If you skip buying on pistol round in CS2, you’re usually considered a silver player. However, BetBoom defied expectations by not buying on pistol round against Complexity at IEM Sydney, sparking a discussion about the game’s economy in MR12.
Despite losing the round, BetBoom had already achieved their objective: saving for a strong force buy on round two. If they managed to plant the bomb, even better, as it would provide additional funds for utility.
The CT-side economy in CS2 is punishing, with the T-side having access to stronger weapons at a lower cost. Additionally, CTs are often compelled to purchase helmets on the second round after losing the pistol, to avoid being easily eliminated by the T-side starting pistol, the Glock, in close-range encounters.
In the short term, BetBoom’s strategy paid off. They won the next two rounds, the force buy on round two, and a round against a saving Complexity CT side. However, this approach challenges the fundamental gameplay loop of Counter-Strike, which revolves around having better weapons than your opponents and managing your economy effectively to limit their full buy rounds.
While this strategy proved effective in this instance, more data is needed before declaring it the new meta at the professional level. The community has already expressed concerns about the punishing CT-side economy, but if this unconventional playstyle becomes the norm, it will undoubtedly reignite the debate about the need for changes in the CT-side economy.
Counter-Strike is a game of consistency and strategy, and this playstyle adds further pressure to an already struggling aspect of the game.
Source: DOTESPORTS
