How to play Counter-Strike 2: CS2 now available for everyone
ValveCounter-Strike 2 is live now for all players. Here’s everything you need to know about downloading and playing CS2.
It’s finally here. The long-awaited sequel to CS:GO, appropriately named Counter-Strike 2, is now available for all players to download and play – with a few limitations.
If you are on the Windows or Linux platform, you can download Counter-Strike 2 from the Steam store, or simply update CS:GO in your library to the latest version.
Valve CorporationHow to install Counter-Strike 2
For returning CS:GO players, Counter-Strike 2 will appear as an update to the game in your library. Simply install the update and CS2 will replace CS:GO.
On the other hand, if you were not a CS:GO player but are looking to get into Counter-Strike now, you can easily download the game from the Steam store. The game is free to download, though you might need to make sure there’s enough space.
It is also recommended to get Prime status for Counter-Strike 2. If you already had Prime in CS:GO though, you don’t need to buy it again.
Do I lose all my skins from CS:GO in CS2?
Valve has confirmed that you will keep all of your existing skins and other items from CS:GO in CS2.
Although all skins, stickers, gloves and knives are the same, some of them have a slightly new appearance, especially when impacted by the new lighting.
You can also now open cases, do trade-up contracts, apply and remove stickers in CS2.
This means that CS:GO is no longer playable, as everyone is now moved over to Counter-Strike 2.
For more guides and information on Counter-Strike 2, be sure to check out our other guides:
What will happen to skins in Counter-Strike 2? | Will Counter-Strike 2 be on Steam Deck? | Everything we know about Counter-Strike 2 | Pros react to Counter-Strike 2 | What is Follow Recoil in Counter-Strike 2? | Every game mode in Counter-Strike 2 | Counter-Strike 2: Every confirmed map from CSGO in Source 2 update | CS2 commands: Best console commands for Counter-Strike 2