All Counter-Strike operations listed

Operations have played a pivotal role in maintaining the game's vitality and engagement levels over the years. Designed by Valve, these Operations are downloadable content (DLC) packs that introduce a wealth of new features to the game, including maps, modes, skins, and other exciting updates. Each Operation serves as a significant update that not only refreshes the game's content but also reinvigorates the community's enthusiasm. This article delves into the history and details of all CS:GO Operations, from their inception to the latest release, providing a comprehensive overview of each one's unique contributions to the game.

Operation Payback

• Launch Date: April 26, 2013
• End Date: Extended until August 2013
• Price: $6
• Features: Introduced seven maps with a mix of hostage rescue and bomb defusal scenarios.
• Maps: Downtown, Motel, Museum, Thunder (Hostage Rescue); Favela, Library, Seaside (Bomb Defusal)
• Special Feature: Operation Payback was the first of its kind, featuring a progression coin that players could upgrade from bronze to gold by spending hours playing on the new maps.

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Operation Bravo

• Launch Date: September 19, 2013
• End Date: February 5, 2014
• Price: $6
• Features: Brought new maps and introduced the Bravo Case, with the memorable AK-47 Fire Serpent.
• Maps: Agency, Siege (Hostage Rescue); Ali, Cache, Chinatown, Gwalior, Ruins, Seaside, Cobblestone, Overpass (Bomb Defusal)
• Highlight: Operation Bravo extended the map pool and included notable updates during the Winter Offensive, which added even more maps.

Operation Phoenix

• Launch Date: February 20, 2014
• End Date: June 11, 2014
• Price: $3
• Features: Revived favourite community maps and introduced the Phoenix Case, significantly reducing the Operation's cost.
• Maps: Motel, Thunder, Agency, Downtown (Hostage Rescue); Cache, Seaside, Ali, Favela (Bomb Defusal)
• Highlight: This Operation is remembered for its iconic skins such as AWP Asiimov and AK-47 Redline, which became instant community favourites.

Operation Breakout

• Launch Date: July 1, 2014
• End Date: October 2, 2014
• Price: $6
• Features: Included six new maps and introduced the Operation Journal, adjusting the coin progression system.
• Maps: Rush, Insertion (Hostage Rescue); Black Gold, Castle, Mist, Overgrown (Bomb Defusal)
• Collections: Baggage, Cobblestone, Overpass
• Highlight: Operation Breakout is notably the first operation not to be extended, setting a precedent for future operations.

Operation Vanguard

• Launch Date: November 11, 2014
• End Date: March 2014
• Price: $6
• Features: Introduced a new system of earning stars for progression and added seven new maps.
• Maps: Backalley, Workout (Hostage Rescue); Bazaar, Facade, Marquis, Season, Train (Bomb Defusal)
• Highlight: Despite being a standard operation in many respects, Vanguard is remembered for its introduction of the AK-47 Wasteland Rebel and the intriguing M4A4 Griffin, which later became embroiled in a DMCA scandal requiring a redesign of the skin.

Operation Bloodhound

• Launch Date: May 26, 2015
• End Date: October 1, 2015
• Price: $6
• Features: Introduced six new maps and expanded the game with six skin collections.
• Maps: Agency, Log, Rails, Resort, Season, Zoo
• Collections: Cobblestone, Overpass, Cache, Gods & Monsters, The Rising Sun, Chop Shop
• Highlight: Bloodhound added the Guardian game mode, a PvE experience that allowed players to face off against waves of enemies. This Operation also introduced a variety of highly sought-after skins such as the AWP Hyper Beast and AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge.

Operation Wildfire

• Launch Date: February 17, 2016
• End Date: July 15, 2016
• Price: $6
• Features: Included seven new maps and revamped the classic Nuke map.
• Maps: Cruise (Hostage), Coast, Empire, Mikla, Royal, Santorini, Tulip (Bomb Defusal)
• Highlight: Wildfire is memorable for introducing the Phoenix Compound for co-op missions, providing players with a new way to enjoy CS:GO with friends. It also continued the tradition of offering a unique operation case filled with desirable skins like the AK-47 Fuel Injector.

Operation Hydra

• Launch Date: May 23, 2017
• End Date: November 13, 2017
• Price: $6
• Features: Introduced new maps and game modes while retiring several classic maps.
• Maps: Agency, Insertion (Hostage); Austria, Black Gold, Lite, Shipped, Thrill (Bomb Defusal)
• Highlight: Hydra is particularly noted for adding new game modes such as Wingman and Flying Scoutsman to CS:GO. These modes proved popular enough to remain in the game even after the Operation ended. The Operation also featured a diamond coin, elevating the challenges for players.

Operation Shattered Web

• Launch Date: November 18, 2019
• End Date: March 30, 2020
• Price: $15
• Features: Brought agents into the game, significantly raising the Battle Pass price and adding a slew of new content.
• Maps: Studio (Bomb Defusal), Lunacy (Flying Scoutsman), Jungle (Danger Zone), Phoenix Facility (Co-op)
• Highlight: Shattered Web was groundbreaking for introducing character skins or "agents" into CS:GO, offering players a new level of customization for their in-game appearance. This Operation also featured richly rewarding missions that allowed players to earn stars and unlock exclusive skins and other items.

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Operation Broken Fang

• Launch Date: December 3, 2020
• End Date: March 29, 2021
• Price: $15
• Features: Added eight new maps across various modes, a comprehensive stats page, and a new Operation Store where players could spend stars.
• Maps: Ancient, Engage (Bomb Defusal), Apollo (Hostage), Guard, Elysion (Wingman), Frostbite (Danger Zone)
• Highlight: Broken Fang is notable for its detailed player statistics and the Operation Store, which allows players to directly choose their rewards. This Operation also introduced some of the most visually stunning skins, including the M4A1-S Printstream and the Glock-18 Neo-Noir.

Operation Riptide

• Launch Date: September 21, 2021
• End Date: February 21, 2022
• Price: $15
• Features: Included several updates to gameplay mechanics and new types of missions, continuing the Battle Pass format.
• Maps: Basalt (Bomb Defusal), Insertion II (Hostage), Ravine, Extraction (Wingman), County (Danger Zone)
• Highlight: Riptide expanded on the flexibility of Operation missions, allowing players to earn stars and spend them in a revamped Operation Store. It introduced new agents and a fresh set of weapon collections, continuing the legacy of its predecessors with engaging, dynamic content.

Conclusion

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Operations have played a crucial role in the game's development, continually introducing fresh content and features that have kept the community engaged and invigorated. Each Operation not only added new dimensions to the gameplay but also helped to establish a recurring cycle of anticipation and excitement within the CS:GO community. As players look forward to potential future operations in CS2, the legacy of CS:GO Operations remains a pivotal part of the game's enduring popularity.