Can You Play CS:GO After CS2 Release? How to Play CS:GO after Counter-Strike 2?
by Preethi | Updated Oct 14, 2023
Can You Play CS:GO After CS2 Release?
Yes, you can still play CS:GO after the release of CS2, but there are some important things to know:
CS2 Replaces CS:GO:
CS2 is the newer game and has taken the place of CS:GO on official servers. So, if you want to play CS2, you can, and it's available as a free update for CS:GO players.
Legacy CS:GO Version:
If your computer can't run CS2 (for example, if you have macOS or an older Windows system), there's a "Legacy CS:GO Version" available. It's like a snapshot of the old CS:GO, but you can't use official matchmaking in this version.
Your Skins and Items:
The good news is that all your CS:GO skins, stickers, and other in-game items have been moved over to CS2. So, you won't lose anything in terms of your virtual gear.
Future Possibilities:
While CS2 has taken over, there might be a chance that a classic version of CS:GO is released later. Also, some players or modders might create their versions of CS:GO, though it's uncertain how Valve will respond to that.
Just keep in mind that the support for the legacy CS:GO version will end on January 1, 2024, which means certain functions might not work as well after that date. So, you have options to keep playing CS:GO, even with CS2 out.
Discover valuable insights and expert tips with our game articles on Fresherslive that have the potential to revolutionize your gaming experience. Join us today to enhance your gaming expertise and stay ahead in the world of gaming.
How to Play CS:GO after Counter-Strike 2?
To play CS:GO after Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has been released, you can follow these steps:
Open Steam:
Make sure you have the Steam client installed on your computer. If you don't have it, download and install it from the Steam website.
Access Your Library:
Open Steam and go to your game library, where you can see the list of games you own.
Right-Click on CS2:
Locate "Counter-Strike 2" in your game library and right-click on it. This will bring up a context menu with several options.
Go to Properties:
From the context menu, select "Properties." This will open a window with various tabs and settings for CS2.
Select 'Betas' Tab:
In the Properties window, navigate to the "Betas" tab. This is where you can choose different versions of the game.
Choose 'Legacy CS:GO Version':
In the "Betas" tab, you should see a drop-down menu that allows you to select different versions of the game. Choose "Legacy CS:GO Version" from this menu.
Install the Legacy Version:
Once you've selected the "Legacy CS:GO Version," Steam will start downloading and installing this older version of the game.
Launch CS:GO:
After the installation is complete, you can launch CS:GO as you normally would. It will run in the "Legacy" mode, which is essentially the older version of the game.
CS:GO Game Info
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a renowned multiplayer tactical first-person shooter developed by Valve in collaboration with Hidden Path Entertainment. This game is the fourth installment in the well-known Counter-Strike series. It was first released on August 21, 2012, for multiple platforms, including OS X, PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360, while the Linux version became available on September 23, 2014.
CS:GO has continued to receive regular updates from Valve, including both balancing patches and substantial content additions. In December 2018, Valve shifted the game to a free-to-play model, primarily generating revenue from cosmetic in-game items.
The game has an active and thriving esports scene, with professional leagues and tournaments, making it one of the leading titles in the esports world. An upcoming major update titled "Counter-Strike 2" is expected to migrate the game to the Source 2 engine, with a planned release in summer 2023, featuring limited test access for select players.
CS:GO Gameplay
CS:GO presents a gameplay experience that centers around objective-based, multiplayer first-person shooter mechanics. Players assume the roles of two opposing teams: the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists. They engage in various game modes, all involving completing specific objectives, such as planting or defusing bombs or rescuing hostages.
Rounds are relatively short, and at the end of each round, players are rewarded with in-game currency based on their performance, which they can spend on weapons and equipment in subsequent rounds.
Winning rounds yields more money, and map-based objectives provide additional cash bonuses. The game offers nine official game modes, including Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, Arms Race, Demolition, Wingman, Flying Scoutsman, Retakes, and Danger Zone, each with its own unique gameplay characteristics. CS:GO is renowned for its emphasis on precise aiming, weapon control, and teamwork, making it a highly competitive and strategic game.
The introduction of Prime Matchmaking ensures fair matches, and the game also supports private dedicated servers, allowing players to customize their gameplay experiences. The community has developed various mods, with Kreedz Climbing being one of the popular ones, offering challenging obstacle courses requiring advanced movement techniques.
CS:GO Trailer
CS2 Game Info
"Counter-Strike 2" is a major update to the popular game "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" (CS:GO). This update represents a significant leap in the game's history, bringing in new features and improvements that promise to keep players engaged for years to come. The exciting part is that this upgrade is entirely free for existing CS:GO players, ensuring everyone can enjoy the enhancements without any extra cost.
One of the notable additions in "Counter-Strike 2" is the introduction of CS Ratings. These ratings serve as a visible measure of a player's performance in the game, determining their position on global and regional leaderboards. To obtain your CS Rating, you can participate in matches using the updated Premier mode, either playing solo or teaming up with friends.
CS2 Gameplay
In "Counter-Strike 2," gameplay takes a significant step forward with various enhancements. One standout change is the dynamic nature of smoke grenades. These grenades now interact with the environment and respond to factors like lighting, gunfire, and explosions. This interaction with gameplay events opens up fresh tactical possibilities; for instance, bullets and grenades can briefly clear smoke to alter sightlines.
Smoke behaves more realistically, seeping through openings, flowing up and down stairs, and merging with other smoke clouds. Furthermore, the smoke reacts authentically to lighting conditions, contributing to the game's visual realism.
"Counter-Strike 2" continues to deliver the intense competitive experience the series is known for, with its technical advancements, updated features, and unwavering commitment to competitive gaming. The game has received high praise from players and is available on Steam, supporting cross-platform multiplayer. Players with Prime Status in both "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" and "Counter-Strike 2" get matched with other Prime Status players and gain access to exclusive in-game items.
However, please note that the game includes intense violence and blood, making it suitable for mature audiences. To play, you'll need a Windows 10 operating system, a processor with at least 4 hardware CPU threads (like Intel Core i5 750 or higher), 8 GB of RAM, a DirectX 11-compatible video card with at least 1 GB of VRAM, and approximately 85 GB of available storage space.
CS2 Trailer
​Can You Play CS:GO After CS2 Release - FAQs
Yes, you can still play CS:GO after CS2's release, but with certain considerations.
The "Legacy CS:GO Version" is an older version of CS:GO that you can play if your system can't run CS2. However, official matchmaking is not available in this version.
No, all your CS:GO skins, stickers, and in-game items are transferred over to CS2, so you won't lose them.
There's a chance that a classic version of CS:GO may be released in the future. Additionally, modders might create their versions of CS:GO, but Valve's response is uncertain.
Support for the legacy version of CS:GO is set to end on January 1, 2024. Some functionality may degrade or fail after this date.