How do I participate in Operation Hydra?
Operation Hydra is set to run for 18 weeks and includes game modes and experiences that are free for all CS:GO players, as well as extra features available with an Operation Hydra All-Access Pass.
Free in this Operation: All CS:GO players can play Hydra Events - special game modes and experiences that are available on a three-week rotation throughout the operation. Additionally, all CS:GO players will be able to play the seven Operation Maps in Competitive, Casual, and Deathmatch game modes.
If you have an Operation Hydra All-Access Pass, you'll get access to an Operation Challenge Coin (upgradable to the new Diamond level), an Operation Journal that will track your competitive stats and let you compare your progress to friends, Operation weapon drops and Operation Hydra Cases, and a campaign of Guardian missions that can be completed at your own pace.
How do I upgrade my Operation Hydra coin?
Upgrade your Operation Hydra coin by earning Operation Stars. The coin can upgrade from Bronze to Silver (5 Stars), Gold (18 Stars), and Diamond (25 Stars).
To earn stars, complete Guardian missions in the Operation Hydra campaign or participate in Hydra Events to gain Guardian XP or Event XP, respectively. You will earn an Operation Star for every 2000 Guardian XP (up to 7 Stars), and every 2000 Event XP (up to 18 Stars).
How do I earn Guardian XP and Event XP?
When you complete a Guardian mission, you'll earn Guardian XP. You can replay a Guardian mission as often as you like, but can only earn Guardian XP from the mission once.
You can earn Event XP by participating in weekly Hydra Events. Each player starts with a limited pool of 2000 available Event XP, and the pool increases by 2000 XP each week (up to 36,000 XP). You can earn available Event XP all at once, or slowly over time. Don't worry if you've missed a few weeks or have started late - every player can earn the same maximum Event XP.
What are Hydra Events?
Every week Operation Hydra rotates through a series of events. Hydra Events offer unique gameplay and are available to all CS:GO players throughout the Operation. You can join an Event via the Operation Hydra panel on the Main Menu. If you have an Operation Hydra All-Access pass, you'll have the opportunity to earn Event XP.
There are three weekly events: Wingman, Weapons Expert, and War Games. Wingman and Weapons Expert are queued competitive modes with their own skill groups, and War Games are drop-in/drop-out experiences that offer unique twists on regular gameplay. One of these three events will be active each week.
How do I play Wingman?
To play Wingman, you'll need a partner. Start a Wingman lobby by clicking the event icon on the Main Menu and invite some friends, or join a public Wingman lobby. You'll be matched into one of the currently rotating maps against players of a similar skill group. Your Wingman skill group is specific to this game mode and is determined by your record in Wingman matches.
By accepting a Wingman match, you are agreeing to play a complete match and will receive a competitive cooldown for an abandon.
How do I play Weapons Expert?
To play Weapons Expert, click the event icon on the Main menu to start a new lobby or join a public Weapons Expert lobby. You'll be matched into a pre-set map against players of a similar skill group. Your Weapons Expert skill group is specific to this game mode and is determined by your record in Weapons Expert matches.
By accepting a Weapons Expert match, you are agreeing to play a complete match and will receive a competitive cooldown for an abandon.
How do I play War Games?
To play War Games, click the event icon on the Main Menu and you'll join a server that has a variety of possible War Games. Each War Game offers a unique twist on regular gameplay, and players can vote on which War Game to play next. Refer to the loading screen or the in-game scoreboard for details on the Rules of Engagement for that War Game.
How do I play an Operation Hydra Guardian Mission?
To play a Guardian mission, you or a friend will have to have an Operation Hydra All Access Pass. Once you've created and joined a Guardian Mission lobby, the lobby leader can select any of their available Guardian missions from their Operation Journal. New Guardian missions are unlocked as soon as a previous mission has been completed.
If you have an Operation Hydra All Access Pass, you will get credit for completing a Guardian mission even if it has not yet unlocked in your journal.
Can I replay Hydra Guardian Missions?
Yes, after completing a Guardian mission you can replay the mission as often as you'd like. To replay a mission, visit the Hydra Campaign map in your Operation Journal and select any completed mission. Your highest score will be displayed on that mission's Friends Leaderboard.
How do I earn Operation Hydra weapon and Hydra Case drops?
Whenever you collect enough Event XP to earn an Operation Star you will receive an item, alternating between a Operation Hydra Case and an Operation weapon drop. Additionally, whenever you collect enough Guardian XP to earn an Operation Star, you will receive an Operation weapon drop.
If you earned a regular drop in the match where you earned your Star, complete another match to get your Operation item. Operation weapon drops will come from one of the following Operation Collections: Cobblestone, Cache, Overpass, Gods and Monsters, The Rising Sun, and Chop Shop.
A total of 16 Operation weapon drops and 9 Operation Hydra Cases can be earned by completing Guardian missions and participating in events.
