Earlier this month we hinted that Valve was working on a new version of Counter-Strike which would be made in Source Engine 2. Well it appears that those rumors are true as Valve has officially announced Counter Strike 2, which will be launching in Summer of 2023.
In their announcement Valve promised an “overhaul to every system, every piece of content, and every part of the [Counter-Strike] experience.” With the announcement there is also a limited play test for select Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players. For those wondering about that test Valve has published an FAQ, which tells you how to get in.
But aside from a limited play test, there are many significant changes to consider in Counter-Strike 2. These include:
- Smoke Grenades: These tactical tools will have upgraded utility, making them more realistic. The smoke screen will interact more dynamically with the players’ weapons and the in-game environment. For example, shooting through a smoke screen gives players a brief tactical view of the enemy while remaining concealed. Also, the smoke will take on the shape of an enclosed space where it is hurled.
- Maps: Counter-Strike 2 features newly upgraded maps. The new maps may be classified into three general categories: Touchstone, Upgrades, and Overhauls. Touchstone maps boast lighting and visual improvements. Upgrades now have improved graphics and better lighting and textures. With Overhauls, there’s enhanced lighting, structures, and textures.
- Tick Rate: Tick rate updates will be available in Counter-Strike When inputting your command, the action will happen in real-time. This means no more lagging, waiting, and a feeling that your opponents are gaining an advantage.
Given all these updates, there’s little doubt that Counter-Strike 2 will become one of the most sought-after online games after its launch. The game has undergone many overhauls so players can enjoy it more than ever.
A huge part of ensuring exceptional player experience within multiplayer games is infrastructure. There’s nothing worse than a game launch disrupted by server issues. For those hosting Counter-Strike 2, dedicated gaming servers can provide you with the computing resources needed to operate the game more efficiently and provide a seamless gaming experience for the players.
The announcement also comes with three videos showing off Counter-Strike 2 in action, those are below.
For more information check out the official Counter-Strike 2 page.
