A decade-long wait is finally over, as the original version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive finally gets an upgrade with its official release. Global Offensive was critically acclaimed for its advanced gameplay and nine official game modes, including Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, Arms Race, Demolition, Wingman, Flying Scoutsman, Retakes, and Danger Zone.
Valve, in collaboration with Hidden Path Entertainment, developed CS: GO, which retained the essence of the Counter-Strike series while simultaneously challenging gaming rules by featuring a plot of terrorists versus counter-terrorists.
The two teams have to complete various side missions along with saving their a**es, which includes finding a location to plant or defuse the bomb and rescuing or capturing hostages, depending on which team you are on.
Due to the interesting, adrenaline-filled plot, the game amassed over 11 million players per month. The growing popularity helped Valve to establish a strong foothold in the market and announced in December 2018 that the game would now be a free-to-play model. Its revenue model will now depend on the in-game purchase of cosmetic items.
Valve also launched its own video game digital distribution service called “Steam,” which offers features like digital rights management (DRM), game server matchmaking with Valve Anti-Cheat measures, social networking, and game streaming services. The reliable platform ensures game update automation, cloud storage for game progress, and community features like direct messaging, in-game overlay functions, and a virtual collectible marketplace.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive garnered massive popularity and became one of the most-played games on Steam. However, a few professional gamers pointed out technical discrepancies in the game.
Then Valve announced a limited beta test stage for an upgrade earlier this year that lasted nearly six months. This test was accessible exclusively while the rest had to wait for the final version to be released…and now, the wait is over.
On September 28, Valve released Counter-Strike 2 with a new and improved version, including smoke upgrades, updated visuals & UI, and high-octane missions with an overhaul of maps. Before downloading the free-to-play game, you need a Steam account. You can download the game from the Steam platform, and will also save your gaming progress using cloud storage.
Can You Play Counter-Strike 2 Right Now?
Counter-Strike 2 beta test stage was launched in March of this year. In order for a player to qualify for access, they should have a Prime Status Upgrade. Else, the player must pay for the limited beta test.
After thorough trials, Counter-Strike 2 is the “largest technical leap forward” in the franchise’s history. Per the CS website, this version is a free upgrade to CS: GO. Some of the significant level-ups include:
- The smoke features get a boost with dynamic volumetric objects interacting with the environment, reacting to lighting, gunfire, and explosions.
- The previous version of the server based its evaluations on discrete time intervals called ticks. Counter-Strike 2 is leveling up with sub-tick update architecture, enabling the servers to record the “exact instant that motion starts, a shot is fired, or a ‘grenade is thrown.” This will ensure that moving/shooting will have a real-time response, and the grenades will land the same way.
- Per the website, the new maps are “cleaner, brighter, and better.” Valve has rebuilt the overhauled maps from the ground up, which use new Source 2 lighting, and created maps with solid foundations that players can use to evaluate gameplay changes from CS: GO to Counter-Strike 2.
- Now whip out your ammunition in style, as the stock weapons have been upgraded with high-resolution models.
- Enjoy stunning and High-Def VFX with Counter-Strike 2– “There’s an all-new look and behavior for water, explosions, fire, smoke, muzzle flashes, bullet tracers, impact effects, and more.”
- Counter-Strike 2 also promises Reworked, Rebalanced, and Reverbed audio.
You can now enjoy all these features with the official launch of Counter-Strike 2, a free-to-play game.
How to Download Counter-Strike 2?
Now that you know what to expect in the game, here’s a quick guide on how to download Counter-Strike 2–
Step 1: The primary requirement to play Counter-Strike 2 is a Steam Account. Simply follow the instructions on Steam’s website and create your account in a couple of minutes.
Step 2: Click on the Steam store and search for Counter-Strike 2.
Step 3: Check whether you are logged in under your Steam account while accessing the Counter-Strike 2 page. The Steam platform will initiate the CS2 installation after you click “Yes, Steam is installed” for configuration.
Step 4: Click yes for all the installation options in the further process.
Step 5: The game will finish downloading. Wait for a couple of minutes. Then proceed to the Steam site/app and click “Library.” Search for Counter-Strike 2 and click on it. It will further install mandatory components like DirectX & Visual C++.
Step 6: The game will launch after that, and you can clock on “Play” to start playing.
Side Note: If you want an advanced, uninterrupted, and secure gaming experience, opt for “Prime Status Upgrade.” You can gain access to exclusive Prime matchmaking for Counter-Strike 2 at a reasonable price. This will also ensure that you encounter fewer hackers.
How was your first impression of the much-awaited Counter-Strike 2? Do you approve of the new visuals and upgrades? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.
Source: Counter-Strike
