Counter-Strike 2 will still be released in 2023, according to Valve. In this article, we explain when we expect CS2 to be released, as well as bringing you the latest news on Counter-Strike 2.
A new Counter-Strike game is finally coming, Counter-Strike 2 is its name, and it's currently still in a limited test phase with only a few community members being able to play it. On this page, you can find everything we currently know about CS2.
Counter-Strike 2: Release Date Expectation
The limited test beta started on March 22. Only a few players got the chance to play the new Counter-Strike, but that was to be expected for a closed beta. According to Valve's FAQ regarding CS2, the game will be released in "Summer 2023".
On September 20, the CS2 Twitter-Account posted a suspicious message:
What are you doing next Wednesday?
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) September 20, 2023
This could mean that Counter-Strike 2 will launch on September 27, 2023.
Latest Leaks & Rumors About CS2
At this point in time, we know quite a few things about CS2. To put it in short terms: CS2 will be played on the Source 2 engine, tick-rates are a thing of the past, smokes are now interactive, and the game looks completely new.
Source 2
Counter Strike 2 will be played on the Source 2 engine. CS:GO ran on the Source engine, which was released in 2004, therefore the game looked quite outdated in comparison to other competitors. The newer Source 2 engine will allow Valve to improve visuals and smoother running for their new flagship-shooter.
Maps
We will see some updates for each map with the new Source 2 engine. Everything will be brighter and more lit up. Some of the maps (Dust 2, Mirage, Train) will just get some new details, other maps (e.g. Nuke) saw bigger overhauls and some (e.g. Overpass) will be revamped completely. We can also expect some old favorites to be back in the map pool for CS2.
"Sub-tick Servers"
Counter Strike 2 wants to end the debate around tick-speeds. Valve announced their "sub-tick" method in a YouTube video, that will explain it a lot faster than I ever could.
So the game should feel as smooth as it can get. But it seems like the FACEIT servers still have the upper hand on server smoothness.
Smokes
Since Stewie2k we know, that smokes aren't walls, but now they have sort of become alive. They will leave holes when shooting through, they are much more dynamic and react to their environment. Here's a short video from us with all the details you need to know:
Matchmaking System
CS2 will go from a maximum of 30 rounds down to 24 rounds for Matchmaking, Premier, and the Major tournaments. This is known as MR12. There will also be Ranks for each played Map, as well as seasonal Leaderboards.
- More on that right here: CS2 Matchmaking Explained
Miscellaneous
There are several small changes that we can predict to see for Counter Strike 2
- Better audio engineering, allowing a more precise location of where sounds come from
- Clearer bullet impacts and blood traces
- Zeus and grenades are now inspectable
- More realistic explosions from grenades and C4
- An easier to read UI
- Seasonal Leaderboards
- Chicken buffs (I swear to god that isn't clickbait, chicken are getting buffed)
- Reworked buy menu, option to sell weapons in buy phase
Will The CS:GO Skin Market Be Carried Over To CS2?
Yes, all of your CS:GO skins will be ported straight over to CS2. To quote Valve themselves on this:
Can I use my CS:GO inventory items in Counter-Strike 2?Yes. All of your weapon finishes, stickers, and other CS:GO inventory items will be available to use in Counter-Strike 2. Please report any inventory item and weapon finish bugs you encounter using the previously mentioned bug report process.
And that's pretty much all we know about CS2. The important thing to remember is that it's probably coming in September 2023, and it's basically going to be a huge technical and graphical upgrade to CS:GO.
Make sure to stick around for more news on CS2, we will keep you posted on Valve's new FPS here on EarlyGame!