How To Play CS:GO After The Release Of Counter-Strike 2

Absolutely Yes! Even with the release of CS2, CS:GO will still be playable. The fact that Valve, the developer of both games, has confirmed that CS:GO servers will continue to run. Players can play a game just the way they always could. 

Here are a few reasons why CS:GO will remain playable:

1. Server Upkeep

Valve maintains the servers so that players can enjoy matchmaking and competitive gaming.

2. Community servers: 

As well as official servers, many community servers can offer different gameplay experiences, mods, and custom maps.

3. Ongoing Updates: 

While major updates may shift focus to CS2, CS:GO will still receive necessary patches and maintenance to keep the game running smoothly.

There are some exciting and evergreen reasons why counter-strike players still choose to stick with CS:GO. 

This next section will show you why. 

CS:GO and CS2 are both excellent versions of the Counter-Strike first-person shooter video game franchise. Still, neither one is structurally the same to play as the other because of a whole series of innovations in gameplay, the most dramatic of which is evident only in CS2. 

These innovations sometimes greatly enhance gameplay but other times make it unbearable.

In this section, however, we take a deeper look at the unique features that make CS:GO different from CS2 and help it stand out as one of the most popular games in the world. 

1. Established Gameplay Mechanics

So, one of the most powerful pillars of CS:GO compared with CS2 is that CS:GO has a very set gameplay. And by very set, I mean that people over the past years have become comfortable with the way CS:GO feels, the way that CS:GO plays, and some of those mechanisms are:

• Weapon Handling: CS:GO’s various weapon recoil patterns and handling characteristics are well-known among most players and have been heavily studied online. This leads to very precise and predictable gunplay, which is a central aspect to the game’s strategy.

• CS:GO Economy System: There’s a highly tuned ‘economy system’ for purchasing weapons and equipment that players have developed deep strategies around.

2. Strong Esports Presence

CS:GO has been firmly placed in the esports world, unlike CS2, which has only just begun to build its competitive foundation. Some of the reasons why CS:GO’s has a strong competition scene include:

• Long-running Tournaments: ESL One, DreamHack, and the Intel Extreme Masters have all hosted CS:GO for years and, as such, have long histories of competitive play.

• High-end Esports and professional Teams: The game has brought into play some of the world’s best esports teams and players, who garner huge audiences with the loyal esports community.

3. Map Design and Strategy

CS:GO’s maps are meticulously designed with strategic play in mind. Some key features include:

• Classic maps: The classic maps, such as Dust II, Mirage, and Inferno, were polished over time and provide a nicely balanced gameplay experience where teamwork and individual skill are rewarded equally.

• Choke Points and Bomb Sites: Their maps feature well-defined choke points and bomb sites, where the challenge is to plan and execute a strategy as a team in a predictable but not easy task.

• Structured Meta: The meta is established and relatively in a known state where winning matchups and roles are well understood, and players and teams play (or should play) towards those roles, creating a well-defined and structured competitive environment.

4. Community and Modding

The modding scene for CS:GO is huge and vibrant, with a strong community culture of modding and custom content creation. It is unlike anything else, in every way.

• Steam Workshop Content: CS:GO’s Steam Workshop is filled with custom maps, skins, and mods for the game, which keeps the experience from growing stale and allows people to customize the game to their satisfaction. 

• Community Servers: In addition to official servers, there are tens of thousands of community servers running all manner of game modes and custom rules for players to enjoy. 

• Robust, Engaged Player Base: A significant and active player base participates on the forums and social media outlets and creates content. Rich Content: A considerable amount of content is available to the players. 

5. Performance and Accessibility

CS:GO’s performance and accessibility are notable features that set it apart from CS2:

• Well-optimized for Lower-End Systems: CS:GO is well-optimized so it can run on a wide range of lower-spec computers.

• Lower System Requirements: CS:GO has lower system requirements as opposed to CS2, meaning that more people can play the game on lower-end hardware and don’t have to install a second graphic card. 

6. Tactical Depth and Skill Ceiling

CS:GO’s tactical depth and high skill ceiling are significant factors that attract competitive players:

• Precision and timing: the better your shooting, the quicker your reflexes and the timing of your moves, the better your shots will be, and the more you’ll be rewarded. You’re constantly forced to polish and refine.

• Team coordination: Good CS:GO gameplay requires effective team coordination and communication, which highlights the value of teamwork.

Now you know why CS:GO is a big hit for gamers. However if you’re unsure of what you can play CS:GO on, the next section does justice on that. 

CS:GO came out on many platforms so people could play on their favorite hardware.

Here are the major hardware you can play CS:GO on: 

1. PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)

It is the best place to play CS:GO as it provides the best performance and the largest player database. As for why playing CS:GO on PC is better than console, it has a few specific reasons:

• Performance: a PC has higher specs for graphics and processing. Therefore you will probably experience better framerates, smoother gameplay, and better graphics.

• Customization: PC players can tweak various settings and options (from graphical settings to keybinds to mods). 

• Community: Playing on PC has more CS:GO players, so you can find a game and chat with more people. 

2. Console: 

CS:GO is also available on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, and is just a teensy bit less popular than its PC sibling. So console gamers can choose.

Playing on a console has its own set of benefits:

• Accessibility: Consoles offer a simple and intuitive gaming experience that makes them easier for players who have not grown up with PC gaming. 

• Chill Play: If you want to relax with some casual gaming, playing CS:GO on your console can be a great choice. 

Alright, we are down to the main subject. The following steps will guide you on how to navigate your steam to access and play your CS:GO game. 

How to Play CS:GO After Counter-Strike 2’s Release

Luckily for players. Valve has made the legacy version of CS:GO readily available, so if you decide to return to CS:GO after CS2 launches – Here’s how to get there. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing CS:GO Legacy Version

Step 1: Open Your Steam Library

Step one is to load up your Steam client and head to your game library. There, you will find all of your Valve games (including CS:GO) waiting for you.

Step 2: Right-click on Counter-Strike 2 

Point your cursor at Counter-Strike 2 in your library. Your cursor will change into a hand. Right-click the game title to open a menu.

Step 3: Choose “Properties” from the Menu

You can then open the Properties window by right-clicking in the same way. A new window with several tabs will open, where you can make various settings and adjust preferences.

Step 4: Click on the “Beta” Tab

The properties window has several tabs. Click on the ‘Beta’ tab to enroll in special versions of the game, such as beta or legacy versions.

Step 5: Select “csgo_legacy” from the “Beta Participation” Menu

Click on the ‘Beta’ tab at the top, go to the dropdown menu called ‘Beta Participation’, and choose ‘csgo_legacy’. This is the legacy version of CS:GO and allows you to play the older version of CS:GO when CS2 is released.

Step 6: Allow Steam to Download the CS:GO Legacy Version

After you choose csgo_legacy, Steam will start downloading the legacy files for CS:GO. Depending on your connection, this may take a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Launch the Game

Bring up your downloads overview. Once the download is done, return to your Steam library screen. When you click ‘Play’ on Counter-Strike, Steam will give you the option to play CS2 or CS:GO. Select CS:GO to run the legacy game.

Having access to CS:GO, you can engage in multiplayer like before. Here’s how:

• Main Menu: Upon launching CS:GO, you’ll be taken to the main menu.

• Play CS:GO: Click on the “Play” button to open the matchmaking menu.

• Select Game Mode: You can choose your game mode from the given options. Game modes for CS:GO include Competitive, Casual, Deathmatch, and so on.

• Matchmaking: Select a game mode and click ‘Find Game’ to enter the matchmaking queue and begin searching for games based on your skill group and region.

• Join a Match: When a suitable match is found, you’ll join a multiplayer game automatically with other players.

Playing CS:GO can also come with some boring moments especially when you get tired of playing alone. If you’re looking for some competitive gameplay, then logging into a great server is what you need.

Check out some of them in the next section. 

The competitive matchmaking isn’t even the best part of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Its real-life mode consists of hundreds of thousands of community-run servers offering many gameplay experiences. 

From custom game modes to skill-based matches, CS:GO servers offer something for every player and every occasion. Whether you are looking for a fun game mode that departs from the standard ones or a skill-based server to play when feeling comfortable and confident. 

Here is a list of the best CS:GO servers to suit your taste.

1. GFLClan.com | Jailbreak 24/7

GFLClan’s Jailbreak server is one of the most popular servers in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). This server uses a community-built custom game mode called Jailbreak. 

In the Jailbreak game mode, one team plays as guards and the other as prisoners. Prisoners should either escape or engage in a rebellion, whereas the guards try to maintain order. The community of this server is very active, and many events are hosted there.

Location: USA

Game Mode: Jailbreak

2. GhostCap Gaming | Surf Beginner

The GhostCap Gaming Surf Beginner server is a good surfing server for the CS:GO player. Surfing is a CS:GO game mode where you glide over ramps and on the surface of walls, taking advantage of angles and physics to make yourself go faster. 

It’s a great game mode for players to practice their aim since it relies on precise movement. This server is for beginners who want to learn surfing on IG’s dm_canals map.

Location: USA

Game Mode: Surf

3. HeLLsGamers | Zombie Escape

Zombie Escape is the helluva fun game mode of HeLLsGamers. Players must work together to escape the zombie hordes on their custom-made maps. Zombie Escape is a game mode I would highly recommend.

Location: Europe

Game Mode: Zombie Escape

4. SuperiorServers.co | TTT

A popular game mode is called Trouble in Terrorist Town, where players are divided into traitors, innocents, and detectives. 

Traitors’ primary goal is to kill all the innocents without getting killed or being found out by the detectives, while innocents and detectives have to work together to find traitors. 

SuperiorServers.co is a moderated community where players can play this high-tension strategic game mode.

Location: USA

Game Mode: Trouble in Terrorist Town (TTT)

5. Arena 1v1 Servers

1v1 Arena servers are competitive servers where players can go up against each other in 1v1 duels. They are great for practicing and improving individual skills with certain weapons and for playing against people of a similar skill level. There are 1v1 Arena servers located all over the world to help you find the best ping in your region.

Location: Global

Game Mode: 1v1 Arena

6. Skial.com | 24/7 Dust2/Office/Inferno

If you’re into more classic competitive maps, Skial.com has a 24/7 rotation of Dust2, Office, and Inferno, meaning you can enjoy a more traditional CS:GO experience without the strict rules of ranked matchmaking.

Location: Europe

Game Mode: Classic Competitive

7. Frosty’s 24/7 AWP Only

The Frosty’s server are basically for AWP (Arctic  Warfare Police) sniping only. It’s a fast-paced and hardcore sniping server, so don’t expect anything less. 

If you are a newbie, you might have to wait until you get your skills ready to go before attempting to join this server. 

This is meant for you to practice your skill, not to go and kill everyone with your UMP. 

Location: USA

Game Mode: AWP Only

8. KZG | Minigames

The server KZG’s Minigames has a set of physics-based minigames, ranging from obstacle courses to racing. 

It is a great place to let off some steam, especially in a high-stress environment. This server is also amazing for making friends, as it has a nice community.

Location: Australia

Game Mode: Minigames

Here are some tips to help you play the legacy version of CS:GO as smoothly as possible: 

• Keep Your Drivers Up To Date: Your graphics and system drivers need to be up to date to ensure you get the best performance.

• Adjust Your Settings Check your in-game settings and make sure they match your current hardware.

• Interact with the Community: Join forums and social media groups to get notified about community-generated tournaments or developments.

Learning how to play CS:GO post-Counter-Strike 2 launch won’t just be possible: it’ll be fun. 

If you want to play your normal CS:GO games and not have to worry about the game shutting down on you, it’s essential that you stick to all of the steps and tips shown in this guide. Then, you too can continue playing CS:GO and everything it entails post-launch of CS2. 

 And, if you want to keep with CS:GO, move to CS2 or play both, those of us who love Counter-Strike will continue to have a lot of engaging and competitive fun. 

Happy Gaming!