Everything we know about Counter-Strike 2 - release date, how to get to the closed beta, how the smoke will change and other answers to questions

 

On March 22, 2023, the announcement of Counter-Strike 2, a new version of the legendary multiplayer shooter, took place. In this guide, we will tell you everything we know about the game so far.

Counter-Strike 2 is a free upgrade for CS: GO that will transfer the game to the new Source 2 engine and add a lot of new features to the game. Some of them will be cosmetic, while others will directly affect the gameplay.

How to enter the closed beta testing of Counter-Strike 2

Testing began on March 22, 2023. Although it takes place behind closed doors, all users have a chance to receive a coveted invitation. To do this, you must have Counter-Strike: Global Offensive in your library.

The choice of accounts that will have access to the Counter-Strike 2 beta is based on many factors. Among them: the state of the account, trust in the user, the launch of games on official Valve servers recently, and much more. If you play CS:GO and do not use cheats, then you will most likely receive an invitation in the main menu of this game.

In addition, it is advisable to check the integrity of the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive file cache. Do the following:

1. Open your Steam account library.
2. Find CS:GO.
3. Click on the game icon with the right mouse button.
4. Select "Properties".
5. Open the Local Files menu.
6. Click on the line "Check the integrity of the cache".

If you received an invitation, the algorithm of your actions:

1. Launch CS: GO.
2. Click the Enroll button to download the second part client.
3. Click on the Limited Test icon.

After that, you will be taken to testing Counter-Strike 2. If there was no invitation, all that remains is to wait for the next stage of the beta test.

How smoke mechanics will change in Counter-Strike 2

Smoke screens first appeared in early versions of Counter-Strike and became an important element of the game. But users have often complained that they don't work the way they should. Valve listened to the players and radically changed the smoke mechanics in Counter-Strike 2.

For example, before there were situations when some players saw through the veil, while others did not. Now this will not happen. The smoke will become completely impenetrable. However, it can be dispelled with shots or grenade throws. In CS: GO, the curtain was static and did not react to the actions of the players.

It can also be noted that smoke will eventually spread throughout the space, and penetrate through windows, doors, and other openings. This should be considered before throwing smoke.

What other innovations await players in Counter-Strike 2

The structure of the game will not change globally. As before, all users will be divided into terrorists and counter-terrorists. The first team is trying to detonate a bomb or hold hostages, and the second is trying to prevent an explosion or withdraw civilians, depending on the map. In addition, the round will end if all the fighters in one of the units are killed.

The main innovations of the second part compared to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive:

• The shadows of the opponents have become more noticeable;
• The player sees his own shadow and legs;
• Many classic maps have been rebuilt from scratch, so they look different; The new level design will certainly require adaptation;
• There was an adaptive sight that follows the trajectory of bullets;
• Shooting feels smoother and more responsive;
• On private servers and in custom modes, an indicator of the grenade flight path will appear. It will not be available in ranked matches;
• The fire from the Molotov cocktail is increased by grenades that explode nearby;
• Throwing weapons will be able to fly higher and farther, and not crash into a conditional "ceiling";
• The scope of a sniper rifle is increased not by holding, but by double-clicking the mouse button;
• The places where bullets hit the walls are now visible from afar;
• If a bullet hits a person, a pool of blood will remain on the floor or wall, which will dry out over time;
• Thanks to the new particle system, shots, explosions, water behavior, and much more look much better;
• The interface has been completely redesigned. Thanks to him, you will get more important game information than before.

When will Counter-Strike 2 be released?

At the moment, the release date of the game has not been announced. According to rumors, the release will take place in the summer of 2023. We are monitoring the news and will update this guide as soon as reliable information becomes available.