[Update]: Without any prior warning, Valve has just unleashed Counter-Strike 2 as a free update!

In a bit of a surprise update Valve has released a brand new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive map. The rather aptly named Canals map is based on a "historic Italian city", though the "aesthetics are intentionally clean and uncluttered for good player visibility".

The CT side contains a large, wide open area while the T-controlled territory is full of smaller spaces that allow for multiple approaches to each bomb side. Given the previously mentioned wide open space Site A is going to mostly revolve around the proper use of smoke grenades and rifles, while the enclosed areas of Site B are going to be heaven for submachine guns and shotguns.

Besides the map itself this update has added a visual upgrade to the Phoenix Terrorist player model. Like all of the previous improvements the goal was to make the character more interesting, while simultaneously improving his legibility at range. Here's an image showcasing the new model, and a whole bunch of screenshots from the Canals map: