Counter-Strike 2 is now officially available on Steam for anybody wishing to dive in. The game was announced earlier this year and promised a ton of upgraded visual effects like volumetric smoke. As well as upgraded texture packs, lighting and more.
Counter-Strike 2 is available as a free upgrade. So you can just immediately update to the new game and start playing. Or if you never played CS:GO you can start fresh with CS2. Another big change with Counter-Strike 2 is the new map upgrades.
Maps are being improved with new textures and better lighting for a completely updated look. Valve is also separating maps into three different categories. Touchstone maps are basically the same classic maps players know and love. All while having an updated look to make things newer with better graphics and better resolution. Lighting is the big component here but Valve says these maps have otherwise not changed at all. The “upgrade” maps use the new Source 2 lighting system. While showcasing various materials on surfaces as well as more realistic reflections. All thanks to a physically based rendering system.
As for the Overhauled maps, Valve took the oldest maps in the game and completely rebuilt them for a fresh take.
Smoke is one of the more exciting changes in Counter-Strike 2
The smoke changes are perhaps by far one of the more exciting updates. Smoke now reacts differently to not only the environment but player interaction. Smoke can “grow to fill spaces naturally” and it can be pushed around and manipulated by the player. For instance you can shoot through a cloud of smoke and bullets moving through it will push smoke aside. Giving you a potentially better view of enemies that may be hiding out behind that cloud.
While you can jump into Counter-Strike 2 for free right away, Valve does still offer the Prime Status upgrade for $14.99. Which adds the ability to be matched in all game modes with only other Prime Status owners. As well as exclusives like special item drops, weapon cases and more. Worth noting is that you can also play this game on the Steam Deck if you’re so inclined. Though it’s listed as “playable” only and doesn’t have the verified status.
2023-09-29 15:07:02