Valve sent shockwaves through the gaming community with its surprise announcement earlier this year – they were developing Counter-Strike 2. After months of eagerly anticipated limited testing, the game has finally made its way to PC players through Steam.
The company celebrated this monumental release with a captivating new trailer, which is available for viewing below.
Counter-Strike 2’s existence was first unveiled in March. This iteration, powered by the Source Engine 2, the same engine that graces other iconic Valve titles such as Dota 2 and Half-Life: Alyx, deviates from the traditional sequel format. Instead, it emerges as a substantial, game-changing free update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
One of the most noticeable transformations comes in the form of a graphical facelift that breathes new life into the beloved first-person shooter. The game’s maps have been revamped, redesigned, and optimized to deliver a fresh gaming experience. However, perhaps the most noteworthy feature introduced with Counter-Strike 2 is the ability for players to refund their weapons in the event of an accidental purchase, a functionality that gamers have been clamoring for.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive initially graced the gaming world in 2012, and despite being over a decade old, it continues to hold its ground as one of the most popular PC games available on Valve’s digital distribution platform, Steam. Beyond its sheer gaming prowess, the enduring popularity of CS: GO is partly attributed to its transition to a free-to-play model in late 2018.
In an insightful review of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, IGN lauded the game, stating that CS: GO stands as a “top-tier tactics game that will probably share the long-tailed legacy of its predecessors.” With the introduction of Counter-Strike 2, it seems that the legacy of this iconic franchise is set to evolve and expand, captivating a new generation of gamers while still honoring its roots.
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) September 27, 2023