Counter-Strike 2: Release, Beta and Changes to the Successor of CS:GO

From CS:GO it becomes Counter-Strike 2. Therefore, we list all the important information about the release, the start of the limited tests, and all changes.

Valve has officially announced Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), an update for the popular tactical shooter CS:GO. Here, we summarize all the information you need to know about the CS:GO successor.

CS2 Release – When is the update coming?

When is the release of CS2? Counter-Strike 2 is expected to be released in summer 2023. A precise release date is currently not known, but the community currently speculates that Counter-Strike 2 will be released on September 27, 2023.

The basis for the speculation is a tweet from the official CS2 Twitter account, which asked on September 20, 2023: “What are you doing next Wednesday?”

You can see the corresponding tweet here:

As soon as detailed information about the release date is available, we will add it to the article.

CS2 Beta starts as a limited test – How to participate

When does the limited test start? The “Beta” of CS2, actually a limited test of the update, is already running. The testing phase started shortly after the CS2 announcement on March 22, 2023.

How do I participate in the limited CS2 test? Players participating in the test are selected by the development team based on various factors. These factors include a trust factor and the playtime on official Valve servers.

If you are selected to participate in the CS2 tests, you will receive a notification in the CS:GO menu. The notification contains an invitation, with which you can start the download.

• For more information, there is an FAQ on Steam.

CS2 – What changes does the CS:GO successor receive?

What improves Counter-Strike 2? Counter-Strike will improve several aspects of the game. On the website, Valve lists the following content:

• Smoke grenades (gameplay, spread, reactions to light)
• Redesign of maps (cleaner, brighter)
• High-resolution effects: The game graphics, visual effects, and interface have been revamped
• The sound effects have been renovated and retuned
• New ranked mode: In CS2, the ranked mode has been revamped and renamed “Premier”.
• Removal of the buy menu: The buy menu, as known from CS:GO, will be replaced by a revamped purchase menu.

The biggest change in Counter-Strike 2 is the switch to Valve’s newer “Source 2” engine, which also runs Dota 2.

You can find a detailed overview of the most important changes in CS2

CS2 Trailer

There is currently no official trailer for Counter-Strike 2. However, Valve has released some videos showcasing some of the upcoming changes.

One of the most impressive changes will be the smoke grenades. You can see how these look in Counter-Strike 2 here:

CS2 Skins – What happens to your CS:GO skins when CS2 launches in summer?

Carrying over all skins: Valve has confirmed that you will carry over all CS:GO items to Counter-Strike 2. You will not lose your skins, knives, or stickers.

Additionally, the weapons will receive new high-resolution models in CS2, with some weapon skins benefiting from this. The new, revamped lighting system will also make your skins shine in a new light. Collectors can therefore look forward to this.

CS legend shroud has also shared some of his first thoughts on Counter-Strike 2:

Shooter God shroud talks on Twitch about his first impressions of Counter-Strike 2, joking: “Bye bye FPS”