When Did CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) Release? Launch Date & Timeline
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) officially launched on September 27, 2023, replacing CS:GO as Valve's flagship tactical shooter. The game was released as a free upgrade for all existing CS:GO players on Steam.
Before its full release, CS2 went through a limited test phase that began on March 22, 2023. During this period, select players received invites to test the game and provide feedback to help shape the final version.
The development of CS2 was kept largely secret until its announcement in March 2023. Valve surprised the gaming community by revealing that they had been working on upgrading CS:GO to Source 2, their latest game engine.
Key changes that came with the release include:
- Improved graphics and lighting - Enhanced smoke grenades with volumetric rendering - Better tick rate handling with "Sub-tick" updates - Completely rebuilt maps - Upgraded sound system - Modern UI overhaul
The transition from CS:GO to CS2 marked the end of an era, as CS:GO servers were permanently shut down upon CS2's release. All eligible players' inventories, including skins and items, were automatically transferred to CS2.
It's worth noting that while September 27, 2023, marks the official release date, the game continues to receive regular updates and improvements. Players can download CS2 for free through Steam, provided they meet the minimum system requirements.
The launch of CS2 represents the biggest update to Counter-Strike in over a decade, introducing significant technological improvements while maintaining the core gameplay that made the series successful.