2025-03-21

Critical Ops 2024 Recap

As we approach the year’s first update, 1.49, let’s look at what massive updates we received last year! 2024 was a huge year for Critical Ops, bringing exciting new features, game modes, and improvements that shaped how players experience the game. From major gameplay enhancements to fresh content and community-driven changes, each update delivered something impactful. Now, as we step into 2025, let’s recap the highlights of last year and get a glimpse of what’s ahead!

Critical Ops saw some of its biggest feature additions starting in January last year when new default character models gave the game a fresh visual update, and the Trade Up system allowed players to exchange unwanted skins for higher-tier rewards. Customization and clarity also improved with new enemy outline indicator settings, giving players more control over their visual preferences. Meanwhile, Faction Equipping expanded loadout flexibility, letting players tailor their gear to specific teams and show off their collection. Update 1.45 introduced us to agents and new unlockable character models. To date, we have a total of 13 agents, with Hesu and the Arctic agents introducing themselves in the latest version.

The same update added callouts, which improved team communication and strategy with more precise location markers. However, the most significant update of the year was undoubtedly the launch of the highly requested Community Marketplace, allowing players to buy and sell skins in a player-driven economy. In October, with update 1.47, new Killfeed Icons helped players recognize clutch moments like landing a noscope or getting a kill through smoke and marked the arrival of Zombies in Critical Ops when Manhunt Z brought terror to the familiar game mode during the Halloween season, bringing an intense new challenge.

Beyond new features, 2024 also saw major behind-the-scenes improvements to enhance the gameplay experience. A graphics update refined visuals to make every match more immersive, while various networking optimizations improved stability and responsiveness in online play. Additionally, extensive anti-cheat enhancements were made throughout, strengthening fair competition and security against cheaters. These improvements worked quietly in the background but played a crucial role in keeping the game smooth, fair, and enjoyable for everyone.

Lastly, competitive play saw significant updates, including the introduction of the Wingman game mode, which brings fast-paced 2v2 action and Ranked Rating adjustments. Additionally, the Worlds tournament returned for its third year, and during the Winterfest community event, players could earn Classic agents by participating.

With so many significant additions, 2024 reshaped Critical Ops in exciting ways—and 2025 is set to bring even more! The year’s first update brings Incendiary, the latest utility, post-match progression, fire & ice game mode, and many more exciting additions to the game. What was your favorite update in 2024, and what would you want to see the most in 2025? Let us know, and join the discussion in our official subreddit here!