How to Download CS2 on Steam?
Quick answer
This page answers How to download CS2 on Steam? quickly.
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
To download CS2 on Steam, simply open the Steam client, navigate to the CS2 Store Page, click on Install/Download, and wait for the download to complete, after which you can play the game. The CS2 download size is around 27 GB, and it is available for Windows 10 and 11, as well as SteamOS and Linux.
Downloading and Installing CS2
Requirements and Availability
The process of downloading CS2 is straightforward, and the game is available for free on Steam. Here are some frequently asked questions that provide more information about CS2 and its download process:
- Is CS2 free on Steam?: Yes, CS2 is available for free download and play on Steam, and all your weapon skins from CS:GO will automatically transfer to CS2.
- How do I install CS2 on Steam?: To install CS2 on Steam, go to the Library inside the Steam app, find Counter-Strike 2, and click on it, then click on Play to start the game, which will install a few necessary components such as DirectX and Visual C++.
- Can I download CS2 without CS:GO?: Yes, you can easily download CS2 from Steam even if you were not a CS:GO player, as CS2 is free to download and does not require CS:GO to be installed.
- Is CS2 available on Steam?: Yes, CS2 is available on Steam, and it has replaced CS:GO on the platform, with all CS:GO players automatically receiving the free CS2 upgrade.
- What are the system requirements for CS2?: The system requirements for CS2 include Windows 10 or 11, SteamOS, or Linux, with a download size of around 27 GB.
- Do I need to purchase CS2?: No, you do not need to purchase CS2, as it is available for free on Steam, and if you had the original CS:GO, CS2 is a free upgrade.
- How do I get CS2 after release?: After the release of CS2, you can download and play the game on Valve’s gaming platform Steam right now, with the game being available for free.
- Is CS2 a separate game from CS:GO?: No, CS2 is not a separate game from CS:GO, but rather a major free update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, replacing CS:GO on Steam.
- Will CS:GO remain after CS2?: While CS2 has replaced CS:GO on Steam, official matches at major tournaments will probably remain on CS:GO for the time being, but a gradual transition to CS2 is expected once it becomes more stable and competition-ready.
- Is Counter-Strike 2 just an update?: Yes, Counter-Strike 2 is a major free update to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, running on the Source Engine 2 game engine, and not a separate sequel to the original game.
- What is the download size of CS2?: The download size of CS2 is around 27 GB, which is a manageable size for most users with average internet speed and storage space.
- Do I need Prime Status to play CS2?: No, you do not need Prime Status to play CS2, but Prime Status is required to participate in Premier Mode, and it provides benefits such as being matchmade with and against only other Prime Status users.
- How do I enable the CS2 console?: To enable and launch the CS2 console, go to the settings menu, click on the Game tab, and select the option to Enable Developer Console.
- Is CS2 out now?: Yes, CS2 is officially out now, with the Limited Test coming to an end, making the full game available to everyone on Steam for free.
- Will my CS:GO skins transfer to CS2?: Yes, all your weapon skins from CS:GO will automatically transfer to CS2, so you will not lose your hard-earned skins when switching to CS2.