CSGO adds 2021 Service Medal, Valorant-style team buy feature

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s latest December patch delivered significant content including Operation Broken Fang mission reveals and introduced the highly anticipated 2021 Service Medal system, giving players compelling reasons to conserve their bonus XP tokens for the upcoming year.

Players are gaining access to multiple new maps designed specifically for CSGO’s Retake game mode while receiving clearer direction about Operation Broken Fang’s progression path. However, the standout feature that captured community attention was the implementation of Service Medals – a visual progression system that allows dedicated players to showcase their annual commitment to the game. The December 17 update officially integrated CSGO’s 2021 Service Medals into the tactical shooter.

Complete Breakdown of 2021 CSGO Service Medals

Valve initially showcased a preview of the basic medal design featuring a sleek black appearance, but this represents merely the entry level among six distinct medal variants available starting January 1. CSGO’s Service Medals reward players who successfully advance their account from level one through level 50 within the calendar year. Upon reaching the maximum level, gamers receive the choice to exchange their level 50 status for a permanent Service Medal display. This system shares conceptual similarities with Call of Duty’s prestige mechanics, though without weapon perk retention since all firearms remain universally accessible. Descending from level 50 back to level one represents purely cosmetic progression.

Each subsequent medal tier demands that participants complete sufficient matches to re-attain level 50 before restarting the cycle, as CSGO’s most devoted enthusiasts pursue the ultimate achievement level. Thanks to visual enhancements and technical optimizations Valve has implemented since the previous Shattered Web operation, the 2021 Service Medals exhibit exceptional design quality. This year’s medal collection begins with a muted gray foundation and culminates in a vibrant crimson red. Intermediate stages include green, purple, pink, and blue medal variations.

Comprehensive Color Tier System for 2021 Service Medals

• Level 1: Grey (requires ~50-60 competitive matches)
• Level 2: Green (additional 50-60 matches beyond first reset)
• Level 3: Blue (approximately 150-180 total matches)
• Level 4: Purple (roughly 200-240 match investment)
• Level 5: Dark Pink (demanding 250-300 game commitment)
• Level 6: Red (300+ matches demonstrating exceptional dedication)

CSGO Implements Valorant-Inspired “Request A Drop” Feature

CSGO participants can now directly acquire weapons for teammates through the purchase interface rather than manually tossing firearms during round initialization. This modification receives widespread approval while likely experiencing limited adoption initially. Despite over a decade passing since Counter-Strike 1.6’s release, the community maintains numerous traditional behaviors including rapid weapon switching and visually tracking explosives during detonation sequences. Consequently, players will probably continue manually hurling AWP sniper rifles hoping they reach allies successfully.

To clarify, holding left CTRL while buying a weapon will drop the weapon forward in-game, similar to how dropping weapons currently works.

— CS:GO (@CSGO)
December 18, 2020

Fortunately, Valve’s execution preserves the satisfying visual of weapons traversing the battlefield. The innovative functionality enables a user to depress a specific key during weapon acquisition to retain their currently equipped firearm while propelling the newly bought weapon forward. Left-control serves as the default modifier key, and similar to all recent CSGO configuration additions, participants can locate the quickdrop shortcut within CSGO’s “New Settings” interface.

Conversely, Valve’s integration of a Valorant-inspired characteristic indicates that the software corporation not only recognizes areas where Valorant refined CSGO’s foundational mechanics, but actively works to maintain competitive advantage over the rival tactical shooter. Operations function as time-limited events, and for multiple years CSGO experienced minimal introduction of fresh features or gameplay variations. With moderate competitive pressure from Valorant, or potentially expanded development resources, CSGO should continue receiving these enhancements moving forward.

Throughout recent development cycles, the majority of Valve’s creative talent concentrated on Half-Life: Alyx development. With that project now completed, Valve’s development staff possesses flexibility to select their preferred projects. CSGO represented a title that senior Valve designer and programmer Robin Walker frequently referenced during podcast discussions about post-Alyx development assignments. Established player behaviors prove difficult to change, though this doesn’t prevent Valve from attempting to attract younger Valorant participants back toward its more authentic competitive shooting experience.

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