Wingman is a specialized game mode in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive that was introduced as part of the Operation Hydra on May 23, 2017, becoming one of the three Hydra Events alongside War Games and Weapons Expert. Since November 13, 2017, this mode has become a permanent feature of the game, along with the introduction of a new matchmaking algorithm known as the "Trust Factor."
In Wingman, players battle on scaled-down versions of maps where each team consists of only two players. The rules here are almost identical to standard competitive matches, including similar penalties for infractions.
Gameplay
The essence of the mode is to conduct 2 versus 2 competitive matches on maps with a single bomb-planting site. The game is played until one team wins 9 rounds, and participants are assigned a special Wingman skill group. Each half lasts for 8 rounds. Wingman maps differ from the standard versions by being smaller in size, making the action more dynamic: most of the map is closed off with invisible walls, and player spawn points are located much closer to the bomb site. The round time is 1 minute and 30 seconds.
How to view your replays?
Unlike standard competitive matches, watching Wingman matches through the main menu in the "Watch matches and tournaments" section is not possible. To download match replays, you need to go to your personal game data, find the "Wingman Matches" section, and download the replay via GOTV.
Economy
The round rewards in Wingman differ from those in competitive and casual modes. For instance, winning by eliminating the opposing team (in bomb defusal scenarios) grants a $2750 reward, while successfully defusing the bomb earns $3000. If a round is lost, the team receives $2000, with an additional $800 added if the bomb was planted.
In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive's Wingman mode, the round reward system is distinct from other game modes, offering a unique strategy for players. Here's a more detailed explanation of the reward system:
- Winning by team elimination (during bomb defusal): If your team wins a round by eliminating all members of the opposing team before the bomb is planted or defused, you receive $2750. This encourages teams to actively seek confrontations and efficiently use their weaponry.
- Winning by bomb defusal (CT): The counter-terrorist team is awarded $3000 for successfully defusing the bomb. This highlights the importance of controlling the bomb site and the team's ability to work together to accomplish key objectives.
- Losing 1 round: If a team loses a round, it receives a base amount of $2000, but if the bomb was planted (for terrorists), an additional $800 is added to the base amount. This provides financial support for the team, allowing for better preparation for the next round.
- Losing streak: If a team loses several rounds in a row, it receives an increased reward, which grows with each subsequent loss until reaching a maximum after 4 consecutive losses. Starting from $2300 for two consecutive losses and increasing to $2900 after four or more losses, an additional $800 is added if the bomb was planted.
This reward system promotes a more dynamic and strategic gameplay in Wingman mode, encouraging players to take active roles regardless of whether they are on the offensive or defensive.
It's important to note that successfully completing the task of planting or defusing the bomb not only brings the team closer to winning the match but also provides additional funds for subsequent rounds, which can significantly affect the outcome of the game.
When was this mode added?
Wingman was first mentioned in the update from January 12, 2017, through "protobufs" including a localization token used when loading maps. Moreover, on April 20, 2017, the lobby interface received an action script mentioning ScrimComp2v2 and ScrimComp5v5.
Interesting facts:
- The term "Wingman" refers to a pilot supporting another in potentially dangerous flying conditions.
- Before the update on June 6, 2017, this mode was called "Tandem Competitive" on Steam.
- In the game files, the mode is designated as "ScrimComp2v2," where "Scrim" means practice matches in competitive online games.
- You can view your Wingman match history and download demo recordings at: https://steamcommunity.com/my/gcpd/730/?tab=matchhistorywingman
