Counter-Strike 2 is real, free, and everything carries over from CS:GO.

Counter-Strike 2 is real, free, and everything carries over from CS:GO.

Valve has made an exciting announcement regarding Counter-Strike, revealing that the newest iteration of the game, Counter-Strike 2, is currently in development. According to the developer, Counter-Strike 2 represents a complete overhaul of every system, every piece of content, and every aspect of the Counter-Strike experience. Several accompanying videos have been released, providing an in-depth look at the changes that players can expect to see, including updates to smokes, tick rates, and maps.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of sub-tick updates, which will improve the responsiveness of the game by allowing the server to evaluate motion, shots, and grenades at the exact moment they occur, regardless of tick rate. A limited test of Counter-Strike 2 is currently underway, with Valve evaluating a subset of features to ensure a smooth worldwide release in the summer.

Perhaps most impressively, Counter-Strike 2 will be a free upgrade to existing players of CS: GO. All inventory items will carry over, benefiting from Source 2 lighting and materials, and stock weapons will be upgraded with high-resolution models. The game is set to be the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike's history, with new features and updates expected for years to come.

The ongoing limited test provides an exciting glimpse into the future of Counter-Strike, and impressions of the game will be available soon. Fans of the franchise can look forward to the release of Counter-Strike 2 later this year, with all the past glory and competitive gameplay of the original game, but with modern updates and enhancements.
 

Coming summer 2023.