Counter-Strike was long overdue for an update to the Source 2 engine, with other major titles from the developers having been updated to that technology over a decade ago. Having said that, rumors of such an upgrade have been circulating for quite some time. However, a surge in these rumors was seen earlier this month on Steam when Counter-Strike caster Richard Lewis stated that Valve was getting ready to announce the project.
Turns out, he was right all along, as Valve has confirmed the overhaul of CS:GO for the Source 2 engine with a brand new title, Counter-Strike 2, and it appears that the game will be released sooner than we might expect.
The game developers renamed their Twitter account @CounterStrike to CS2 and announced the upcoming title along with the news that the game will come out summer of 2023. It’s also worth noting that Counter-Strike 2 will be available as a free upgrade to CS:GO.
Furthermore, if you’re in a rush to get your hands on Counter-Strike 2, the good news is that a limited Test Version is now available for the game. However, the CS2 development team will select players for the test version based on a number of factors. Here’s what the official CS2 Twitter account had to say about it.
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.
If you are chosen, you will be notified in the CS:GO main menu and will be able to enroll. Also, there are no restrictions on live streaming or posting videos of your experiences, so even those who are not short-listed would be able to see the gameplay through various streams.
The update will incorporate various improvements in the game in terms of both visuals and gameplay. This article will go over every nitty gritty detail about Counter-Strike 2, so keep reading to find out everything there is to know about the game.
For starters, the Community map makers will be able to use Source 2 tools and rendering features to make it easier to build, experiment, and iterate the game. Furthermore, later in the limited test, the Source 2 Item Workshop will also be made available.
Gameplay Visuals
In CS2 user interface has been completely redesigned, with new visual effects throughout the HUD. For instance, Smokes are now volumetric and can interact with other objects, bringing new possibilities to the table. It will escape through open doors and broken windows, traveling downstairs and upstairs, expanding in long corridors, and mixing with other smokes. Also, the Bullets and HE grenades can clear sightlines temporarily or increase occlusion.
Map Updates
The update to CS2 will significantly improve the game graphics and maps, giving them a much better, cleaner, and brighter appearance. Furthermore, various maps will be retouched, and some will be completely revamped.
The Overhauled Maps will be completely revamped from the ground up, utilizing all of the new Source 2 tools to give the game a new and refreshing feel. While the Touchstone Maps will have the Classic maps with solid foundations. If you want to compare the gameplay changes from CS:GO to CS2, these maps are the way to go as they will help you evaluate the improvements that the latest iteration of the game includes.
Lighting
The Source 2 lighting and particle systems will contribute to top-tier gameplay visuals, with bullet impacts visible from afar and directional blood impacts that fade over time to provide a realistic experience as you move through the world.
The good news about Counter-Strike 2 is that you will be able to keep your CS:GO inventory, but the best part is that all of your inventory will benefit from Source 2 lighting and materials, giving your equipment a new look. In addition to continuing to support legacy models and finishes, all stock weapons will be upgraded with high-resolution models, and some weapon finishes will also make use of these new models.
Tick Rates
Counter-Strike 2 will get rid of the discrete time intervals, aka ticks. The updated firmware for the game will help servers to pinpoint the precise moment a motion begins, a shot is fired, or a grenade is thrown. This will significantly affect gameplay because your movement and shooting will be equally responsive regardless of tick rate.
Audio Enhancements
The sounds in Counter-Strike 2 have been reworked to better reflect the physical environment, be more distinct, and express more game states while also being rebalanced for a better listening experience.
