No, CS2 is not built on the same code as CS:GO. While Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is considered the successor to CS:GO, it's built on a completely different engine - Source 2, compared to CS:GO's original Source engine.

The key differences in the code base include:

- CS2 runs on the modern Source 2 engine
- CS:GO operates on the older Source 1 engine
- CS2 features completely rebuilt physics and movement systems
- The rendering engine in CS2 is entirely new
- Network code has been rewritten from scratch

I've found that the most significant technical changes between the two games involve the sub-tick update system. CS2 processes player actions at sub-tick intervals (meaning multiple times between server ticks), while CS:GO operated on a more rigid tick-based system.

The graphical improvements in CS2 aren't just surface level - they're enabled by fundamental changes in the code architecture. The Source 2 engine allows for:

- Dynamic lighting and shadows
- Improved particle effects
- Better material rendering
- Enhanced smoke and fire physics
- More detailed character models

However, it's worth noting that while the underlying code is different, Valve has maintained familiar gameplay mechanics and controls. This means that while the technical foundation has changed, the core feeling of Counter-Strike remains largely unchanged.

The major code differences affect several key areas:

- Hit registration system
- Movement mechanics
- Weapon behavior
- Map geometry handling
- Server architecture

These changes represent a complete technical overhaul rather than a simple update or port of CS:GO's code. The move to Source 2 engine allows for better performance, improved graphics, and more sophisticated gameplay mechanics that weren't possible with CS:GO's older codebase.

Despite these technical differences, CS2 maintains backward compatibility with many CS:GO assets, allowing for a smoother transition for the community and content creators.

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