Back when video games were simple and fun, we all played Counter Strike. Most of us have advanced to COD or ETF. But this is where it all started, way before Fortnite or Valorant.
Counter Strike brought a revolution. CS:GO refined it. Now we have CS2, which we apparently do not like but keep playing either way.
In case you’re yet to get on Counter Strike 2, here’s everything you need to know before the download.
Counter Strike 2 System Requirements
What made Counter Strike the go-to FPS back in the day was the delivered goods against the required computing performance.
You can crank up your oldest PC and maybe still get Counter Strike running on it without much effort.
With Counter Strike 2, the requirements are steeper in comparison but still the bare minimum.
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- CPU: i5 2500k/FX-6300
- RAM: 4 GB
- GPU: GTX 1060/RX 580
- Storage: 60 GB
Today, you can get this on almost any odd gamer’s PC. Good that Counter Strike 2 still keeps it simple.
Is Counter Strike 2 Free?
Yes it’s free to play. Counter Strike should always be free to play. CS2 is the next step forward from Valve with key changes to the game as well as multiple additions, majorly in graphics rendition. Despite the huge options for multiplayer FPS games around, Counter Strike continues to rake in the player count.
Is Counter Strike 2 on Xbox One?
Counter Strike 2 is not on Xbox One. Valve’s keeping CS 2 Steam and PC exclusive. For the game to find its way to Xbox, something like Game Pass, is a far stretch. It’s obvious that Valve’s quite happy with its niche and there’s not much to make the switch to Xbox, not even to the latest gen consoles.
Is Counter Strike 2 on PS4?
Counter Strike 2 is not on PS4. It is just as unlikely for CS2 to show up on PS4, or PS5, or any other console irrespective of the generation. Integrating the game for PlayStation is even more far-fetched compared to doing that for Xbox. PS is a whole different environment and for the devs to bring a game to PS from PC is a harder job than from Xbox that can provide somewhat of a native support.
Counter Strike 2 Player Count
We do have a player count close to the million mark and that’s despite the quietest game release I’ve seen. Well Valve did shut down CS:GO right after CS2 so that we’d all know sooner or later. But to still pull a million players on Steam is huge.
But where Valve and Counter Strike do deserve the plaudits is in consistently keeping players hooked by doing just that much.
Average player count has increased 10x over the last 10 years and that’s achieved by keeping the requirements and the gameplay simple. Everyone’s played CS2 on release at least once. I mean everyone.
Is Counter Strike 2 on Mac?
CS2 will not be on Mac. Valve has confirmed that they will pull off support for Mac starting with CS2 after years of continued availability on the Mac platform. Although there’s no official statement behind the pull, it might be due to a dwindling player count on Macs. Steam will continue to be available on Mac but CS2 will not be compatible with it.
Can You Play Counter Strike 2 on Steam Deck?
Counter Strike 2 is accessible on the Steam Deck but you will need separate accessories to ‘play’ the game. Valve is still working on making the game fully compatible with their Steam Deck’s D-pad and thumb sticks. Even though playing an FPS like CS2 on a handheld device does not guarantee the best gaming experience, a Steam Deck is the only way to play the game on the go. But that’s still a WIP with the Deck’s limited graphics and storage capabilities also playing a big role in undermining the game, other than the compatibility hiccups. Despite no official statement, insider sources suggest Valve is currently working on this and a lot more about CS2 to keep the cult fanbase happy.
Counter Strike 2 is a reboot for 2023 and if you have not played it yet, you’ll get a whole lot of nostalgia and the typical CS fun from it for sure. Here’s a review of the game, worth a good read. Or maybe you should just go back to Starfield or wait up for Avatar Frontiers of Pandora!