Counter-Strike 2 set to revolutionise FPS gaming in Summer 2023. All you need to know about CS's largest technical leap
The game promises to be the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike's history, with years of updates and new features
Valve just surprised gamers with a big announcement: Counter-Strike 2 is officially confirmed and will be released in Summer 2023! Not only that, but a limited test for the game is available to some Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players starting today. Here's all you need to know about the new season.
Counter-Strike 2 is the long-awaited follow-up to the popular first-person shooter game, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The game will feature an overhaul to every system, piece of content, and every part of the C-S experience. The game promises to be the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike's history, with years of updates and new features.
When will Counter-Strike 2 be released?
The full game is expected to release in Summer 2023, but a limited test is available starting today for select CS:GO players. Valve will be evaluating a subset of features during this period to prepare for the worldwide release.
How can I access the limited test for Counter-Strike 2?
Eligibility for the limited test will depend on a "number of factors," including recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing. If you have been selected, you will receive an invite via CS:GO's main menu. The limited test is currently only available on Windows.
What to expect from Counter-Strike 2?
The new Counter-Strike promises to be the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history. It is based on Valve’s Source 2 engine and includes updates to some of the game’s core mechanics, including improved smoke grenades and “sub-tick updates” that Valve says will let “servers know the exact instant that motion starts, a shot is fired, or a ‘nade is thrown.” In addition, the game will have revamped maps, better visuals, UI enhancements, reworked audio, and more.
Valve's announcement of Counter-Strike 2 comes after weeks of speculation about a potential upgrade to CS:GO. The new game is coming over a decade after the launch of CS:GO and over 20 years after the release of the original Counter-Strike. The timing of Valve's announcement is interesting as it comes during Epic's State of Unreal event at the 2023 Game Developers Conference, where Valve's PC game store and game engine competitor is expected to announce major updates to its Unreal Engine.
