Counter-Strike 2
Action
Free To Play
Multi-player
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Workshop
In-App Purchases
Adjustable Text Size
Camera Comfort
Color Alternatives
Custom Volume Controls
Playable without Timed Input
Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
Valve Anti-Cheat enabled
Stats
Remote Play on Phone
Remote Play on Tablet
Remote Play on TV
Steam Timeline

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.

Developers: Valve
Publishers: Valve
Release Date: Aug 21, 2012
Price (USD): Free
Current Players: 1.2M

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(87%)
competitive shooter
smooth gameplay
challenging and rewarding
graphics improvement
addictive
love-hate
addictive
optimization
nostalgic comparison
cheaters
anti-cheat system
performance issues
toxicity
The general sentiment about the game is a mixture of enthusiasm for its core mechanics as a competitive shooter and frustration with the cheating issue and perceived deterioration from previous versions like CS:GO. Players express enjoyment in the game’s competitive nature and graphics but are often caught between the thrill of gameplay and the exasperation caused by technical problems and community toxicity. There is significant criticism of the anti-cheat measures and a love-hate attitude towards the long-standing cultural elements of the series.

Positive Points

  • Many players praise the game as one of the best competitive shooters ever created, highlighting the smooth gameplay and gun mechanics.
  • The game's graphics and visual improvements have been noted as positive, especially in comparison to its predecessor, CS:GO.
  • Some players appreciate the fun and chaotic experiences when playing with friends, adding to its replay value.
  • The game is described as addictive and has levels of gunplay and skill that are challenging yet rewarding.
  • Negative Points

  • There is a significant and widespread complaint about the prevalence of cheaters. Many players find the anti-cheat system inadequate and ineffective, leading to a frustrating experience.
  • Performance issues have been reported, with players experiencing game crashes and poor optimization that disrupt gameplay.
  • The game is said to consume too much time and become less enjoyable due to toxic community interactions, such as being screamed at by teammates and encountering offensive behavior.
  • Mixed Points

  • The game is seen as both rewarding and punishing; it is loved for its challenging nature but is also frustrating due to the high skill ceiling and randomness at times.
  • Some players appreciate the new updates and features, while others believe they have made the game worse, particularly in comparison to CS:GO.
  • Common Themes

  • The cheating problem is consistently mentioned as a major issue across the reviews, with many users frustrated by the anti-cheat system's ineffectiveness.
  • The nostalgic comparison to CS:GO is common, with some players preferring the older version due to performance and playability reasons.
  • The community's toxic behavior is frequently noted, which negatively impacts the overall multiplayer experience.
  • Updated 9/7/2025, 12:01:18 AM UTC