Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

Valve · August 21, 2012 · FPS, Shooter, Multiplayer, Competitive, Action

Counter-Strike 2 is free to play — no purchase needed. We track it so you know if that ever changes.

PC
Very Positive86% · 9,896,230679,006playing now
This game is free to play. Get it on Steam →

Trailers & screenshots

Watch the Counter-Strike 2 trailer →

Counter-Strike 2 price

Counter-Strike 2 is free to play — there is no purchase price, on Steam or anywhere else we track. We keep watching it, so if it ever stops being free the price history on this page will show when that happened and what it changed to.

About Counter-Strike 2

✦ AI summary

Counter-Strike 2 is a free upgrade bringing the legendary tactical shooter into a new generation with cutting-edge Source 2 graphics, overhauled maps, and revolutionary dynamic smoke mechanics that change how you play. Built on over two decades of competitive excellence, it combines classic objective-based gameplay with modernized networking, new rating systems, and leaderboards to cement CS as the ultimate esports arena.

For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.

A free upgrade to CS:GO, Counter-Strike 2 marks the largest technical leap in Counter-Strike’s history. Built on the Source 2 engine, Counter-Strike 2 is modernized with realistic physically-based rendering, state of the art networking, and upgraded Community Workshop tools.

In addition to the classic objective-focused gameplay that Counter-Strike pioneered in 1999, Counter-Strike 2 features:
  • All-new CS Ratings with the updated Premier mode
  • Global and Regional leaderboards
  • Upgraded and overhauled maps
  • Game-changing dynamic smoke grenades
  • Tick-rate-independent gameplay
  • Redesigned visual effects and audio
  • All items from CS:GO moving forward to CS2

Counter-Strike 2 — game info

Platforms
Windows, Linux / SteamOS
Steam Deck
Playable
Player modes
Multiplayer, Cross-platform multiplayer
PC Game Pass
Not included
More games like this:Linux gamesCrossplay games

Counter-Strike 2 in the rankings

What Steam players say

Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.

✦ AI summary

Players are divided on this game. Some enjoy its competitive gameplay and find it fun overall, while others express frustration with issues like spinbotters in competitive modes, unfair matchmaking despite high trust factors, and feeling the monetization doesn't match the playtime investment. The core game appeals to fans of competitive shooters, but technical problems and cheating concerns significantly diminish the experience for a portion of the community.

Recommended Oct 2, 2026
It is a cool game unless you have my specs
Recommended Oct 2, 2026
If you close your eyes you wont even notice how bad you'd get raped by the cheaters
Recommended Oct 2, 2026
aight
Recommended Oct 2, 2026
very good game, but mcbean is evil
Not recommended Oct 2, 2026
I need better teammates or i will kill myself
Not recommended Oct 2, 2026
my laptop exploded

Patch notes & news

Latest updates from Steam.

Community Announcements · COMPLEX Jun 20, 2026

The IEM Cologne 2026 Grand Finals

https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/3381077/9f1d1c4b0485c1e7b3b667d4a7c748bd55c5bb46.png Following one of the most unforgettable days in Major playoff history, Saturday's Semifinals left two teams standing in pursuit of a Major Championship. After losing the opening map of their Playoffs, FUR...

Community Announcements · Vitaliy Jun 10, 2026

Counter-Strike 2 Update

Cologne 2026 Major Shop now shows 7-day price ranges for stickers, and multi-select functionality was added to Storage Units deposit/retrieve UI.

Community Announcements · brianlev May 29, 2026

Counter-Strike 2 Update

Sticker bookmarking added to Cologne 2026 Shop, spectator flashbang opacity controls implemented, and stability improvements made.

Community Announcements · brianlev May 22, 2026

IEM Cologne 2026

IEM Cologne 2026 Major tournament items featuring team and player autographs are now available for purchase.

Community reviews

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