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CS2 launch date prediction, when is Counter Strike 2 coming out?

CS2 is set to release this summer, with no official date from Valve announced just yet

Updated: Sep 27, 2023 1:45 pm
CS2 launch date prediction, when is Counter Strike 2 coming out?

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Although the official release date for CS2 remains undisclosed, numerous Counter-Strike enthusiasts have had the opportunity to experience the new game through a limited test phase. Valve granted access to a select group of players and gradually expanded participation as they introduced additional content. During the initial CS2 test launch, players were limited to Dust 2, but subsequent updates have introduced Mirage, Office, and Nuke. There are speculations that Overpass 2 could be the next addition, while others anticipate the potential return of Cobblestone.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has firmly established itself as one of the leading tactical shooters in the gaming world. That’s why the upcoming sequel, known as Counter-Strike 2 or “CS2,” has generated immense excitement. This new version introduces a plethora of changes to the game, including a selection of new maps and a fresh smoke mechanic, which is poised to introduce a whole new tactical dimension to the gameplay.

CS2 launch date prediction

There was a recent post made on CS2’s official Twitter account hinting that CS2 may launch fully on Wednesday the 27th of September. Which is a little later than was originally stated by Valve. But it’s not too far off.

The “beta” for CS2 began on March 22, and its access has been given to a limited number of players. These players test out various features of the title and provide feedback to developers. There is no word yet if there is going to be a wider play test but we could well see some form of open beta appear before the official launch later in the summer.

Another change was made to the Beta in August, which allowed access to anyone with a Prime subscription and an active competitive rank to play in the Limited Test. Sadly, I do not have a competitive rank. So I’m left holding out for the full release, which will hopefully be soon.

How long has Counter-Strike 2 been in development for?

Regarding the development timeline of Counter-Strike 2, while there have been several reports attempting to estimate the timeframe, no concrete information has emerged. This lack of clarity could be attributed to Valve’s simultaneous focus on both CS2 and ongoing updates for CS:GO. According to Richard Lewis’ report, CS2 has been a longstanding project for Valve and holds a significant position on their priority list.

Since the Counter-Strike 2 beta has been accessible for over a month now, notable differences between the two versions have become apparent. Without an official end date specified for the beta, it is likely to continue until the transition from CS:GO to CS2 takes place. As a result, development work will persist right up until the final release and even beyond.

Will there be another CS2 beta?

Valve announced that another wave of CS2 limited test participants will be selected. Whilst it technically isn’t a second beta, it’s a second set of individuals allowed to access the CS2 limited test.

The selection process for the CS2 beta was kept undisclosed the first time, unfortunately, it is the same with the second, access to the beta still most likely depends on certain factors such as playtime and trust factor.

Will Valve announce the CS2 release date?

Valve, having built up unimaginable hype already, may choose to quietly drop the CS2 update instead of having a big announcement. There are 2 big days in summer 2023 that could hold the release date for CS2. We’ve continued these days in an article, see if you agree with us.

Just dropping CS2 may be considered anti-climatic, but we see the value in just nonchalantly dropping one of the biggest games of the year, probably a decade, and carrying on as if to say “Yeah I did that, so what?”

Whatever the outcome, i don’t think anyone is going to be complaining when they’re strapped in playing CS2 for the first time, after being green with envy, watching as other people get to enjoy.

Counter-Strike 2 Source 2 engine

CS:GO currently runs on the original Source engine, which, although updated over time, dates back as far as 2004. The most dramatic change we will probably see in Counter-Strike 2 is the upgrade to the Source 2 engine. This is Valve’s newest iteration and would bring Counter-Strike up to speed. In July 2022, leakers confirmed the list of maps that had Source 2 versions so far: Shoots, Inferno, Lake, Overpass, Shortdust, Italy.

The source 2 change provides a higher fidelity in general but also other changes to the physics and other key areas. One such improvement is the smoke, which can fill rooms and mold to the shape of the passageway it’s in. Expect them to play a huge part in CS2 once it launches. Whilst the look of skins has also changed and so they have had an improved look.

Will CS:GO skins be deleted in Counter-Strike 2?

Skins are a highly lucrative part of CS:GO, and are extremely valuable in and out of the game. Skins will indeed continue over to CS2 only they will look incredibly vivid with the engine and general upgrade to the game. thanks sot the overall map lighting, any vibrant or reflective skins (knives for example) now pop like never before.


Counter-Strike 2 release date FAQs

Is CS2 out?

No, CS2 is not out yet, although, a select amount of players can test the game out via the limited playtest. The game was announced to be launching this summer, however, some rumours suggest it could be right at the end towards the end September. New rumours suggest it might be Wednesday the 27th of September.

When is Counter-Strike 2 out?

Valve has officially announced that Counter-Strike 2 will release globally in the summer in 2024, and it will be a free upgrade to CS:GO. There is no official release date as yet but we’re expecting this window to be around July – September. Although the end of summer is technically September 23rd, new rumours suggest a September 27th release date.

The beta for CS2 it began on March 22, and its access has been given to a limited number of players. These players test out various features of the title and provide feedback to developers. There is no word yet if there is going to be a wider play test but we could well see some form of open beta appear before the official launch later in the summer.


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