Counter-Strike 2 Confirmed For Summer 2023 Release, Limited Test Begins Today

Valve announced that Counter-Strike 2 will be released in Summer 2023, with limited testing available to some Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players starting today. Eligibility will depend on a "number of factors," including recent playtime and Steam account standing. Players who have been selected will automatically get an invite via CS:GO's main menu. To learn more about how to access the Counter-Strike 2 beta, check out the CS2 limited testing FAQ.

CS2 will also be a free upgrade to CS:GO, and all of players' CS:GO items will transfer over to the new iteration of Counter-Strike. This essentially sounds like CS2 will replace CS:GO--something players weren't sure about when CS2 rumors first started making the rounds.

Accompanying the announcement, Valve also released three videos teasing what to expect in the Counter-Strike's massive and transformative update made using the Source 2 Engine. Leveling up the World showed off the upgraded maps and graphic overhauls, Moving Beyond Tick Rate announced that tick rate will no longer matter (moving and shooting will be "equally responsive"), and Responsive Smokes detailed the new "dynamic volumetric" nature of smoke grenades.

Community map makers will also be able to use Source 2, including a Source 2 Item Workshop available to try out during the Limited Testing period.

Counter-Strike 2 has long been rumored, and a report in March stated that players could expect CS2's beta in March or early April--something now confirmed with Valve's official announcement.