After 11 years of being the premier first-person shooter multiplayer game on Steam, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) was replaced by Counter-Strike 2 (CS 2) in 2023. Following years of rumors and hype, Valve launched the upgrade, using the long-awaited Source 2 engine for hugely improved complex rendering.
Players that had CS: GO installed in their library immediately received an update that carried over the game into CS 2. New players can download the game through the Steam client. Read on so you know what to expect when you launch the game.
What Changed in Counter-Strike 2?
Unlike its predecessor, Counter-Strike 2 has used a free-to-play model since launch. Players who pay for Prime Account status receive cosmetics, exclusive bundles, and item drops. This choice has proven fruitful for the player base, with 849,361 average concurrent players on Steam in 2024.
It's not just the name that's changed in Counter-Strike 2. Thanks to Source 2, every map has been overhauled with better graphical fidelity. The most significant changes are better audio, upgraded textures, and enhanced visual effects, making every action look and feel more realistic. Blood spray, smoke grenades, and player physics have also been improved to be more reactive and directional.
Regarding direct gameplay, the new sub-tick system has also changed how you move and shoot. The ranking system has also shifted, so there should be better skill-matching between players when joining lobbies.
Naturally, these big changes also impact the tournament scene. A Counter-Strike 2 betting guide notes how esports has immediately adjusted to the change along with its biggest players. The ESL Pro League, BLAST Premier, Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), and PGL will already feature Counter-Strike 2 for the following seasons, with PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 leading the charge for Valve's Champions Stage.
Ukrainian esports team NaVi took the championship 2:1, winning $500,000 and pioneering the esports victory lap for Counter-Strike 2. As the next Majors come, brushing up your skills in the new shooter is essential.
Beginner Tips for Counter-Strike 2
If you're a CS 2 newbie, here are some tips that should be easy to follow:
Master the recoil of different guns.
Every single weapon in the game has its own spray pattern. This means the classic "spray and pray" tactic won't work most of the time.
Stand in one place, pick out a gun you want to use, and start shooting at a wall. Click fast for a few bursts, then try a long press on your mouse to watch the spray for lengthy shots. Then, try shooting while moving. This will give you a good measure of how recoil works for every gun.
Learn quick peeks and sneaks.
Although you shouldn't feel intimidated, CS 2 is full of long-time players who are well-versed in the game. A study featured in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that young adults who play games regularly have significantly better reaction time and decision-making than casual players.
So, you'll want to focus on learning the art of the quick peek. Practice peeking out from corners to shoot and immediately returning to cover. Do this for both wide peeks that completely reveal your body and quick pre-fire angles. It would be best if you also got used to sneaking, so crouch when needed and walk when approaching hot spots on the map.
Crosshair placement is the key.
Your crosshair is the key to getting those crispy shots. Make sure your crosshair is always centered and player-height. This way, it's easier to land a shot and visualize where enemies may move. You're doing it wrong if you find your crosshair pointing toward the floor.
Keep the crosshair up and balanced, then be ready to shift direction as needed. It can also help to keep your crosshair style static so you don't get distracted while firing.
Train your aim.
Reaction time and smooth movement will help you aim at moving targets with ease. It also helps to know your recoil so you can adjust your mouse accordingly. A good starting point is Aimlabs, a free aim trainer used by beginners and esports players alike.
Tinker with your settings.
Your frames per second are crucial for victory. What good is playing on Ultra if you're suffering from latency? Go into your in-game settings and follow these instructions to give your performance a boost:
- Set shader and particle details to Low
- Set your High Dynamic Range to Performance
- Keep your model and texture details to Medium
- Set your Global Shadow Quality to High
- Turn off Multisampling
Follow through with these moves, and you should be able to kickstart your Counter-Strike 2 journey and increase your chances of winning.
