Counter-Strike 2
{{Short description|2023 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Use list-defined references|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Counter-Strike 2
| image = CS2 Cover Art.jpg
| caption = Cover art, depicting the game's main teams: {{nowrap|the Counter-Terrorists (left) and Terrorists (right)}}
| alt = Cover artwork depicting two partial silhouettes, meant to resemble the game's main teams: the Counter-Terrorists and the Terrorists. Text reads "Counter-Strike 2".
| developer = Valve
| publisher = Valve
| series = Counter-Strike
| engine = Source 2
| platforms = {{ubl|Windows|Linux}}
| released = September 27, 2023
| genre = Tactical first-person shooter
| modes = Multiplayer
}}
Counter-Strike 2 is a 2023 free-to-play tactical first-person shooter game developed and published by Valve. It is the fifth entry in the Counter-Strike series, developed as an updated version of the previous entry, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012). The game was announced on March 22, 2023, and was released on September 27, 2023, for Windows and Linux, replacing Global Offensive on Steam.
Like its predecessor, the game pits two teams, the Counter-Terrorists and the Terrorists, against each other in various objective-based game modes; additional game modes that stray away from this setup are also included. Counter-Strike 2 features major technical improvements over Global Offensive, including a move from the Source game engine to Source 2, improved graphics, and a new "sub-tick" server architecture. In addition, many maps from Global Offensive were updated to take advantage of the features of Source 2, with some maps receiving complete overhauls.
Upon release, Counter-Strike 2 received generally favorable reviews from critics, with praise for its gunplay and overhauled maps. In contrast, player reception was mixed, and the game received thousands of negative user reviews on Steam, becoming one of the lowest-rated Valve titles on the platform; criticism was directed at the game's performance, the removal of several features that had been present in Global Offensive, and the discontinuation of support for the macOS operating system, which was supported by Global Offensive.
Gameplay
File:CS2 Gameplay.png. Note the volumetric smoke cloud, a feature new to Counter-Strike 2.|alt=Screenshot from Counter-Strike 2, demonstrating gameplay from the Terrorist side on the multiplayer map Anubis. The player in the image, who is observing a volumetric smoke cloud, is holding an AK-47 assault rifle.]]
Counter-Strike 2 is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter, in which two teams, the Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, compete to complete various objectives. The game includes two round-based objective scenarios: bomb defusal and hostage rescue, with the bomb defusal scenario making up the primary gameplay experience. New gameplay features in Counter-Strike 2 include volumetric "smoke physics", a feature where the smoke generated by a smoke grenade grows to fill spaces, and can be altered in real time by gunshots or through the use of hand grenades. Additionally, the game features a revised weapon loadout system, which only allows players to bring five pistols, five "mid-tier" weapons (i.e submachine guns and shotguns), and five rifles with them into a match, for a total of fifteen weapons.
In standard bomb defusal matches, the Terrorist and Counter-Terrorist teams each have five players. In these game modes, eliminated players do not respawn until the next round. Within each round, the goal of the Terrorist team is to plant a bomb at one of two bombsites on the map and defend the bombsite until the bomb explodes. The Terrorist team can also win the round by eliminating the Counter-Terrorist team. The Counter-Terrorists attempt to stop them by running out the round clock, killing all Terrorists, or defusing the explosive. In a hostage rescue match, the Counter-Terrorist act as the attackers, attempting to rescue non-player character "hostages" that the Terrorist team are defending. At the start of each round, players are able to purchase different weapons and equipment. A standard match ends when a team wins thirteen rounds.
The game features two primary matchmaking modes: Competitive and Premier. Competitive is a continuation of Global Offensive{{'s}} matchmaking system; players can choose any map, and ranks are now determined on a per-map basis. Premier plays similarly to Competitive, but instead of allowing the players to queue into any individual map, Premier uses a seven-map pool with a voting and banning system. It also follows a revised ranking system, whereby—in lieu of Global Offensive{{'s}} ranking system, which grouped players into eighteen different skill ranks—players are given a numerical rating based on their performance.
Supplementing Counter-Strike 2{{'s}} primary game modes are four additional modes: Wingman, Casual, Deathmatch, and Arms Race. Wingman is a bomb defusal match, but with only two players per team, one bombsite, and matches ending after a team wins nine rounds. Casual is another bomb defusal mode, but with no ranking system and an increase in the number of players on each team. Deathmatch puts players into a match with no map objective, and players trying to achieve the most kills before the match ends. Arms Race plays very differently from other modes, featuring no money system or menu to buy weapons. Instead, players are given new weapons after successive kills, with the weapons progressively becoming less powerful and more difficult. The first player to get kills with all weapons, including a final kill with a knife, wins the game.
Development
File:Nuke Source 1 vs. Nuke Source 2.png (top, using Source) and the Counter-Strike 2 version (bottom, using Source 2), demonstrating the game's improvement to graphics|alt=Comparison between two versions of the Counter-Strike map "Nuke". The top image depicts the version of the map in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, while the bottom image depicts the version of the map in Counter-Strike 2.]]
Valve developed Counter-Strike 2 with the Source 2 game engine as an update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012). Various aspects of Global Offensive were updated during development to use the features of Source 2. It is the first entry in the Counter-Strike series in over ten years. In addition to the engine changes, the game was developed alongside new server architecture, allowing for "sub-tick" gameplay that more accurately synchronizes with player input. Valve Studio Orchestra also produced a new soundtrack for Counter-Strike 2, which was released to digital platforms by Ipecac Recordings on November 1, 2023.
Many maps from Global Offensive were given upgrades to take advantage of the features of Source 2, including new lighting and physically based materials. Valve created three different groups to place maps into when reconstructing them: "Touchstone" for maps that were unchanged in layout (ex. Dust II), "Upgrades" for maps given large-scale graphical upgrades with the features of Source 2 (ex. Nuke), and "Overhauls" for maps reconstructed from the ground up (ex. Inferno). Additionally, all cosmetic items from Global Offensive, including weapon skins, knives, and gloves, were transferred to Counter-Strike 2.
Release
Following rumors of a Source 2 update for Global Offensive earlier that month, Counter-Strike 2 was officially announced on March 22, 2023, and three videos demonstrating changes made from Global Offensive were released. Later that day, a beta version of Counter-Strike 2, known as the "Limited Test", was released to select Global Offensive players. Throughout the existence of the Limited Test, new aspects of the game were made available for testing via updates, including upgraded maps, the revised weapon loadout system, and new authoring tools that allow players to design custom maps, weapon skins, and stickers. On September 1, 2023, the Limited Test was released to all that purchased Global Offensive before it became free-to-play in 2018 and were active in competitive matchmaking.
Counter-Strike 2 released to the public on September 27, 2023, replacing Global Offensive on Steam. This took Global Offensive down, with the exception of community servers, which are accessible via a "legacy" branch of Global Offensive. Several features from Global Offensive were removed, including the "Arms Race" and "Danger Zone" game modes, various multiplayer maps, such as Train and Cache, and all 167 in-game achievements. In addition, support for the macOS operating system and older hardware configurations, including DirectX 9 and 32-bit operating systems, was discontinued, with future updates for Counter-Strike 2 being set to release only on 64-bit Windows and Linux systems.
= Monetization =
{{Further|Skin gambling#Counter-Strike}}
As with Global Offensive, Counter-Strike 2 employs a free-to-play model; players are able to access the majority of the game's contents without paying an up-front fee, with the exception of the Premier game mode, access to which requires the purchase of a "Prime" status upgrade. Players who choose to purchase the Prime upgrade also obtain access to a weekly "care package" drop, which they earn through gaining experience points and leveling up their profile within a Prime-exclusive leveling system. Upon earning a care package, players are presented with four rewards, which can include weapon skins, weapon cases (i.e loot boxes), and graffiti sprays, and must select two of these rewards. Additionally, players can acquire cosmetic items through the Steam Community Market or via "The Armory"—a battle pass-style progression system, which allows players to earn "Armory credits" and redeem them in the Armory for various items, including weapon cases, weapon skins, stickers, and weapon charms.
= Post-release updates =
In November 2023, Steam Workshop support was enabled for Counter-Strike 2, allowing players to submit custom maps to the Workshop and play them in offline matches and on community-hosted servers. In February 2024, the Arms Race game mode from Global Offensive was added to Counter-Strike 2 as part of the "Call to Arms" update; the update also includes revised versions of the Global Offensive maps "Baggage" and "Shoots", adjustments to the "Zeus" taser weapon, and the "Kilowatt Case", a weapon case containing 17 community-created weapon skins.
In April 2024, left-handed weapon "view model" settings were added to Counter-Strike 2, following their absence from the game's initial release, and Dust II was added to the map pool of the Premier game mode, replacing Overpass. In May 2024, a rental system for the Kilowatt Case was added, allowing players who have obtained a key for the case to rent all weapon skins within it for one week, along with adjustments to the duration and flame spread of the Counter-Terrorists' incendiary grenades. In June 2024, five community-made maps—"Thera", "Mills", "Memento", "Assembly", and "Pool Day"—were added to Counter-Strike 2. In November 2024, an overhauled version of Train was added to the game, alongside four community-created maps—"Basalt", "Edin", "Palais", and "Whistle", which replace Thera, Mills, Memento, and Assembly.
Reception
= Critical reception =
{{Video game reviews
}}
Counter-Strike 2 received "generally favorable reviews", according to the review aggregator website Metacritic, which calculated a weighted average rating of 82/100, based on 16 critic reviews. OpenCritic determined that 88% of critics recommended the game.
Jake Tucker of TechRadar gave Counter-Strike 2 a 4 out of 5 star rating; Tucker praised the game's "clean" gunplay and "silken" movement, but criticized its hostility to new players and lack of accessibility features. Eurogamer{{'}}s Will Judd also gave the game a 4 out of 5 star rating, commending its moment-to-moment gunplay and overhauled maps, but critiquing its stability and lack of alternative game modes that deviate from its focus on competitive play. Chris Shive of Hardcore Gamer stated that Counter-Strike 2 is a "mostly positive update to Global Offensive", and gave it a 4/5 rating.
Polygon{{'}}s Charlie Theel called Counter-Strike 2 "a significant move forward for the franchise", praising the game's changes to weapon handling, visuals, sound design and art direction. Ed Thorn, reviews editor for Rock Paper Shotgun, stated that Counter-Strike 2 "captures what makes Counter-Strike tick", though he noted that the game's foundation seemed "a little sparse and a touch shaky" upon its initial release but felt confident that Valve "have an FPS that'll supersede Global Offensive in time." PC Gamer{{'}}s Rich Stanton commented that his transition to Counter-Strike 2 from Global Offensive felt like playing a "director's cut" version of something he'd already played before, rather than a new experience.
= Player reception =
Initial responses from players were critical of the removal of several game modes that were present in Global Offensive, such as Arms Race and Danger Zone, the discontinuation of support for the macOS operating system, which was previously supported by Global Offensive, and the removal of all in-game achievements. Due to the removed content, the game received thousands of negative reviews on Steam, most of which were hidden by the 7.5 million reviews previously made for Global Offensive, the majority of which were positive. Graham Smith of Rock Paper Shotgun commented that Counter-Strike 2 should not have been able to use reviews from Global Offensive to prop itself up as the two were different games, and that if user reviews only included those for Counter-Strike 2, the store page would show a mixed feedback from players equivalent to 59%.
In October 2023, PCGamesN and Den of Geek reported that Counter-Strike 2 had become the lowest-rated Valve release on Steam, with the game's performance and removed content being considered primary criticisms from players.
= Revenue =
According to reports from Eurogamer and Dot Esports, Counter-Strike 2 generated an estimated US$1 billion in revenue through the sale of loot boxes by the end of 2023, with a total of over 400 million loot boxes being opened throughout the entirety of that year.
= Accolades =
class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ ! scope="col" | Date ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Nominee(s) ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}} |
rowspan="1" |November 10, 2023
| rowspan="1" |Golden Joystick Awards | Still Playing Award | rowspan="4" |Counter-Strike 2 | {{Nom}} |
rowspan="1" |December 7, 2023
| rowspan="1" |The Game Awards | Best Esports Game | {{Nom}} |
rowspan="1" |November 21, 2024
| rowspan="1" |Golden Joystick Awards | Still Playing Award – PC and Console | {{Nom}} |
rowspan="1" |December 12, 2024
| rowspan="1" |The Game Awards | Best Esports Game | {{Nom}} |
References
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{{Cite news |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=September 28, 2023 |title=It's messed-up and weird that CS:GO is just gone |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/its-messed-up-and-weird-that-csgo-is-just-gone/ |access-date=February 10, 2024 |work=PC Gamer |language=en |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928230623/https://www.pcgamer.com/its-messed-up-and-weird-that-csgo-is-just-gone/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=October 13, 2023 |title=You can still play CS:GO, at least if you consider bizarre custom servers where you fight Final Fantasy summons 'playing CS:GO' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=PC Gamer |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210105309/https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-still-play-csgo-at-least-if-you-consider-custom-servers-where-you-fight-final-fantasy-summons-playing-csgo/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Zollner |first=Amelia |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 Players Express Disappointment as Many of CS:GO's Key Features Disappear |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/counter-strike-2-players-express-disappointment-as-many-of-csgos-key-features-disappear |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012123757/https://www.ign.com/articles/counter-strike-2-players-express-disappointment-as-many-of-csgos-key-features-disappear |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=September 28, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 launches without many of Global Offensive's best features |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-launches-without-many-of-global-offensives-best-features |access-date=March 14, 2024 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929112714/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-launches-without-many-of-global-offensives-best-features |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Valve Drops Support for Counter-Strike 2 on Mac, Citing Low Number of Players |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/valve-drops-support-for-counter-strike-2-on-mac-citing-low-number-of-players |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011130500/https://www.ign.com/articles/valve-drops-support-for-counter-strike-2-on-mac-citing-low-number-of-players |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=September 27, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 is live and free-to-play on Steam right now |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-releases-out-of-limited-access |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927212039/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-releases-out-of-limited-access |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Zollner |first=Amelia |date=October 10, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 Premier Explained |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-premier-explained |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012203327/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-premier-explained |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Ganguly |first=Sharmila |date=September 27, 2023 |title=What's CS2 Prime and how much does it cost? |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/whats-cs2-prime-and-how-much-does-it-cost |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927214501/https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/whats-cs2-prime-and-how-much-does-it-cost |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Paul |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 weekly care package explained |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/weekly-care-package |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013203321/https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/weekly-care-package |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last= Stanton |first=Rich |date=October 3, 2024 |title=Counter-Strike 2 gives the people what they want: tiny sausages hanging from their guns |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/counter-strike-2-gives-the-people-what-they-want-tiny-sausages-hanging-from-their-guns/ |access-date=November 3, 2024 |work=PC Gamer |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003222929/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/counter-strike-2-gives-the-people-what-they-want-tiny-sausages-hanging-from-their-guns/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=November 3, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 Gets Custom Maps as Part of Workshop Update |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/counter-strike-2-gets-custom-maps-as-part-of-workshop-update |access-date=February 9, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103150209/https://www.ign.com/articles/counter-strike-2-gets-custom-maps-as-part-of-workshop-update |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Koch |first=Cameron |date=February 7, 2024 |title=Counter-Strike 2 Update Adds Gun Game, Finally Shows The Stun Gun Some Love |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-2-update-adds-gun-game-finally-shows-the-stun-gun-some-love/1100-6520885/ |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207180653/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/counter-strike-2-update-adds-gun-game-finally-shows-the-stun-gun-some-love/1100-6520885/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Victoria |date=February 7, 2024 |title=Counter-Strike 2 major update sees return of Arms Race |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/counter-strike-2-major-update-sees-return-of-arms-race |access-date=April 22, 2024 |work=Eurogamer |language=en |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207125053/https://www.eurogamer.net/counter-strike-2-major-update-sees-return-of-arms-race |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Thorn |first=Ed |date=April 26, 2024 |title=Counter-Strike 2 finally gets left-handed view models, seven months after launch |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-finally-gets-left-handed-view-models-seven-months-after-launch |access-date=April 26, 2024 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |language=en |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426152918/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-finally-gets-left-handed-view-models-seven-months-after-launch |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=April 26, 2024 |title=Counter-Strike gives the people what they want: 'Fine' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/counter-strike-gives-the-people-what-they-want-fine/ |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=PC Gamer |language=en |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426200540/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/counter-strike-gives-the-people-what-they-want-fine/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Scott |date=May 23, 2024 |title=CS2 patch notes today: May 23 update nerfs incendiary and T-side plant money, adds skin rentals |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/cs2-patch-notes-may-23-update |access-date=May 27, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526124013/https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/cs2-patch-notes-may-23-update |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Taifalos |first=Nicholas |date=June 26, 2024 |title=CS2 gets first community maps in bumper June update |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/cs2-gets-first-community-maps-in-bumper-june-update |access-date=June 26, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626100537/https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/cs2-gets-first-community-maps-in-bumper-june-update |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Hore |first=Jamie |date=November 14, 2024 |title=Counter-Strike 2 adds a new map out of nowhere, and it's a fan-favorite |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/update-train-added |access-date=November 15, 2024 |work=PCGamesN |language=en |archive-date=November 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241115184644/https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/update-train-added |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike 2 - Metacritic |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/counter-strike-2/ |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=Metacritic |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117122925/https://www.metacritic.com/game/counter-strike-2/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |title=Counter-Strike 2 Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/15609/counter-strike-2 |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=OpenCritic |language=en |archive-date=February 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205122819/https://opencritic.com/game/15609/counter-strike-2 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite magazine |date=November 2, 2023 |title=Play: Counter-Strike 2 |publisher=Future plc |magazine=Edge |issue=391 |page=112}}
{{Cite news |last=Judd |first=Will |date=February 19, 2024 |title=Counter-Strike 2 review - despite everything, it's still you |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/counter-strike-2-review-despite-everything-its-still-you |access-date=February 25, 2024 |work=Eurogamer |language=en |archive-date=February 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219105357/https://www.eurogamer.net/counter-strike-2-review-despite-everything-its-still-you |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Baumgartner |first=André |date=October 5, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 im Test: Der Shooter-König von Steam ist tot, was taugt der Thronerbe? |url=https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/counter-strike-2-test-steam-review,3401695.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005195808/https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/counter-strike-2-test-steam-review,3401695.html |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |access-date=February 5, 2024 |work=GameStar |language=de-DE}}
{{Cite web |last=Moheng |first=Charlan |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Counter Strike 2: plus de 20 ans après, le jeu de tir compétitif vise-t-il toujours aussi juste? |url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1804018/counter-strike-2-plus-de-20-ans-apres-le-jeu-de-tir-competitif-vise-t-il-toujours-aussi-juste.htm |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=Jeuxvideo.com |language=fr |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003085528/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/1804018/counter-strike-2-plus-de-20-ans-apres-le-jeu-de-tir-competitif-vise-t-il-toujours-aussi-juste.htm |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Vaz |first=Christian |date=November 25, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 review – one kill short of an ace |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/review |website=PCGamesN |access-date=November 29, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127220613/https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/review |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Theel |first=Charlie |date=October 5, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 pulls off a monumental task |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23903391/counter-strike-2-cs2-review-updates-patches |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=November 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105214952/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23903391/counter-strike-2-cs2-review-updates-patches |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Makar |first=Connor |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Counter Strike 2 players mourn lost content, as CS:GO disappears from Steam libraries |url=https://www.vg247.com/counter-strike-2-players-mourn-lost-content |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005131158/https://www.vg247.com/counter-strike-2-players-mourn-lost-content |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ed |date=October 2, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 is dragging down CSGO's reputation |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/steam-reviews |access-date=October 7, 2023 |website=PCGamesN |language=en-US |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014010703/https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/steam-reviews |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Graham |date=September 28, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 probably shouldn't be able to dine out on CS:GO's positive reviews |language=en |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-probably-shouldnt-be-able-to-dine-out-on-csgos-positive-reviews |access-date=October 7, 2023 |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006224329/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/counter-strike-2-probably-shouldnt-be-able-to-dine-out-on-csgos-positive-reviews |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Ed |date=October 10, 2023 |title=Counter-Strike 2 is now the worst-rated Valve game ever |language=en |work=PCGamesN |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/steam-rating |access-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022190641/https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-2/steam-rating |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Greenbaum |first=Aaron |date=October 11, 2023 |title=How Counter-Strike 2 Became Valve's Lowest-Rated Steam Game |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/why-counter-strike-2-is-valves-lowest-rated-steam-game/ |access-date=March 12, 2024 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011211520/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/why-counter-strike-2-is-valves-lowest-rated-steam-game/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=January 24, 2024 |title=Valve likely earned over $1bn in Counter-Strike 2 loot boxes last year |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/valve-likely-earned-over-1bn-in-counter-strike-2-loot-boxes-last-year |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=Eurogamer |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124121557/https://www.eurogamer.net/valve-likely-earned-over-1bn-in-counter-strike-2-loot-boxes-last-year |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Barovic |first=Andrej |date=January 21, 2024 |title=Valve reportedly raked in nearly a billion dollars from CS2 case openings in 2023 |url=https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/valve-reportedly-raked-in-nearly-a-billion-dollars-from-cs2-case-openings-in-2023 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121221710/https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/news/valve-reportedly-raked-in-nearly-a-billion-dollars-from-cs2-case-openings-in-2023 |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date=November 10, 2023 |title=Here are all the Golden Joystick Awards 2023 winners |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2023-winners/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110183004/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2023-winners/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite news |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=November 13, 2023 |title=The Game Awards 2023 Nominations: Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3 Lead the Pack With Eight Noms Each (Full List) |url=https://variety.com/2023/gaming/news/game-awards-2023-nominations-alan-wake-baldurs-gate-full-list-1235787390/ |website=Variety |access-date=December 8, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113173426/https://variety.com/2023/gaming/news/game-awards-2023-nominations-alan-wake-baldurs-gate-full-list-1235787390/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=West |first=Josh |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth lead the shortlist for the Golden Joystick Awards 2024, nudging out Helldivers 2 and Balatro for the most nominations |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/golden-joystick-awards-2024-shortlist-categories-revealed-vote-now/ |access-date=November 4, 2024 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004133640/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/golden-joystick-awards-2024-shortlist-categories-revealed-vote-now/ |url-status=live}}
{{Cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=November 18, 2024 |title=Game Awards Nominations 2024: 'Astro Bot,' 'Final Fantasy VII Rebirth' Lead With 7 Nods Each |url=https://variety.com/2024/gaming/news/game-awards-nominations-list-2024-1236213137/ |access-date=November 18, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=November 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118175852/https://variety.com/2024/gaming/news/game-awards-nominations-list-2024-1236213137/ |url-status=live}}
}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.counter-strike.net/cs2}}
{{Counter-Strike series}}
{{Professional Counter-Strike competition}}
{{Valve}}
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