ESL has introduced a split-patch format for the upcoming IEM Katowice tournament. The initial phase of the competition will utilize the current game version, while the latter stage will switch to the newly released patch.
This patch transition also impacts other ESL events, including the ESL Challenger League and the IEM Dallas qualifiers, which will both be contested on the updated version.
Key adjustments within this new patch include a price decrease for the M4A4, bringing it in line with the M4A1-S at $2900. The FAMAS has also received enhancements, with improved accuracy and a price reduction to $1950. Additionally, the update targets the run-and-gun meta by reducing crouching accuracy for the MP9, MP5, and MP7 submachine guns.
Although the recent update officially added Train to the active duty map pool, this change has had minimal impact on IEM Katowice. ESL had already integrated Train into their map rotation prior to its official inclusion, and the map will feature in both stages of the tournament, regardless of the patch version.
