How to play Counter-Strike 2: CS2 now available for everyone

Counter-Strike 2 has finally arrived, and is playable for everyone on PC, so here’s exactly how you can download and start playing the sequel to CS:GO.

Counter-Strike 2 is now available for veterans and newcomers alike to download and enjoy. With a number of improvements including better visuals, new maps, and a fresh ratings system, there’s a lot to enjoy in the new FPS.

If you’re eager to install the game on your platform of choice, whether that’s Windows or Linux, you may be wondering exactly how to do this, so we’ve got you covered right here.

Here’s everything you need to know about playing Counter-Strike 2, including how to install the game and if your CS:GO skins will carry over.

Valve Corporation

How to install Counter-Strike 2

For returning CS:GO players, Counter-Strike 2 will appear as an update to the game in your library. Simply install the update and CS2 will replace CS:GO.

On the other hand, if you were not a CS:GO player but are looking to get into Counter-Strike now, you can easily download the game from Steam. CS2 is free to download, so you just need to make sure you have enough free space.

Note that only players on Windows or Linux can play CS2. Unfortunately, it is not available for Mac, and never will be.

It is also recommended to get Prime status for Counter-Strike 2. If you already had Prime in CS:GO though, you don’t need to buy it again. Prime should reduce the likelihood of cheaters in your matches, and allows you to earn weekly drops and get ranks.

Do skins and items transfer from CS:GO to CS2?

Valve has confirmed that you will keep all of your existing skins and other items from CS:GO in CS2.

Although all skins, stickers, gloves and knives are the same, some of them have a slightly new appearance, especially when impacted by the new lighting.

You can also now open cases, do trade-up contracts, apply and remove stickers in CS2.

This means that CS:GO is no longer playable, as everyone is now moved over to Counter-Strike 2.

For more guides and information on Counter-Strike 2, be sure to check out our other guides:

Best CS2 settings | CS2 Commands you need to know | How to jump throw in CS2 | Can you play left hand in Counter-Strike 2? | All smoke changes in Counter-Strike 2 | Can you play Counter-Strike 2 on Linux or macOS? | Can banned CS:GO players play Counter-Strike 2? | What will happen to my CSGO skins? | Will Counter-Strike 2 come to Steam Deck?