Counter-Strike 2: Release Date, Price, Beta Test, New Features, and More

After weeks of the rumor mill speculating its existence, Valve lastly introduced Counter-Strike 2, an overhaul to the critically acclaimed FPS shooter recreation Counter-Strike: GO (or CS:GO). The announcement, performed in probably the most Valve-way attainable, the corporate shared a number of movies showcasing the modifications, additions, and the whole lot else that helps modernize the aggressive FPS title. So if you’re curious to know what all is new in CS2, you’ve come to the correct place. On this article, now we have compiled all the knowledge that Counter-Strike followers and newcomers have to know concerning the successor to the FPS recreation that began all of it.

Counter-Strike 2: All You Must Know (2023)

The existence of Counter-Strike 2, popularly referred to as CS 2, was the gossip of the city when Valve began updating the CS:GO database on Steam. Over the week, the official Counter-Strike Twitter began teasing the title by altering the banner and even sharing cryptic tweets. All of those actions indicated {that a} sequel to the hit shooter is imminent. And chaos ensued when the announcement lastly got here. So, now we have info-dumped all the key modifications coming to Counter-Strike 2 right here:

Counter-Strike 2 Launch Date

Proper off the bat, allow us to make it clear that we would not have a precise launch date for Counter-Strike 2 simply but. Valve has solely introduced that CS2 will launch someday in Summer time 2023. Which means the sport will launch someday between Could to June however might be delayed if some added polish and bug-squashing is required on the final second.

Whereas the sport launch remains to be just a few months away, some fortunate gamers – if chosen for the restricted take a look at – can already expertise CS2 and provides suggestions on the brand new characteristic upgrades. Hold studying to learn to get entry to the Counter-Strike 2 beta take a look at later on this information.

Counter-Strike 2 Value & Platforms

As per the official FAQ page, Valve has confirmed that Counter Strike 2 will likely be a free-to-play recreation. It’s an engine overhaul to Valve’s new Supply 2 engine, which brings numerous graphical and gameplay options to an in any other case wonderful recreation. Furthermore, for these unaware, CS:GO was beforehand a paid recreation (costing $14.99) however adopted a free-to-play mannequin in 2018. Counter-Strike 2 can even undertake the free-to-play mannequin and ship an replace to present CS:GO gamers, because it has performed within the beta take a look at.

As for the supported platforms, Counter-Strike 2 is barely accessible on PC proper now. Valve has not confirmed its plans to port the sport to consoles, be it the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Collection X, simply but. So, bookmark this web page and revisit it for normal updates on the state of affairs.

CS2 vs CS:GO: What’s New In Counter-Strike 2

Since Counter-Strike 2 will utterly exchange CS:GO when it formally releases later this yr, it brings many new and welcoming modifications to one of the standard FPS video games up to now. We now have listed among the outstanding new options right here, however you may head to our devoted information on the very best new options in Counter-Strike 2 to study extra. That stated, let’s have a look at this temporary rundown of recent options in CS2:

Higher Lighting and Visuals (Supply 2)

The largest change Counter Strike 2 goals to carry is a change to the lighting and visuals. Valve made the unique CSGO within the then Supply engine, which powered standard titles like Portal 2, Half-Life 2, and extra. With Counter-Strike 2, Valve is utilizing its new Supply 2 engine, which has been used to make titles such because the VR hit Half-Life: Alyx, DoTA: Underworlds, and Artifact.

Due to Supply 2, CS2 will characteristic new lighting, together with a bodily based mostly rendering system. This allows them to supply real looking supplies, lighting, and reflection. Previous maps are actually higher lit at locations the place it was darkish and has correct reflections. The official web site reveals the stark distinction between the outdated vs new maps in Counter-Strike 2.

Map Rework and Overhauls

After all, given the lighting and engine modifications, one would anticipate modifications to the maps, and Valve didn’t disappoint. With Counter-Strike 2, Valve is upgrading among the hottest CS:GO maps utilizing the brand new Supply 2 mild engine. Nonetheless, drastically altering maps for a aggressive recreation may go away a bitter after-taste within the mouth of the fanbase, therefore, the builders are approaching it in a different way.

For CS2, the map reworks have been divided into three classes – Touchstone, Upgrades, and Overhauls.

• Touchstones are the legacy basis maps everybody has come to like and adore. These maps are event customary and include gameplay modifications, graphics, and lighting updates. Other than that, these maps are untouched and intact. Mud 2 and Mirage are two examples.
• Upgrades class contains the maps which have gotten the Supply 2 facelift. These maps have Supply 2’s physically-based rendering system, leading to improved lighting, textures, and reflections. Nuke and Historical are proven using this.
• Overhaul refers back to the maps which were utterly remade for CS2p. These are the oldest maps within the recreation which have stood the take a look at of time. Overpass is likely one of the maps proven to get a whole overhaul.

Moreover, Valve states individuals who take pleasure in creating maps will obtain the map-making instruments, permitting them to experiment to their coronary heart’s content material.

Smoke Has Been Reworked

In CS:GO, smokes had been one-way and static. What it means is that terrorists and counter-terrorists noticed various things by way of the smoke from their views. Furthermore, the smoke solely occupied a hard and fast level on the map. In Counter-Strike 2, the builders have reworked how the smoke interacts with objects and behaves on the map. Due to the Supply 2 engine, the smokes are actually volumetric.

What it means is that the smoke will naturally refill the area, and every participant will see the identical quantity of smoke no matter place. Moreover, the smokes now react to lighting, and bullets passing by way of can carve and alter its form. Not solely bullets, grenades will utterly dissipate the smoke clouds for just a few seconds, providing you with an opportunity to launch a shock assault on the enemy.

The smoke rework utterly modifications how the sport works, giving gamers extra choices to combat in opposition to one another, even when a wall of smoke blocks their imaginative and prescient.

New Sub-Tick System in CS2

You probably have been a CS:GO participant for a very long time, you’d know that Counter Strike employs 64-tick servers. The tick system ensures the sport identifies your motion and taking pictures in discreet time intervals. Whereas Valve claims that the time intervals had been non-existent, giving gamers a responsive expertise, in addition they declare that typically a millisecond delay did happen at occasions.

With Counter-Strike 2, Valve has revamped the server tick idea and constructed upon it. The upcoming recreation will use a sub-tick system, the place the server will perceive when the participant is transferring and taking pictures, giving elevated precision to their gameplay. Regardless of the participant does one thing in-game, the server will exactly calculate the tick and act appropriately.

This transformation removes the participant’s reliance on third-party purchasers like FaceIt and SoStronk for larger tick-rate servers for gameplay, resembling 128 tick-rate servers.

Find out how to Entry Counter-Strike 2 Restricted Beta Check

As for now, the builders are internet hosting a restricted beta take a look at for CS2, the place previous and current gamers are having access to the sport. Valve is selecting gamers based mostly on their Steam profile standing, playtime, and participant expertise. As such, anybody can get entry to the CS2 beta, if the system deems them worthy of making an attempt the upcoming title. To study extra about learn how to entry the Counter-Strike 2 restricted beta take a look at, undergo our devoted information linked right here.

Will My In-Recreation Objects and Gun Skins Switch to CS2?

One factor the builders have dedicated of their announcement is that gamers will be capable of carry ahead present CS: GO gadgets — gun skins — to the upcoming Counter-Strike 2 title. CS:GO presumably has one of many greatest in-game marketplaces, the place you should purchase and unload skins recurrently. This method even led to the rise of third-party pores and skin shops, the place you may promote their CS: GO skins for real-life cash.

Thankfully, Counter-Strike 2 gamers can simply entry their present skins and gloves in-game at their comfort. Because the upcoming recreation is primarily an engine improve, Valve additionally talked about that the skins themselves have acquired the Supply 2 remedy. All of the weapon skins and gadgets have gotten a facelift and are already reside within the beta take a look at. So, when you get entry to the beta take a look at, you may try what your older skins seem like in Supply 2 lightning.

CS2 Launch is Able to Shake Issues Up

It has been years since now we have acquired any substantial improve or a sequel to an FPS shooter. Whereas standard shooters like Valorant and battle royale video games like Apex Legends took over the scene, the introduction of Counter-Strike 2 undoubtedly shakes issues up. Not solely are these modifications a welcome addition, however they can even create some memorable moments in CS historical past. Are you excited to check out the sport? Tell us within the feedback under.