Official matchmaking still runs on 64-tick servers with a worsening subtick implementation which severely limits hit registration accuracy and input responsiveness. The result is frequent desync between player models and their actual hitboxes.

In many cases, the hitbox lags behind the model by over a meter. Shot registration is deeply affected, often requiring players to manually compensate client-side for latency by aiming ahead of or behind enemy models, the exact opposite of what the subtick system was supposed to fix. This is especially noticeable with pistols, where single shots regularly fail to register unless fired far off-target, often resulting in headshots that land outside the model.

This makes aiming feel unfair, inconsistent, and unreliable, both in high-movement and static scenarios. Peeker’s advantage is amplified, and strafing is penalized.

Additionally, cheating remains a widespread issue. The top of the leaderboards is almost exclusively made up of cheaters (demos provide clear evidence beyond any doubt), and even third-party platforms are affected, making it hard to find meaningful competitive matches without running into at least some "closets."

Not only that, but VAC also seems completely inactive for extended periods (6+ months is not a delay), while arbitrarily banning legitimate and even inactive accounts since the end of CS:GO.

I'm not even going to mention the numerous bugs, outdated or broken skins, missing QoL features or performance issues, because the core gameplay is already such a mess that these feel secondary.

I love Counter-Strike, but it’s hard to understand the current goals set for this game and why they would let such a golden egg get so badly damaged in the long run, along with Valve’s legacy.