When did Counter-Strike 2 release?
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) released on 27 September 2023. Valve replaced Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) in place on the same Steam app ID — every CS:GO player automatically received the CS2 upgrade for free, and the Steam Workshop, inventory and Faceit/ESEA matchmaking systems migrated alongside.
How long was CS2 in beta?
CS2 entered limited beta testing on 22 March 2023, with invitations rolled out gradually across Steam accounts based on hours played, Trust Factor and region. The beta lasted just over six months. During that period Valve iterated on the new sub-tick networking model, the redesigned volumetric smokes and the Source 2 engine port of all map textures and lighting.
What changed at the CS2 launch?
The CS2 launch shipped Source 2 rendering, sub-tick movement and shooting, redesigned dynamic smoke grenades that interact with bullets and HE damage, the move from MR15 to the MR12 economy (12 rounds per half / 24 max), and the first wave of remastered maps (Mirage, Inferno, Nuke, Overpass, Anubis, Vertigo, Ancient, Dust 2). Older maps from CS:GO were temporarily removed and re-introduced over subsequent patches.
CS2 release timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 22 March 2023 | CS2 limited beta opens (invite-only on Steam) |
| 8 May 2023 | Valve enables custom maps + Workshop in beta |
| 14 July 2023 | Beta expands; Premier matchmaking previews |
| 27 Sept 2023 | CS2 officially launches as CS:GO replacement |
| 4 Oct 2023 | First post-launch patch — visual polish, ranking adjustments |
| 7 Dec 2023 | "Inferno" rework patch — visibility + lighting fixes |
| 21 Mar 2024 | Major operations + Source 2 engine optimisations |
| 6 Feb 2025 | Anti-cheat (VAC Live) shipped to public matchmaking |
Did CS:GO get shut down?
Not deleted, but functionally retired. Valve added a -csgo legacy launch flag for a transition window, then removed CS:GO from the active install entirely in early 2024. Inventories, ranks, achievements and Steam friend lists carry across; only the legacy executable was retired.
Is CS2 still being updated?
Yes — CS2 receives semi-regular patches via the Steam stable branch. Major content drops typically arrive every 6-12 weeks, with smaller balance patches in between. Live patch coverage is tracked on /cs2-patch-notes/.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did CS2 release?
CS2 released on 27 September 2023.
Is CS2 free?
Yes. CS2 is free-to-play on Steam, just like CS:GO was at the end of its life cycle. Prime status (paid Premier matchmaking) is a separate optional purchase.
Did my CS:GO inventory transfer to CS2?
Yes. All CS:GO weapon skins, stickers, agents, music kits and graffiti carried over to CS2 1:1. Some skins received Source 2 visual upgrades.
What was the CS2 beta?
CS2 entered invite-only limited beta on 22 March 2023. Valve gradually expanded access over six months until the full release.
When was the last CS2 update?
CS2 receives regular patches. See /cs2-patch-notes/ for the latest updates and balance changes.
