Counter-Strike 2 Announced, Limited Test Begins Today

The highly anticipated Counter-Strike 2 update for CS: GO has finally been announced. The update will officially roll out this summer and will bring a multitude of changes to the popular FPS game. The Limited Test has begun today for selected CS: GO players. After the update, CS: GO will be called Counter-Strike 2.

Amongst all the new features this engine update will bring, we got to look at a few of them. One of the key changes is the smoke grenade overhaul. Smoke grenades will now generate responsive smoke that dynamically reacts to lighting, gunfire, and explosions. The smoke will expand naturally to fill up the spaces naturally, making smoke grenades an even more key part of any tactic in the new updated version of CS: GO.

Today we're excited to announce Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is an overhaul to every system, every piece of content, and every part of the C-S experience. First, let's talk about smoke grenades: pic.twitter.com/iTtguRHJ0S

— CS:GO (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023

Counter-Strike 2 will also remove tick-rate-based limitations. The new engine update aims to utilize its sub-tick update architecture, which will let the server know the exact instant whenever a player makes a move. Previously, the servers updated at specified discrete intervals, causing some actions not to be processed. However, the new update removes that limitation and makes the overall Counter-Strike experience smoother.

The Source 2 update to CS: GO will also introduce overhauled maps and locations. The lighting will be drastically improved for all parts of the map. Most of the key locations in maps, such as bomb sites and spawn locations, have only received visual improvements and no changes that would heavily affect players’ game plans.

Other than these changes, Counter-Strike 2 will also be bringing UI enhancements to make the gameplay smoother for the players. The audio is also improved and more accurate to get the perfect read on your opponents. Additionally, certain objects on the map will react dynamically to explosions and incendiary grenades.

Players are selected for the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test based on a number of factors deemed important by the Counter-Strike 2 development team, including (but not limited to) recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.

— CS:GO (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023

While the Limited Test will help evaluate only a few of Counter-Strike 2’s features, we’ll have to wait till the summer to check out the rest of the features this new engine update offers. Additionally, participants of the Limited Test are selected by Counter-Strike 2 development team based on multiple factors, including the participant’s recent playtime on Valve‘s official servers, trust factor, and their Steam account standing.