Running on Source Engine 2, the same game engine used on other Valve games, including Dota 2 and Half-Life: Alyx, Counter-Strike 2 is not a separate sequel to the original game but rather a major free update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

CS2 broke away from the darker visuals of CS:GO and adopted a more vibrant and discernible environment. This change in the visual realm not only freshens the game's ambiance but introduces a new mood. Another noteworthy change was the removal of skyboxes, which served as invisible barriers when lobbing grenades.

Counter-Strike 2 features major technical improvements over Global Offensive, including a move from the Source game engine to Source 2, improved graphics, and a new "sub-tick" server architecture.

Counter-Strike 2 is a free upgrade to CS:GO. So build your loadout, hone your skills, and prepare yourself for what's next! Read on to learn more about some of the features of Counter-Strike 2.