COUNTER-STRIKE SERIES: RELEASE DATES

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) officially launched on September 27, 2023, marking a new era for the beloved first-person shooter franchise. This release date came after months of anticipation and beta testing, with Valve teasing the launch just a week before its official release.

COUNTER-STRIKE SERIES: TIMELINE

To understand the significance of CS2's release, let's look at the timeline of the Counter-Strike series:

1. Half-Life: November 19, 1998
   Half-Life, the game that would eventually lead to Counter-Strike, was released by Valve Corporation.
2. Counter-Strike (Mod): June 19, 1999
   The original Counter-Strike was released as a mod for Half-Life, created by Minh Le and Jess Cliffe.
3. Counter-Strike 1.0: November 8, 2000
   Valve acquired the rights to Counter-Strike and released version 1.0 as a standalone game.
4. Counter-Strike 1.6: September 15, 2003
   The iconic Counter-Strike 1.6 version was released, which many consider the definitive classic Counter-Strike experience.
5. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): August 21, 2012
   CS:GO brought the series into the modern era with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.
6. Counter-Strike 2 (CS2): September 27, 2023
   The latest iteration of the franchise, CS2, was released as a free update to CS:GO.

CS2 represents the biggest technical leap in the series' history, running on the Source 2 engine. It brings significant improvements to graphics, smoke behavior, and introduces new features like the Premier competitive mode.

For players eager to jump into CS2, the game is available for free on Steam, replacing CS:GO. All existing CS:GO skins and items are compatible with CS2, ensuring a smooth transition for longtime players.

With its release, CS2 aims to continue the series' legacy as one of the most popular competitive FPS games. The first major tournament for CS2 is already scheduled for March 2024 in Copenhagen, with a prize pool of $1.25 million.

Whether you're a veteran Counter-Strike player or new to the series, CS2 offers an exciting new chapter in the world of competitive gaming. Download it now on Steam and experience the next evolution of Counter-Strike!