Valve introduced Counter-Strike 2 - it will be a free upgrade for CS: GO

On March 22, Valve officially announced Counter-Strike 2, an updated version of the popular online shooter. The release will take place in the summer of 2023.

Valve said that the game is developed on the Source 2 engine, and this is the "biggest technical leap in the history of the series." The developers have improved all the maps, and some have been redesigned from scratch - new lighting, high-quality textures and more modern effects have appeared.

Comparison of graphics on the map Overpass: CS: GO - on the left, Counter-Strike 2 - on the right.

Explosions, fire, flares and bullet slashes now look more realistic. In addition, new smoke effects have been implemented. Now bullets and grenades disperse it, opening up new opportunities for maneuvers.

Also, the game interface has been completely updated, the effects of hitting bullets and blood stains, and the responsiveness of shooting and player movements has been improved.

Counter-Strike 2 will be released as a free CS: GO upgrade. All items from the latter will remain available in the new game and will be improved by the Source 2 engine.

Testing of the game with a limited number of players has already started. Details are on the official site.