Counter-Strike 2 is set to launch in the summer of 2023 as a free upgrade to CS:GO.
It promises to be the biggest technical advancement in the game’s history.
A limited test for select players has begun to evaluate the game’s new features.
This includes smoke that interacts with other gameplay events, creating new opportunities.
Smoke can now expand to fill spaces naturally, seeping out of doorways/broken windows, and more.
In addition, smoke particles now work with a unified lighting system, resulting in more realistic light and color.
If you’re looking to play CS2 right now, read on to find out the requirements.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to play Counter-Strike 2 (CS 2 or CS:GO 2) limited beta test on Steam.
- How to play Counter-Strike 2
- How do I know if I’m invited to the Counter-Strike 2 limited test?
- When will Counter-Strike 2 be released?
How to play Counter-Strike 2

To play Counter-Strike 2, you need to be invited to the limited beta testing.
You can check if you’re invited by updating CS:GO and launching the game.
If you’re invited, you’ll get a notification in the main menu saying that you’ve been invited to join the limited test.
Here’s how to play CS2:
- Update CS:GO and launch the game on Steam.
- If you’re invited, you’ll get a notification in the main menu saying that you’re invited to the limited test.
- Click on the “Enroll” button to download and play Counter-Strike 2.
Source: Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test FAQ.
Players are selected by multiple factors that are important to the development team.
This includes recent playtime on the official Valve servers, Steam account standing, and trust.
If you’re not invited, you need to wait as more players will be added to the limited test over time.
Launch CS:GO every day and check if you’re invited to the limited test.
How do I know if I’m invited to the Counter-Strike 2 limited test?
You’ll know if you’re invited to the Counter-Strike 2 limited test if you receive a notification in the main menu of CS:GO.
The notification will say that you’ve been invited to the limited test to evaluate the game’s features.
If you’ve received the notification, select “Enroll” to start downloading the game.
When the download is complete, launch CS:GO and select “Limited Test”.
When will Counter-Strike 2 be released?
Counter-Strike 2 is set to be released in the Summer of 2023.
This means that the game will be released from June to September.
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