Counter-Strike 2, the highly anticipated upgrade for CS:GO, has finally arrived. Valve announced today that it’s launching CS2, which comes with some major updates like improved smoke grenades, redesigned maps, and improved network features.
Technology
Counter-Strike 2 is out now
Twenty years after the original Counter-Strike, and more than 10 years after the release of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Valve has replaced its long-running team FPS with Counter-Strike 2.
After years of rumors, Valve announced CS2 in March and opened up a limited test. The updated game is based on Valve’s Source 2 engine, giving the game a much-needed facelift, reworked audio, UI enhancements, and upgraded Community Workshop tools. There’s even a new “tick-rate-independent gameplay” that Valve describes as a way for servers to “know the exact instant that motion starts, a shot is fired, or a ‘nade is thrown.”
You can download the 27GB CS2 for free from Steam, with its listing directly replacing the more than 10-year-old CS:GO. All of the items you’ve collected in CS:GO will be available in CS2, while stock weapons will also get an enhanced look thanks to the Source 2 engine.