Counter-Strike 2 announced, will be a free upgrade for CS: GO players

Highlights
  • Valve has officially announced Counter-Strike 2 after several rumours.
  • Counter-Strike 2 will be available as a free upgrade for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players.
  • Counter-Strike 2 comes with various visual and gameplay improvements over CS: GO.

After multiple rumours earlier this month, Valve has officially announced Counter-Strike 2. It acts more as a free upgrade for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, instead of separate title. Counter-Strike 2 will come with several new features, some of which have been revealed by Valve. The developer has also begun limited tests for Counter-Strike 2 that can be accessed by existing CS: GO players. This will allow Valve to try out Counter-Strike 2 in a real-world setting. Finally, Valve has shared some details about the release window of the game.

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Valve said, “Counter-Strike 2 is the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history, ensuring new features and updates for years to come.” The developer added, “Counter-Strike 2 arrives this summer as a free upgrade to CS:GO. So build your loadout, hone your skills, and prepare yourself for what’s next!” Valve is introducing some major upgrades with Counter-Strike 2, starting with fully overhauled maps. Using the new Source 2 engine, the developer has improved lighting and graphics on maps to make them brighter and cleaner. Smoke grenades will now be extremely responsive gunfire, lighting, and explosion. Smoke released from these grenades will be much more dynamic.

Counter-Strike 2 also comes with sub-tick updates for a responsive gameplay experience. Valve explained, “Previously, the server only evaluated the world in discrete time intervals (called ticks). Thanks to Counter-Strike 2’s sub-tick update architecture, servers know the exact instant that motion starts, a shot is fired, or a ‘nade is thrown.” Apart from these, Counter-Strike 2 will have upgraded visuals, audio, environment effects, and UI. Valve will share more details about Counter-Strike 2 during its launch.

How to play Counter-Strike 2 limited test

Valve has kicked off Counter-Strike 2 limited test for existing CS: GO players. Valve will grant access to players based on multiple factors like recent playtime on official Valve servers and Steam account standing. If you are selected for the limited test, you will get a notification in the main menu of CS: GO. Valve will add more players to the limited test over time, and you may get access in the coming months if you don’t get it immediately. The Counter-Strike 2 limited test will feature Deathmatch and Unranked Competitive modes on Dust2. Future limited tests will offer other maps and game modes.