CS2’s dev take an official stance on “Side Stepping Skill” in latest blog.
Snap Tap has been a contentious piece of technology in CS2 recently. With numerous confirmed instances spanning nearly four months. But now after the conclusion of IEM Cologne 2024, devs have taken an official stance. Valve has announced a ban on movement automations like null binds and Snap Tap effective immediately.
What is Snap Tap? Why is Valve banning it?
Snap Tap is Razer's proprietary feature that allows for non-overlapping movement. In essence, the feature allows you to perfectly time your switch from A to D during a strafe, every single time. Similar features from other brands, most notably Wooting's SOCD, have also been bundled up into the same term, despite minor differences.
But if it's a feature that makes the game more precise, why is Valve banning it?
As soon as the feature was made public, many raised concerns over it. Pro players like Robin "ropz" Kool, were quick to point out that Snap Tap drastically reduces the game's skill ceiling, and Valve clearly took notice. Demo analysis from Mike on Substack brought to light the number of players quietly using it at various LANs. And with that number growing, it was clear that a dev decision was required.
"Developing one's coordination and reaction time has always been key to mastering Counter-Strike."
Either Valve could ban Snap Tap, in line with their rework of Jump Binds. Or they could accept it in a way that made it accesible for everyone, not just people with a particular keyboard. CS2's developers chose the latter.
"We are no longer going to allow automation (via scripting or hardware) that circumvent these core skills and, moving forward, (and initially--exclusively on Valve Official Servers) players suspected of automating multiple player actions from a single game input may be kicked from their match."
Event Name | No. of players using SOCD |
|---|---|
| ESL Pro League Season 19 | 4 |
| IEM Dallas 2024 | 6 |
| BLAST Premier Spring Finals 2024 | 2 |
| Esports World Cup 2024 | 10 |
| IEM Cologne 2024 | 39 |
Update: Razer has shared an Official Statement on Razer Snap Tap for the Huntsman V3 Pro
"We have noted inquiries regarding the Razer Snap Tap feature on our Huntsman V3 Pro line of gaming keyboards. Razer Snap Tap is disabled by default. Users who opt to activate this feature can disable it any time through Razer Synapse or by using a simple hotkey combination, FN + Left Shift.
Razer is committed to innovation that enhances gaming performance while also allowing gamers to comply with the rules of each game."
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Valve's Snap Tap ban may affect Pro player performances
Snap Tap was first trialed with Pro players at ESL Pro League Season 19. Initially, just four players were found to be using the feature, but that number grew all the way up to a staggering 39 at IEM Cologne 2024. That led to some analysts correlating changes in form because of Snap Tap usage. Alex "Mauisnake" Ellenberg tweeted about NiKo's recent rise in form.
Nevertheless, Valve's Snap Tap ban will have a negligible effect on the balance of the scene. That can already be seen through Vitality's recent win at IEM Cologne. Soon after the event's conclusion, Reddit analysis of the demos found that none of Vitality's players were using the feature in any matches.
For players playing at home, the ban can only be a good thing. Every player is on a level playing field once again, with no ($150+) caveats. Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest Counter-Strike news and updates.