Following a previous leak, Counter-Strike 2 has now officially been revealed by Valve. The game will arrive as a free upgrade to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and is scheduled to launch sometime in summer 2023. However, select CS: GO players have already started receiving access to a Limited Test.
“All of the game’s new features will be revealed when it officially launches this summer, but the road to Counter-Strike 2 begins today as a Limited Test for select CS:GO players,” said Valve in a recent statement. “During this testing period, we’ll be evaluating a subset of features to shake out any issues before the worldwide release.”
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Valve promises that Counter-Strike 2 will contain brighter, better and larger maps that fully leverage Source 2 engine tools. “Maps in Counter-Strike 2 are receiving upgrades and overhauls which leverage all of the new Source 2 tools and rendering features,” said Valve.
Additionally, tick rate will no longer matter for players when it comes to moving, shooting and throwing. The developer explained:
“Sub-tick updates are the heart of Counter-Strike 2. Previously, the server only evaluated the world in discrete time intervals (called ticks). Thanks to Counter-Strike 2’s sub-tick update architecture, servers know the exact instant that motion starts, a shot is fired, or a ‘nade is thrown. As a result, regardless of tick rate, your moving and shooting will be equally responsive and your grenades will always land the same way.”
Valve promises an impressive overhaul of smoke grenade effects as well. Smoke grenades will now be dynamic volumetric objects that interact with the environment, reacting to gunfire, lighting and explosions. The sound design will also be tweaked for a more “comfortable listening experience”, better reflecting the physical environment with more distinct sounds.
Fans can look forward to more details about Counter-Strike 2 in the weeks to come before the game officially launches as a free CS: GO upgrade this summer. Check out the full gameplay demonstrations below.
Source: Valve
