Counter-Strike 2
Cover art, depicting the game's main teams: the Counter-Terrorists (left) and the Terrorists
Developer(s)Valve
Publisher(s)Valve
Composer(s)Mike Morasky
SeriesCounter-Strike
EngineSource 2
Platform(s)
ReleaseSeptember 27, 2023
Genre(s)Tactical first-person shooter
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Counter-Strike 2 is a 2023 multiplayer tactical first-person shooter game developed and published by Valve. It is the fifth main installment of the Counter-Strike series. Developed as an updated version of the previous main entry, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012), it was announced on March 22, 2023 and was released on September 27, 2023, replacing Global Offensive on Steam.

Like its predecessor, the game pits two teams, the Counter-Terrorists and the Terrorists, against each other in various objective-based game modes. Counter-Strike 2 features major technical improvements over Global Offensive, including a move from the Source game engine to Source 2, improved graphics and new server architecture. In addition, many maps from Global Offensive were updated to use the features of Source 2, with some maps receiving complete overhauls.

Upon release, Counter-Strike 2 received generally favorable reviews from critics. In contrast, player reception was mixed; criticism was directed at the delisting of Global Offensive from Steam, degraded game performance, and the removal of several features that had been present in Global Offensive. As a result, Counter-Strike 2 received thousands of negative user reviews on Steam, leading to it becoming one of the lowest-rated Valve titles on the platform.

Gameplay

A screenshot of Counter-Strike 2, demonstrating gameplay from the Terrorist side on the map Anubis

Like previous games in the series, Counter-Strike 2 is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter, where two teams compete to complete different objectives, depending on the game mode selected. Players are split into two teams, the Counter-Terrorists and the Terrorists. Most game modes are split across several rounds and in-between rounds, players are able to purchase different weapons and equipment to use. In most game modes, players have a single life per-round and if they die, they will be unable to play until the beginning of the next round.[1]

The game has six different game modes in which players can compete: Competitive, Premier, Casual, Wingman, Deathmatch, and Hostage.[1][2][3][4] Competitive, the game's primary mode, puts two teams of five (i.e 5v5) against each other, with the goal of the Terrorists being to plant a C4 explosive at one of two bombsites in a map or to kill every Counter-Terrorist, and the goal of the Counter-Terrorists being to either kill all terrorists or defuse the explosive. Upon completing their objectives, the team will win their round and gain a point. A total of 24 rounds can be played each game, with the first team to reach 13 winning.[1][2] Premier plays similarly to Competitive, but instead of allowing the players to queue into whichever map they desire, Premier relies on a map voting and banning system in which the players participate. It also follows a ranking system whereby, in lieu of the previous ranking system, players are given a numerical rating based on their performance, and in addition there are now global/regional leaderboards.[2] The previous ranking system still exists in the Competitive mode, however the ranks are now determined on a per-map basis.[3] Casual is a mode that plays identically to Competitive, but without the ranking systems of Competitive and Premier; the player count is also doubled from 5v5 to 10v10.[1] Wingman puts only two players on each team and features only one bombsite, with the first team to reach nine points winning.[5] Deathmatch puts players into a map with no teams, with the only objective being to gain most kills before the round ends.[4] Hostage puts the Terrorists in control of a group of hostages, which the Counter-Terrorists must save from captivity.[2][4]

Development and release

A comparison between the Global Offensive version of de_nuke (top, using Source) and the Counter-Strike 2 version (bottom, using Source 2), demonstrating the game's improvement to graphics

Counter-Strike 2 was developed with the Source 2 game engine as an update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and various aspects of Global Offensive were updated to use the features of the engine.[6] It is the first entry in the Counter-Strike series in over ten years.[7] Alongside the engine changes, the game was developed alongside new server architecture, allowing for "sub-tick" gameplay that synchronizes with player input.[8][9] Additional new mechanics include "smoke physics", a feature where the smoke generated by a smoke grenade can be altered through extra grenades or gunshots.[10][11]

Many maps from Global Offensive were given upgrades to take advantage of the features of Source 2, including new lighting and enhanced textures.[8][12] Valve created three different groups to place maps into when reconstructing them: "Touchstone" for maps that were unchanged in layout (ex. Dust II), "Upgrades" for maps given large-scale graphical upgrades with the features of Source 2 (ex. Nuke), and "Overhauls" for maps reconstructed from the ground up (ex. Inferno).[13][14] Additionally, all cosmetic items from Global Offensive were transferred to Counter-Strike 2, with some weapon finishes receiving updates to utilize new physically based materials.[15][8]

Following rumors of a Source 2 update for Global Offensive earlier that month,[16] Counter-Strike 2 was officially announced in March 2023,[17] and three videos demonstrating changes made from Global Offensive were released.[17][18] Later that day, a beta version of Counter-Strike 2, known as the "Limited Test" was released as an update for Global Offensive.[19] Throughout the existence of the Limited Test, upgraded maps and new aspects to the game were released over time.[14] On September 1, 2023, the Limited Test was released to all that purchased Global Offensive before it became free-to-play in 2018 and were active in competitive matchmaking.[20]

Counter-Strike 2 released to the public on September 27, 2023, replacing Global Offensive on Steam. This took Global Offensive down, with the exception of community servers accessible via a launch option, and the long-discontinued version for the Xbox 360.[21][22][23] Various features from Global Offensive were removed, such as the "Arms Race" and "Danger Zone" game modes,[24] and all 167 in-game achievements were removed.[25] Alongside this, only ten maps were included at launch.[13]

Reception

Critical reception

According to review aggregator Metacritic, Counter-Strike 2 received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, based on 14 critic reviews.[26] On review aggregator OpenCritic, the game has received an average score of 77, with 83% of critics recommending it overall.[27]

Jake Tucker of TechRadar gave Counter-Strike 2 a 4 out of 5 star rating, summarizing with: "Counter-Strike 2's wall of noise and violence will feel impenetrable to newcomers but a welcome upgrade for long-term Counter-Strike fans. It's the best competitive shooter on the market, but it's so difficult for new players to get on board that it won't be for everyone."[1] Chris Shive of Hardcore Gamer gave the game a 4/5 rating, stating that Counter-Strike 2 is a "mostly positive update to Global Offensive."[4]

Polygon's Charlie Theel called Counter-Strike 2 "a significant move forward for the franchise", praising the game's changes to weapon handling, visuals, sound design and art direction.[31] Ed Thorn, reviews editor for Rock Paper Shotgun, stated that Counter-Strike 2 "captures what makes Counter-Strike tick", though he noted that the game's foundation seemed "a little sparse and a touch shaky" upon its initial release but felt confident that Valve "have an FPS that'll supersede Global Offensive in time."[2]

Player reception

Initial responses from players were critical on the removal of Global Offensive from Steam, which resulted in the inability for players to access modes absent from Counter-Strike 2, such as Arms Race and Danger Zone. It also prevented macOS users from playing the game, despite Global Offensive supporting the platform.[23] Due to the removed content, the game received thousands of negative reviews on Steam, most of which were hidden by the 2 million reviews previously made for Global Offensive, the majority of which were positive.[32] Graham Smith of Rock Paper Shotgun commented that Counter-Strike 2 should not have been able to use reviews from Global Offensive to prop itself up as the two were different games, and that if user reviews only included those for Counter-Strike 2, the store page would show a mixed feedback from players equivalent to 59%.[33]

On October 11, 2023, PCGamesN reported that Counter-Strike 2 had become the lowest rated Valve release on Steam, with the game's performance and removed content being considered primary criticisms from players.[34]

Accolades

Counter-Strike 2 was nominated for the "Best Esports Game" award at The Game Awards 2023.[35]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tucker, Jake (October 2, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 review: clicking heads". TechRadar. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Thorn, Ed (October 4, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 review: a big change to an unparalleled FPS, but it could be something special". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Zollner, Amelia (October 9, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 Ranks Explained". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Shive, Chris (October 3, 2023). "Review: Counter-Strike 2". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  5. ↑ Leri, Michael (September 29, 2023). "CS2 Wingman: What is Wingman in Counter-Strike 2?". GameRevolution. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  6. ↑ Bonifacic, Igor (March 22, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 arrives this summer as a free upgrade for CS:GO". Engadget. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  7. ↑ Roth, Emma (March 5, 2023). "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is reportedly getting a major update soon". The Verge. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 Kaser, Rachel (March 22, 2023). "Valve announces Counter-Strike 2 as a free upgrade". VentureBeat. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  9. ↑ Jones, Ali (March 22, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 confirmed by Valve, and it's coming, for free, this summer". GamesRadar+. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  10. ↑ Stanton, Rich (September 28, 2023). "What I think of Counter-Strike 2 on day 1". PC Gamer. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  11. ↑ Chowdhury, Amaar (March 23, 2023). "Counter Strike 2 smoke changes explained". VideoGamer. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  12. ↑ Biazzi, Leonardo (September 18, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 map pool: All current and active duty maps in CS2". Dot Esports. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  13. 1 2 Green, Jake (October 2, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 maps list - every map available at launch". TechRadar. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  14. 1 2 Jones, Ali (March 22, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 confirmed by Valve, and it's coming, for free, this summer". GamesRadar+. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  15. ↑ Vaz, Christian (October 3, 2023). "CS2 skins explained". PCGamesN. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  16. ↑ Blake, Vikki (March 5, 2023). "A Counter-Strike 2 beta could be out as early as "this month"". GamesRadar+. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  17. 1 2 Stedman, Alex (March 22, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 Revealed Out of Nowhere, Release Window Confirmed". IGN. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
  18. ↑ Jones, Ali (March 22, 2023). "Here's how to access the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test". GamesRadar+. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  19. ↑ Serin, Kaan (March 28, 2023). "Bingeing CS:GO won't get you into Counter-Strike 2's test faster, Valve say". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  20. ↑ Smith, Ed (September 1, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 competitive play just got fully transformed by Valve". PCGamesN. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  21. ↑ Chowdhury, Amaar (September 28, 2023). "CS:GO fans now frantically dusting off their Xbox 360s as servers are still online". VideoGamer. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Yes, You Can Still Play CSGO after CS2: Here Is How". Common Sense Gamer. October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  23. 1 2 Makar, Connor (September 29, 2023). "Counter Strike 2 players mourn lost content, as CS:GO disappears from Steam libraries". VG247. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  24. ↑ Zollner, Amelia (September 29, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 Players Express Disappointment as Many of CS:GO's Key Features Disappear". IGN. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  25. ↑ Troughton, James (September 28, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 Players Angry At CS:GO Achievements Being Removed". TheGamer. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  26. 1 2 "Counter-Strike 2 - Metacritic". Metacritic. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  27. 1 2 "Counter-Strike 2 Reviews". OpenCritic. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Counter-Strike 2". Edge. No. 391. Future plc. November 2, 2023. p. 112.
  29. ↑ Vaz, Christian (November 25, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 review – one kill short of an ace". PCGamesN. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  30. ↑ Erskine, Donovan (December 19, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 review: The source of it all". Shacknews. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  31. ↑ Theel, Charlie (October 5, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 pulls off a monumental task". Polygon. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  32. ↑ Smith, Ed (October 2, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 is starting to damage CSGO's Steam reputation". PCGamesN. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  33. ↑ Smith, Graham (September 28, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 probably shouldn't be able to dine out on CS:GO's positive reviews". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  34. ↑ Smith, Ed (October 10, 2023). "Counter-Strike 2 is now the worst-rated Valve game ever". PCGamesN. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  35. ↑ Spangler, Todd (November 13, 2023). "The Game Awards 2023 Nominations: Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3 Lead the Pack With Eight Noms Each (Full List)". Variety. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
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