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Counter Strike 2 is possibly one of the biggest gaming releases of this year, completely changing the face of this classic online shooter. The game has been announced for some time now, with multiple beta tests, where players could try the new version of Counter Strike for themselves.
And even though Counter Strike 2 is a complete upgrade from Counter Strike: Global Offensive, many gamers are still asking themselves the same thing: what will happen to CS:GO, now that Counter Strike 2 is out?
Will You Be Able To Play CS:GO After CS2’s Release?
If you still want to stick to CS:GO after CS2, then we’re sorry to inform you, that you won’t be able to play CS:GO after CS2’s release. As you might have already noticed if you downloaded the CS2 update, you might have noticed that Counter Strike 2 has replaced Counter Strike: Global Offensive in your Steam library. CS:GO is no longer available in the Steam store as well, replaced by CS2, also available for free.
Counter Strike 2 is intended as a free upgrade to CS:GO, meaning that it will include all of the original Counter Strike: Global Offensive features right from the start. Gamers will have access to all of the original CS:GO maps and game modes, only expanded with some additional features. Most importantly, CS2 will feature a complete graphics overhaul of Counter Strike: Global Offensive, porting the game to the new Valve Source 2 game engine. However, this also means that CS2 will feature higher system requirements than CS:GO, meaning that you will probably need a more powerful machine, even if only to play on minimum requirements. If your PC can’t handle CS 2, you will have to upgrade your setup. You can’t go back to playing CS:GO.
Is There An Older Version Of CS:GO Still Available?
Technically, you can still download an older version of CSGO after CS2 and use it to play on community servers, however, this isn’t an official feature and will most likely be removed in the future. You won’t be able to access matchmaking in this version and the game will lack some features, but you can still use it to play community maps with your friends, at least for he time being.
To access the previous game version on Steam:
- Open your Steam library
- Right-click on Counter Strike 2
- Open properties and go to the betas tab
- From the drop-down menu select ‘CS:GO demo viewer’
- Confirm your choice and wait for the download to finish
This will download an old beta version of CS:GO, where you’ll be able to play on community servers with your friends. Again, this game version isn’t officially supported, so if you’re reading this in the future, chances are it’s no longer accessible.
Can I Still Play Older Versions Of Counter Strike?
If you still enjoy the classic gameplay of CS 1.6 and CSS, you’ll be happy to learn that you can still play all of the previous Counter Strike games. CS2 is a free upgrade to Counter Strike: Global Offensive, essentially replacing CSGO with a completely new game. However, this upgrade doesn’t affect any of the older game versions in any way. If you liked to play any of these classic games, you’ll be happy to learn that they are still easily accessible and not going anywhere.
What Will Happen To My CS:GO Inventory In CS2?
As you might have already noticed, all of your CS:GO items have turned into CS2 weapon skins and CS:GO skins no longer appear in the Steam marketplace. That is because all of your CS:GO weapon skins have shifted to CS2. All your items are available in the new version of the game, some of them with improved looks as well. When you Launch CS 2, you can view your new and improved inventory, with all of the items that were inside. You can also buy, trade and sell CS2 (CS:GO) skins exactly the same way you would in the previous version of the game.
In Conclusion
Sadly, if you want to stick to Counter Strike: Global Offensive, that is no longer possible. You can try to play the demo version we mentioned in our guide, but keep in mind this feature will most likely be removed in the future as well.