The highly anticipated Counter-Strike 2 is now fully available to the public.
As of today, September 27th, CS2 marks the most significant technical advancement in the iconic Counter-Strike series. It has surpassed its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), steering into a new era for the action-packed, competitive first-person shooter loved by millions around the globe.
It all began with a Limited Test available to a select group of CS:GO players. By late summer, more players were given access. The unveiling of all maps soon followed, leading up to today's global launch, accessible to gamers worldwide. Debuted 11 years ago, CS:GO consistently managed to dominate the Steam Charts, with over a million concurrent players regularly.
As one of the leading global esports organizations, we take pride in shaping CS:GO into our game and Astralis' signature esports title—making it the most prominent esports game in Denmark. With this esteemed legacy in mind, our ambition remains to mirror this success with the latest upgrade of the popular video game that has captivated players for over two decades. As we have strived for until this day, we always aim to share our passion with gamers, viewers, and fans across the globe.
Our Sports Director, Kasper Straube, shares his insights:
- With four Majors and numerous tournament victories, Astralis has practically claimed ownership of CS:GO, making it Denmark's game. While it's somewhat bittersweet to move on, our vision is clear: to leave an unforgettable mark on CS2. Today signifies the dawn of a new chapter for both the game and, in many ways, Astralis.
- Our main players are in Malta, engaging themselves in CS2, ensuring we hit the ground running when we compete in the first tournament starring CS2.
Let's reach for the stars, relive the exhilaration of grand finales, and clinch countless victories and, hopefully, prestigious trophies. In other words, we are ready to kick off a new Counter-Strike era!
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Last week, while filming for a new portrait of our legendary AWP'er, Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz, who stands as one of the most eminent players in the CS:GO era, he was interviewed about his drive to make a grand return to professional esports after taking time off due to a stressful period in his personal life.
The 28-year-old, four-time Major winner answered that his primary reason was to prove that the esports scene had yet to get the best of him. He wanted to demonstrate that he could still master the life of a professional gamer and compete at the highest levels in Counter-Strike.
- Fortunately, I still have a lot to offer in-game. I wouldn't have made a comeback if I didn't believe that myself. I'm just too competitive, dev1ce remarked.
- The main reason I'm still in this esports business is the release of CS2. It offers a chance to write a new successful chapter with a new Astralis roster, hopefully as victorious as the organization's journey with CS:GO. Adding another triumphant chapter to my legacy with CS2 would be my greatest aspiration in the upcoming years.
- My motivation to return was also fueled by my affection for the organization I've loved and been a part of for many years. Seeing the same office and familiar faces brings back memories. I have high hopes for the core team containing me, Christian "Buzz" Andersen and Benjamin "blameF" Bremer—who've been playing together for nearly a year. These guys have become like family, and I believe we can achieve remarkable things in the future, the proficient AWP'er states.
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Our lead broadcaster, Frederik "ministerN" Brandt, has spent most of his waking hours in recent weeks exploring the Limited Test of CS2. He has been streaming it live on Astralis Watch and engaging with fans through the Astralis Family Hub on FACEIT.
He has also shared his views on the new features in CS2:
- The game is a joy to play. I appreciate that Valve remains committed to a title I've enjoyed since my younger days. I'm a diehard fan. As I've mentioned, I'm genuinely thankful for the efforts ensuring we'll have this game around for another decade. So, kudos to Valve for their dedication. Of course, any new experience has its learning curve. Comparing a game refined over a decade to one I've only tried in a limited test isn't fair. CS2 holds immense potential, but if I had to pick it right now, CS:GO would still be my favorite, says ministerN.
- What's commendable is how they've built upon CS:GO's foundation, introducing tweaks to smokes, skyboxes, and spray patterns, ensuring players encounter a fresh meta. While there's room for improvement, given the new game engine, the challenges presented by this beta version will be easier to improve. That said, the movement and flow of gameplay require the most immediate attention, the lead broadcaster notes.
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