Since the switch from CS:GO to Counter-Strike 2, the tactical shooter has faced criticism repeatedly, but what bothers the fans so much? Here is an overview.
What is the current opinion of the community on CS2? Based on user reviews on Steam, the opinion on CS2 is currently relatively balanced, but many players still find the state of the shooter not good.
Of the just over 275,000 reviews, 68% are positive (based on the ratings given since September 30th for the switch from CS:GO to CS2). At first glance, this may not seem too bad, but CS:GO had over 7.5 million reviews at the time of the CS2 release and the CS:GO shutdown with significantly better 88% positive reviews (via Steam).
Even on Metacritic, the shooter only has a user score of 4.2 (out of 10 possible points). CS:GO is at 7.3.
Nevertheless, there is currently an upward trend for CS2. The criticism on social media seems to be somewhat decreasing, and the Steam ratings are not as bad as they were at release. Just in October, CS2 had 45% negative reviews, making it one of Valve’s worst-rated games.
Players are frustrated with technical problems and cheaters
What is the criticism of CS2? There are various aspects that disturb fans of the shooter. Most notably, it is frequently mentioned that CS2 is a step back compared to CS:GO. Players want CS:GO back, at least until CS2 reaches the technical standard that the community expects.
In October, professional player Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev even advised against playing CS2. s1mple is widely regarded as one of the best players in Counter-Strike, which is why the statement made quite a splash.
On the technical side, there are various issues that are not functioning optimally. The biggest point of criticism is probably the anti-cheat system. Looking at the negative reviews of the shooter on Steam, it quickly becomes clear that Valve is struggling to get the cheater problem of the tactical shooter under control.
On the other hand, there are primarily bugs and glitches that are causing unrest in the community. It all started with the so-called “Michael Jackson” peek, where the character’s body adopted a very awkward stance while peeking with the AWP. It looked like Michael Jackson in the song Smooth Criminal.
Some time later, there was the “Air Peek,” where players were launched outside the map on the Vertigo map, remained standing on a pixel in mid-air, and got an unexpected angle on an opponent’s path (via X.com)
There have also been false VAC bans that were triggered, for example, by a graphics card feature. However, Valve reacted and unbanned the players who were banned due to the “Anti-Lag+” feature of AMD graphics cards.
However, some players are simply not satisfied with the netcode. It is often read in the game’s subreddit that Peekers Advantage is worse than ever and very frustrating. As a result, holding an angle is currently just not as rewarding as it was in CS:GO. This weakens weapons like the AWP compared to its predecessor.
Community misses content
A relatively small point of criticism from players concerns the content that CS:GO had, which is missing in CS2. At the forefront are mainly maps, as CS2 only has 10 different maps. Maps like Cache, Train, and Assault are completely absent.
The option to carry the weapon in the left hand is still not available in CS2. In Valorant, the probably biggest competitor of Counter-Strike, this option is available. Modes like Danger Zone and War Games are also missed (via Reddit)
At least the community or workshop maps are now available in the tactical shooter. These were completely absent at the release of CS2 in September 2023. However, players now have the opportunity to play aim training, warm-up, or surf maps created by the community.
What players definitely appreciate about CS2 is the improved graphics. The game looks much better, which also benefits the skins that hold high value in the shooter. All in all, Counter-Strike, despite the criticism, is a financial success and was able to earn 900 million euros in 2023.
