How to get Counter-Strike 2 — Release date, beta access

Mar 24, 2023

Reading time: 2 min

Counter-Strike 2 beta has begun, with select lucky players getting early access. But the rest of us won’t have to wait for long as Counter-Strike 2 release date draws closer.

Valve peeled the curtains of the hotly-anticipated Counter-Strike 2 on March 23, opening limited beta access soon after the announcement. Unfortunately, there’s no way to apply for access. Instead, Valve’s system would randomly pick active CSGO players. Those who didn’t get access are now eagerly awaiting the Counter-Strike 2 release date.

If you still haven’t received beta access, stay patient. The early access doesn’t shut down anytime soon, and players are still getting the orange pop-up to try Counter-Strike 2. If you check these boxes, you should eventually get limited beta access.

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When is Counter-Strike 2 release date?

Counter-Strike 2 will release in the summer of 2023, according to Valve.

The exact Counter-Strike 2 release date is unknown, but it should come out sometime in June. The Paris Major 2023 will be the last big tournament on the old CSGO build, and it’s unlikely Valve would release the Source 2 port mid-games. However, it’s possible that Counter-Strike 2 may get released during the Paris Major final on May 21.

Whatever the case, fans should keep an eye out for Counter-Strike 2 at the end of May and the start of June.

Is Counter-Strike 2 free to play?

Yes, Counter-Strike 2 is a free upgrade to CSGO. Whenever the game releases, players should expect an upgrade that would forever change CSGO to Counter-Strike 2.

Counter-Strike 2 is set to be free-to-play, but that doesn’t mean players won’t have reasons to spend money. Leaks suggest the addition of new knives, cases, and agent skins, giving players plenty of options to invest in. Early playtesters have reported that skins look even better in the new Source 2 engine, with improved textures, wear, and colors, and even knives that shine in the sunlight.