Counter-Strike 2 Confirmed For Release This Summer, Limited Closed Beta Underway
Valve has confirmed that Counter-Strike 2 is on track for release this summer and has kicked off closed beta testing for the latest game in the popular shooter franchise. The beta test is open to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players who will be selected based on several factors, including Steam account standing and recent playtime. Eligible players will be notified and will get an invite through CS:GO’s main menu.
The beta test will initially only include access to Deathmatch and Unranked Competitive modes on the Dust 2 map but will be updated with more maps, game modes, and features in future testing rounds. It won’t be covered by an NDA so content creators will be free to stream and create videos about their experience.
The studio also revealed that Counter-Strike 2 will completely replace CS:GO and will be released as a free upgrade for the game, much like what Blizzard did with Overwatch, effectively putting an end to a debate that started when CS2 was first announced earlier this month. All items and cosmetics will automatically be transferred to the new version once it goes live.
The game runs on Valve’s new Source 2 engine and will feature enhanced visuals, better-looking maps, improved matchmaking, and 120-tick servers. The latter will allow players to move and shoot without having to worry about tick rate since they’ll both be equally responsive. Smoke behavior will also be significantly improved and will react to players, projectiles, and objects moving through it.
You can check out the trio of trailers below for a sneak peek at the upcoming team-based shooter and its new features.
