Announced earlier this year in March and arriving just a few days before the end of the promised summer release window (fall began on September 23), fans can play the First Person Shooter (FPS) Counter-Strike 2 on Steam.
This surprise release comes after the game had been in limited testing for some time, and rumors were swirling about its imminent launch. Counter-Strike 2 has taken the place of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on Steam and essentially serves as an update to that game.
After an impressive 11-year run, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive FPS games has gracefully passed the torch to Counter-Strike 2. Following a six-month limited testing period, Counter-Strike 2 emerges as the new face of CS, ushering in a fresh era for fans of the beloved franchise.
Here are some key details from the official press release regarding Counter-Strike 2’s release:
- Powered by the Source 2 engine, Counter-Strike 2 boasts modernized features like realistic physically-based rendering, advanced networking, and enhanced Community Workshop tools.
- Alongside the classic objective-focused gameplay that Counter-Strike introduced in 1999, Counter-Strike 2 introduces several new elements:
- CS Ratings with an updated Premier mode
- Global and Regional leaderboards
- Revamped and improved maps
- Game-changing dynamic smoke grenades
- Tick-rate-independent gameplay
- Redesigned visual effects and audio
- Continuation of all items from CS:GO into CS2
Counter-Strike fans can now dive into the updated world of Counter-Strike 2 and experience these enhancements for themselves.
Powered by the highly anticipated Source 2 game engine, this title builds upon the legacy of its predecessors with a plethora of quality-of-life enhancements and a bundle of exciting new features.
Notably, players can now engage with interactive smoke grenades, enjoy revamped matchmaking options, revel in enhanced lighting, and more. Counter-Strike 2 has seamlessly replaced Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which is no longer playable, as all its data has been seamlessly transferred to the new iteration.
The best part? You can dive into the action right now, completely free of charge. CS2 operates on the Source Engine 2 and promises a comprehensive overhaul of every aspect of the Counter-Strike experience.
Three videos offer sneak peeks into various facets of CS2: new maps, revamped smoke grenades, and sub-tick upgrades—referring to a more responsive server version of the game.
CS2 also boasts an extensively revamped graphics engine, improved physics and animations, a delightful array of new weapons, and engaging game modes.
However, the standout addition is the introduction of advanced AI technology. Developed in-house by the CS2 team, this innovative AI system promises to transform player interactions within the game.
Prepare for dynamic and unpredictable gameplay as AI-controlled enemies react to your every move and tactic in real-time.
In addition to the revamped single-player campaign, CS2 delivers a reworked multiplayer mode featuring new maps, modes, and gameplay mechanics. Fans of solo play can look forward to the same intense and strategic experience in multiplayer mode.