider.

The rider, sitting on top, can shoot weapons, open chests, and open ammo boxes. So the rider is the one protecting both players during any firefight.

Players discovered that stacking is possible with no apparent cap on height, meaning multiple riders can pile onto one carrier simultaneously. Even players who are being carried can carry someone else, thanks to multi-stacking.

Can You Shoulder Ride While on a Llama?

Yes. Players confirmed that you can stack teammates on your shoulders while also riding a Llama, combining two of the April Fools mechanics at once.

Rideable Llamas are scattered around the Chapter 7 Season 2 map as part of the same update, so finding one and loading up with a teammate is possible within the same match.

Will Shoulder Riding Stay in Fortnite After April 2?

Fortnite developer Ted Timmins hinted that the feature could stick around past its assigned window if player feedback is positive enough. Shoulder Riding and Rideable Llamas are the two mechanics most likely to become a fixed part of gameplay for the rest of the current season, though an update on that will only come once the April Fools timeline ends.

There is no official confirmation yet that the feature will be made permanent.

How to Get Finger Guns Pew Pew in Fortnite

Aritra Patra
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0
How to Get Finger Guns Pew Pew in Fortnite

Fortnite’s April Fools Day update for 2026 added a weapon that literally shoots from your fingers. Here’s where to find it and how it works before it disappears.

Epic Games dropped the Fortnite v40.10 patch on April 1, 2026, as part of its annual April Fools event for Chapter 7 Season 2. The update went live at 5:30 AM ET after roughly 3 to 4 hours of server downtime starting at 4 AM ET.

One of the standout additions in the patch is the Finger Guns, a dual-wield pistol that fires from your actual fingers, complete with comic-style “PEW! PEW! PEW!” text on screen and matching sound effects.

Where to Find Finger Guns in Fortnite

The Finger Guns weapon is not a Mythic item, so it does not require a boss kill or a specific location to unlock. You can find it through standard loot sources:

  • Chests
  • Floor loot
  • Supply Drops

When the weapon is on the ground, it does not look like a traditional gun. Since it is essentially invisible, it is marked by a “Pew Pew” icon so players can spot it. The Finger Guns drop in four rarity tiers: Uncommon (Green), Rare (Blue), Epic (Purple), and Legendary (Orange).

Finger Guns Stats (Legendary Variant)

StatValue
Damage42
Headshot Damage73.5 (1.75x multiplier)
Structure Damage42
Magazine Size18
Fire Rate5
Reload Time1.98 seconds

How to Use the Finger Guns

The Finger Guns work like the Dual Pistols in Fortnite. They fire in burst mode and take medium ammo, which is different from most other pistols in the game.

To fire: press left-click on PC, or RT/R2 on a controller. To aim down sights: press right-click on PC, or LT/L2 on a controller.

The weapon has no scope. ADS narrows the crosshair for tighter burst shots. With good aim, you can eliminate a player in around 5 to 6 shots. That said, the Finger Guns are not the strongest weapon in the current loot pool. The Foundation’s Rift Rifle, for example, deals more damage.

Every shot fired with a gun animation from your character’s fingers generates the “PEW! PEW! PEW!” comic text on screen.

How Long Are Finger Guns Available?

The Finger Guns are part of the limited-time April Fools event and are not a permanent addition to Chapter 7 Season 2. The April Fools update is active for 24 hours only, from April 1 at 5:30 AM ET to April 2 at 5:30 AM ET. Once that window closes, the Finger Guns will be vaulted along with the rest of the event content.

The event is only active in Unranked Battle Royale and Blitz playlists.

Amaral Esports: Is This Jonathan’s New Team or Just a Rumor?

Hoax
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Amaral Esports: Is This Jonathan’s New Team or Just a Rumor?

Is Jonathan Gaming building a new esports organization called “Amaral Esports”? That is the rumor sweeping through the Indian BGMI community right now, and this article is here to break it down clearly.

Before anything else, the short answer is: there is no confirmed evidence that Amaral Esports exists or that Jonathan is leaving GodLike. The rumor is built on unverified leaks, and Jonathan himself has not announced anything of the sort. Here is everything you need to know.

What Happened at BGIS 2026

The controversy that sparked all of this speculation started during the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage in Hyderabad. For the first time in nearly seven years of competitive play, Jonathan was benched from GodLike‘s starting lineup on Day 1. The decision was clarified by GodLike captain Manya to be purely strategic, with no internal conflict involved. Jonathan himself confirmed this during a stream, stating that he put the team’s best interest ahead of his own ego.

GodLike went on to top the Survival Stage standings with the adjusted lineup, and Jonathan was brought back into the active roster for the Grand Finals in Chennai. The team, featuring Manya, Admino, Spower, and Jonathan, had a strong Day 1 at the Chennai Trade Centre, finishing second overall with 63 points and two Chicken Dinners. However, they could not maintain that form and ultimately ended BGIS 2026 in 5th place, with Team Soul winning the championship.

Jonathan’s Cryptic Message

After BGIS 2026 concluded, Jonathan posted an emotional message on his Instagram broadcast channel directed at the “Jonny Army”. He spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of the season, including the benching and the 5th-place finish, and thanked his fans for staying by his side. The message ended with a line that lit the internet on fire: “We have some very new changes and cr*zy things coming up for the future!”

That single sentence, while exciting, is vague enough to mean almost anything. It could refer to a new content venture, a roster reshuffle, a brand deal, or simply a new tournament lineup. It does not mention a new organization, a business registration, or any departure from GodLike. Treating it as confirmation of “Jonathan new team” plans is a stretch that the community quickly ran with.

Where the Amaral Esports Rumor Comes From

The “Amaral Esports” name is not random. Jonathan’s real surname is Amaral, his full name being Jonathan Jude Amaral. The rumor originated from a report (now deleted), which claimed that a company called “Amaral Esports Pvt Ltd” had been registered, and another claiming Jonathan planned to launch it as a new organization with content creator Soham Rathod (SSR Vlogs) as a co-owner, along with a third unnamed partner. Several YouTube channels covering the BGMI transfer window picked up the story, treating the registration leak as near-confirmation.

The problem is that a company registration, even if real, is not evidence of a functional esports org launching soon. Businesses are incorporated for many reasons, and the registration has not been independently verified by any credible esports media outlet. There has been zero official announcement from Jonathan, GodLike, or any co-owner about Amaral Esports. The story spread rapidly because the name is compelling and the timing is emotionally charged. Not because the facts support it.

GodLike Is Not Falling Apart

One important piece of context being overlooked in the rumor cycle is that GodLike Esports is not in decline. The organization was selected for the EWC 2026 Club Partner Program for the very first time. This is a major milestone that comes with global exposure and funding. This selection was announced just days after BGIS 2026 concluded, with GodLike’s roster listed as Jonathan, Admino, Manya, and SPower.

GodLike co-owner Amar also publicly stated during BGIS 2026 that he still dreams of winning an official trophy with Jonathan on the team. That is not the language of an organization preparing to lose its star player. For more context on GodLike’s current standing in Indian esports, check out this overview of EWC 2026 Club Partners.

Should You Completely Rule It Out?

Debunking a rumor does not mean it is impossible. Jonathan’s future at GodLike is genuinely uncertain heading into the BMPS 2026 transfer window. His cryptic message does hint at real change coming, and the Indian esports scene has seen bigger surprises before. The surname-based organization name is also a detail that would make sense if such a venture were real.

What makes this specific rumor unreliable is its foundation. The only cited “proof” is an unverified company registration leak and a vague Instagram post. Neither Jonathan nor anyone linked to the supposed organization has said a single word about Amaral Esports publicly. Until that changes, this remains an unconfirmed rumor, not a developing story. Keep your eyes on Jonathan’s official Instagram and GodLike’s social channels for any real announcement.

Marvel Rivals The Hood: All New Leaks and Release Date

Sonu Banerjee
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0
Marvel Rivals The Hood: All New Leaks and Release Date

While there are still a few more weeks to go before the highly anticipated mid-season update for Marvel Rivals hits the live servers and players can welcome Black Cat in the game, it appears that NetEase may have already started hinting at the next hero joining the roster in Season 8.

As several prominent dataminers have claimed in the past, The Hood is expected to be an upcoming character joining the playable roster in Marvel Rivals in the near future. However, based on a series of recent teases from the dev team, it now seems that The Hood’s arrival in the hero shooter might be closer than you think.

NetEase Teases The Hood in Marvel Rivals 

Over the past few weeks, NetEase has dropped multiple teases hinting at The Hood’s arrival in Marvel Rivals. The notorious super-villain first appeared on the cover of Marvel Rivals Infinity Comic #43, where The Hood’s silhouette can be spotted reflected on the ground.

More recently, the Lower Manhattan map reveal trailer that was posted on the official Marvel Rivals YouTube handle yesterday briefly showcased The Hood’s iconic cape, further reinforcing the earlier tease and strongly hinting that the character could be arriving in the game as part of the Season 8 update.

Marvel Rivals The Hood Release Date

NetEase has yet to publicly announce the official release date for The Hood in Marvel Rivals. However, based on the recent teasers, it’s safe to assume he will be introduced to the game at some point in Season 8.

The earliest that fans can expect to play The Hood in Marvel Rivals is with the Season 8 update in May 2026.

ENCE’s Academy Team Is Going to Be Its Interim Main Roster

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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ENCE’s Academy Team Is Going to Be Its Interim Main Roster

Finnish Counter-Strike juggernauts ENCE has officially announced that they will be dissolving their academy project as part of a strategy shift leading to an overhaul of the CS2 division. The move has confirmed their intentions to impact instead of a long-term academy project.

With ENCE failing to reach the top of competitive CS2, they are shutting down their academy program. ENCE will be redirecting its resources into getting a single roster, which will be expected to make an immediate impact instead of a long-term academy project.

The new roster is out. We can clearly see the direction ENCE is heading towards, promoting their academy roster to become an Interim Team, where Finnish talents will be leading the roster.

ENCE Interim Roster

  • Aleksi “millert” Lehtopuu
  • Teemu “teme” Korva
  • Niki “Cliqq” Kinnunen
  • Henri “HENU” Ylilehto
  • Giorgi “Schwarz” Gakhokidze
  • George “Whitey” White (Coach)

Labelling the roster as interim gives ENCE the moral cushion to make harsh changes at any point, and since this roster will be aiming to reach tier-1, ENCE will be roping in big names from the CS2 scene to make it work. Only time can tell how they decide to handle it, but the world will be closely following their development.

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