When does Counter-Strike 2 release? CS2 release date leak

Counter-Strike 2, the much-anticipated sequel to 2012’s CS:GO, is official. As one of the most iconic FPS franchises of all time, there is plenty of excitement – but when is CS2 coming out? A release date has now potentially been leaked.

Despite being over ten years old, and Counter-Strike itself over two decades old, CS:GO is always growing in popularity. As of July 2023, it’s had almost 30 million active players and recently hit a new peak player count of 1.8 million.

But Valve knows the game is becoming outdated, and so has been working on the sequel, Counter-Strike 2, which uses the new Source 2 engine, and it’s finally ready for release.

The Counter-Strike 2 limited-test beta went live in March, but it was far more limited than anyone expected. Estimations put the figure at around 0.2% of CS:GO players currently with access to CS2, and many of these are professional players or community figures.

Is there a Counter-Strike 2 release date?

CS2 is expected to release on or before September 23, 2023. This was revealed in a leak which shows the first “season” of the competitive Premier Mode is scheduled to begin on September 23.

So far, Valve has only publicly stated that Counter-Strike 2 will release in Summer 2023. Technically, ‘summer’ runs up until September 30.

Although it is possible that the release date could be delayed, if Valve wants the new seasons to start on time, then CS2 will need to be out for everyone to play by September 23.

Currently, the game is still very limited in the beta, and not all the maps have been tested, with Inferno expected next.

What’s in CS2?

In the limited-test beta version of CS2, there are currently only one map available: Italy.

The beta started with Dust 2, which was then replaced by Mirage, and eventually Nuke. Office has also been tested out. Overpass was the first ‘Upgrade’ level map in the test, a good indication that a release date is moving closer.

There is only one active duty map that has not been tested in the beta yet – Inferno. Once this has been tested, we may be able to expect a release very soon after.

The test still only has limited modes and features (for example case openings are not possible), but Casual matches are now available, with Wingman temporarily added and now removed.

Of course, upon the full release, we can expect a much more complete slate of maps, modes, and features.

The full list of maps confirmed for Counter-Strike 2 can be seen here, and it includes classics like Nuke, Inferno, and more.

All skins and other items will also transfer over seamlessly to CS2. Although, in the test beta, many skin enthusiasts have noticed a number of errors or differences between their appearance in CS:GO and CS2.

Valve already issued some updates to visuals, and more might be on the way, but don’t be totally surprised if your AK-47 or knife skin looks a bit odd at first.

We can also expect pro players to make a quick transition over to CS2, and perhaps see some of the first official events held later in the year.

The next Counter-Strike Major will be played on CS2, to be held in Copenhagen in March 2023, hosted by PGL.

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