How to Play CS:GO After the Release of Counter-Strike 2: A Comprehensive Guide
So, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is here, and it’s the shiny new sheriff in town. But what if you’re feeling nostalgic for the good old days of CS:GO? Maybe you have a burning desire to relive a specific match, practice on maps that haven’t been revamped, or simply experience the game you know and love one last time. Fortunately, accessing CS:GO after the release of CS2 is possible, although it’s a legacy version with limited functionality.
Here’s the straightforward answer: You can access the legacy version of CS:GO through Steam, but keep in mind that official matchmaking servers are no longer available. This means you’ll be able to play offline against bots or on community servers, if any are still active. Here are the steps to get your CS:GO fix:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
- Navigate to your Library: Click on “Library” in the top menu to see your list of games.
- Find Counter-Strike 2: Scroll through your library and locate Counter-Strike 2.
- Right-Click and Select Properties: Right-click on Counter-Strike 2 in your library. From the context menu, select “Properties”.
- Go to the Betas Tab: In the Properties window, click on the “Betas” tab on the left side.
- Select the “csgolegacy” Beta: Open the dropdown menu under “Beta Participation”. Choose the option that says “csgolegacy – Legacy Version of CS:GO“.
- Close the Properties Window: Close the Properties window. Steam will automatically begin downloading the files for the legacy version of CS:GO. This may take some time depending on your internet connection.
- Launch Counter-Strike 2: Once the download is complete, launch Counter-Strike 2 from your Steam library. The game will launch the CS:GO legacy version. You’ll know you’re in the correct version because it will likely state that you’re running an older version of the game.
Now, let’s dive into some common questions that players have about accessing CS:GO post-CS2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I access my CS:GO inventory in the legacy version?
Your CS:GO inventory should still be accessible in the legacy version. All your skins, cases, and other items are tied to your Steam account, and the legacy version retains access to this data. If you encounter issues, ensure you are logged into the correct Steam account.
Can I still play with my friends on CS:GO after the CS2 release?
Officially, no. Valve has shut down official matchmaking servers for CS:GO. You won’t be able to queue for competitive matches, casual games, or wingman. However, if you and your friends can find a community server running CS:GO, you may be able to play together that way. It would require you to join the community server and coordinate with your friends.
Will my CS:GO rank transfer to CS2?
No, your CS:GO rank does not transfer to CS2. CS2 has a completely new ranking system and matchmaking. Everyone starts fresh in CS2, giving everyone a fair chance to climb the ranks.
Is CS:GO completely gone?
No, CS:GO isn’t completely gone. As detailed above, the CS:GO legacy version is accessible through Steam. However, it’s a limited version, primarily intended for accessing old demos and potentially playing on community servers. You cannot play normal matchmaking.
Can I transfer my CS:GO skins to CS2?
Yes, absolutely! One of the biggest announcements about CS2 was that all CS:GO skins and inventory items would transfer over. Your investment in CS:GO skins is preserved in CS2.
What happens to my CS:GO cases?
Your CS:GO cases also transfer to CS2. You can continue to open them in CS2 or trade them on the Steam Marketplace. The value of these cases may fluctuate based on the demand for skins within them in the new game.
Can I play older versions of CS:GO beyond the legacy version?
Valve provides access only to the CS:GO legacy version through the Steam beta option. To access even older versions, you’d have to resort to unofficial methods that may violate Steam’s terms of service and could potentially be risky. It’s strongly advised to stick to the official CS:GO legacy version.
How do I view my CS:GO demos after CS2 is released?
This is a key reason why the CS:GO legacy version exists. You need to download and launch the CS:GO legacy version (following the steps above) to view your old CS:GO demos. Demos recorded in CS:GO are not compatible with CS2.
Is CS2 a free upgrade to CS:GO?
Yes, Counter-Strike 2 is a free upgrade for all CS:GO players. If you owned CS:GO, CS2 simply replaced it in your Steam library.
Will community servers still exist for CS:GO after the CS2 release?
The availability of CS:GO community servers is dependent on community server operators. Some server owners might choose to keep their CS:GO servers running for nostalgic players. Keep an eye out for announcements within the community about available servers.
Why is my CS:GO not launching even after selecting the legacy beta?
Sometimes, the Steam client can be a bit finicky. Try restarting Steam entirely. Verify the integrity of the game files for Counter-Strike 2 (right-click on the game, Properties, Installed Files, Verify Integrity of game files). Then, try selecting the csgo_legacy beta again.
What are the minimum system requirements to run the CS:GO legacy version?
The system requirements for the CS:GO legacy version are likely the same as or similar to the original CS:GO. However, considering the age of CS:GO, most modern PCs should have no problem running it.
Is there any support or updates being released for CS:GO legacy?
No, Valve is not providing active support or updates for the CS:GO legacy version. It is provided as-is for demo viewing and potential community server play. Do not expect bug fixes, new features, or any other kind of official support.
How do I uninstall CS:GO legacy version?
To uninstall the CS:GO legacy version, you simply revert back to the regular CS2 installation. Go to the “Betas” tab in the Properties window of Counter-Strike 2 in your Steam Library and select “None” from the dropdown menu. This will uninstall the legacy files and revert the installation to the current version of CS2.
Can I use console commands in CS:GO legacy version?
Yes, you can still use console commands in the CS:GO legacy version. Enable the developer console in the game settings and then use the ~ key (tilde) to open it. Many of the familiar CS:GO console commands will still work.
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Enjoy your trip down memory lane in CS:GO!