Valve has surprised Counter-Strike players with the announcement of Counter-Strike 2, set to release in Summer 2023. But before the game's full release, Valve is giving selected players a chance to try out the limited testing version of the game.
Limited Testing Version Released on March 22, 2023
Valve released the limited testing version of Counter-Strike 2 on March 22, 2023. However, only select players chosen by the development team will have access to the early preview of the sequel.
Factors Influencing Selection for Limited Testing
To determine who will have access to the limited testing version of Counter-Strike 2, Valve is taking into consideration a variety of factors. Recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing will all play a crucial role in determining if you'll make the cut.
How to Access the Limited Testing Version
Players who have been selected to participate in the limited testing version of Counter-Strike 2 will receive a notification on the main menu of CS:GO. More players will be added to the limited test over time, so even if you don't qualify for the first round of invites, check back regularly on the CS:GO main menu to see if you have received an invitation.
New Features and Improvements
Valve promises that Counter-Strike 2 will offer the largest technical leap forward in the history of the game, with new features and updates for years to come. The game will run on the Source Engine 2 and will include upgraded and overhauled maps, game-changing smoke grenades, tick-rate-independent gameplay, and redesigned visual effects and audio.
Item Workshop for Community Map Makers
Valve has also made the Source 2 engine available to community map makers, with a Source 2 Item Workshop available to try out during the limited testing period. This will allow the community to create custom maps and items that can be used in the full version of Counter-Strike 2.
CS:GO Items Will Transfer to Counter-Strike 2
Finally, Valve has confirmed that Counter-Strike 2 will be a free upgrade to CS:GO, and all of players' CS:GO items will transfer over to the new iteration of the game. This means that players won't lose any of their progress or items when they switch to Counter-Strike 2.
Conclusion
With the limited testing version of Counter-Strike 2 now available to selected players, the community can begin to get a taste of the improvements and new features that Valve has in store for the game. And with a release date set for Summer 2023, Counter-Strike fans won't have to wait long to experience the full game for themselves.
