On the night of May 23 to 24, 2024, Valve released a global update for Counter-Strike 2. This update is quite unique as Valve has made slight adjustments to the game's economy. It seems Valve aims to ensure players use all available weapons over time.

In this update, the developers reduced the price of the M4A4 from $3100 to $3000, thereby narrowing the price difference with its direct competitor, the M4A1-S. Now players face a dilemma: the M4A1-S is only $100 cheaper than the M4A4, so should they pay a bit more for the M4A4?

Key Differences between M4A4 and M4A1-S

First, let's recall the differences between these two rifles:

• Price: M4A4 costs $3000, M4A1-S costs $2900
• Damage: M4A4 deals 33 body damage, M4A1-S deals 38
  
• Magazine Size: M4A4 has 30 rounds, M4A1-S has 20
  
• Recoil: M4A4 and M4A1-S have different recoil patterns; M4A1-S has a tighter spread
  
• Firerate (RPM): M4A4 — 666.67, M4A1-S — 600.00 
  

The visual difference in spray patterns is evident.

Economy

Everything in Counter-Strike 2 revolves around money, not just skin prices, but in-game currency that players use to buy different types of weapons. Although Valve only reduced the M4A4 price by $100, this opens new opportunities for defence.

Additionally, this update lowered the price of the incendiary grenade for the defence side from $600 to $500. Essentially, Valve saved the defence side $200, which will significantly impact forced buys and rounds played with minimal funds.

With these $200, the defence side can buy an extra flashbang or save money for the next round, greatly easing the economic burden for the defence.

In the MR12 match format, there's little room for error for the defense. Losing the first buy in a match means another eco or force buy, but now things might change. Instead of speculating, it's essential to observe how professional teams react to this update.

A full buy for the defence now looks like this:

• Full Armour + M4A4 + HE + Flash + Incendiary + Smoke = $5300
• Full Armour + M4A1-S + HE + Flash + Incendiary + Smoke = $5200
  

The main difference is that more players will now prefer the M4A4 due to its larger magazine and higher fire rate.

Situations Where M4A4 is Better

With the theoretical part covered, let's move to the practical aspects. The M4A4 is best used for holding close angles, such as Banana on Inferno. It's fire rate and magazine size allows you to spray down more opponents.

However, at long distances, the M4A1-S is superior due to its easier recoil control, making it harder to kill opponents with the M4A4 at range.

Comparing M4A4 to AK-47

Players with an M4A4 will often face opponents with AK-47s. Let's compare how the M4A4 fares against the AK-47:

• Price: AK-47 - $2700, M4A4 - $3000
• Damage: AK-47 - 36, M4A4 - 33
  
• Firerate (RPM): AK-47 - 600.00, M4A4 - 666.67
  
• Magazine Size: Both have 30 rounds
  
• Headshot Damage: AK-47 - 100, M4A4 - 81
  

The key difference is that the AK-47 kills with one headshot, whereas the M4A4 does not. However, the M4A4’s higher fire rate makes it a good choice against the AK-47.

Conclusion

This update by Valve simplifies the economy for the defence side but doesn’t drastically alter the gameplay to make the defence significantly stronger, which is good. By reducing the M4A4's price by $100, Valve gives it a chance to regain its former glory. 

Theoretical advantages may not always hold up in practice, so only time will tell how effective this change will be and how it will affect the M4A4’s meta in the game.

For now, it’s worth considering the M4A4, as it has been given a new lease on life. Before competitive matches, it’s essential to practice with the M4A4 in Aim Botz or Death Match to get reacquainted with its shooting mechanics.