Speculation concerning the release date of Counter-Strike 2 - and the game itself - are rife, fueled by recent leaks stating the game exists and is in development. For some, CSGO is one of the best PC games, but it's been a decade and there have been no substantial improvements in a long time.
Yet, Valve has driven the CS:GO community into a frenzy with rumours and teases, recently, about the release of Counter-Strike 2, the upgrade that would bring CS:GO to the Source 2 engine. That has now changed following the official announcement of Counter-Strike 2.
What is Counter-Strike?
Counter-Strike is a first-person shooter game developed by Minh Le and Jess Cliffe, initially released as an add-on for the game Half-Life in 1999. However, the add-on rapidly became a far more popular game and was eventually officially released as a standalone game in 2000. Since then, Counter-Strike has spawned several iterations including Condition Zero although the most popular has been Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
It was the last major Counter Strike release and officially dropped in 2012. The game introduced new weapons, maps, and game modes, as well as improved graphics and gameplay mechanics. Not only that, it has become a popular game at Esports tournaments with professional teams and players competing in tournaments for millions of dollars in prize money. The game's competitive scene has also led to the development of a vibrant community of modders, map makers, and server administrators.
When was the last Counter-Strike game released?
The latest, and last, installment in the Counter-Strike series is Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), which was released in August 2012. Developed by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment, CS:GO is a first-person shooter game that used the gameplay mechanics and features from its predecessors and built upon it, while also bringing forward new elements. It features several game modes, including competitive, casual and deathmatch amongst others.
CS:GO has received updates and new content since its release, including new maps, weapons, and gameplay mechanics. Not only that but the game has also become a major player in the esports industry, with professional teams and players competing in tournaments and leagues for millions of dollars in prize money.
When will Counter-Strike 2 be released?
After months and years of speculation, Valve has finally confirmed the existence of Counter-Strike 2 - and disclosed that it will arrive sooner than fans expect. While rumours and speculations suggested that the game would be launched in March 2023, no specific date has been disclosed. However, CS2 was released on September 27, 2023, following hints dropped a week earlier on September 20 about a 'next Wednesday' launch.
Initially expected on September 23 due to a leak indicating the start of the Premier Mode's first season, the game is now officially available. The Limited Test phase has concluded, granting free access to the full game on Steam. For those who've played CS:GO, an update will transform it into CS2. However, newcomers or those who've uninstalled CS:GO should visit the Counter-Strike 2 Steam page to download the game.
What has Valve said regarding Counter-Strike 2?
Counter-Strike 2 is now available, and for some, it will arrive today. Valve writes on Twitter that a restricted test for CS2 begins today, describing it as a "overhaul of every system, every piece of content, and every aspect of the C-S experience."
The website further reads “Counter-Strike 2 is the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history, ensuring new features and updates for years to come. All of the game’s new features will be revealed when it officially launches this summer, but the road to Counter-Strike 2 begins today as a Limited Test for select CS:GO players.
“During this testing period, we’ll be evaluating a subset of features to shake out any issues before the worldwide release. 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!”
