Counter-Strike 2 limited test: how to play, game modes, and more

Counter-Strike 2 limited test: how to play, game modes, and more | Digital Trends (2024)

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BySam HillMarch 27, 2023

After a few weeks of leaks and rumors, Valve has finally announced that Counter-Strike 2 will be launching this summeras a free update to CS:GO.

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How to play the Counter-Strike 2 limited test

Counter-Strike 2 limited test: how to play, game modes, and more | Digital Trends (1)

While both hardcore CS:GO players and newcomers to the series are itching to get involved with Valve’s Counter-Strike 2 limited test, getting into the program isn’t so easy. There’s no sign-up for the limited test — players are being selected by Valve. And it appears that veteran CS:GO soldiers and gamers who have played a lot recently will be prioritized in the limited test.

Players are selected for the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test based on a number of factors deemed important by the Counter-Strike 2 development team, including (but not limited to) recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.
— CS:GO (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023

According to Valve’s FAQ on the limited test, players are selected based on a number of factors including recent playtime on Valve’s official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.

If you are chosen to participate in the Counter-Strike 2 limited test you will receive a notification on the main menu of CS:GO. All you have to do is selectEnroll and download an update that will give you access to the limited test.

There is no other way to access the limited test, so you should not use any third-party apps or websites to try to gain access. Valve has already spotted numerous scam attempts surrounding the game’s announcement and tweeted a warning to players.

Beware of scams. The only way to check for Limited Test access is to launch CS:GO through Steam and check the Main Menu.
Do not log into third party sites claiming to check your Steam account for access or offering Limited Test access or keys; there are no Limited Test keys.
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023

There’s no word on how many players are being selected to play the limited test initially, but Valve has stated that more players will be added over time. If you don’t have access immediately, keep playing CS:GO and keep your fingers crossed that the option pops up! One thing is for certain though — the metrics Valve is using to choose players were gathered before the test began, meaning playtime since the announcement will not be taken into account when the player pool is expanded.

PSA: Idling on official matchmaking servers in CS:GO does not increase your chances of making into the CS2 Limited Test. The playtime that counts was your playtime prior to the start of the Limited Test.
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) March 27, 2023

The limited test is only available on Windows — sorry, Linux and macOS users.

What game modes are available in the limited test?

This first limited test will feature Deathmatch and Unranked Competitive matchmaking on the Dust II map.

How long will the Counter-Strike 2 limited test last?

There’s no set timeline published for the limited test, but Valve alludes to future tests in its FAQ section. It’s likely that there will be multiple test periods with new game modes and features until the update launches this summer.

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Counter-Strike 2 limited test: how to play, game modes, and more | Digital Trends (2024)

FAQs

How do you play the CS2 Limited test? ›

Once you enroll in the Counter-Strike 2 limited test, Steam will start downloading CS2 on your computer. Once installed, you will get the option to choose between CS:GO or CS2 when you click “Play” in Steam. Make sure you select Counter Strike 2 here, and then you will enter the game.

How to play Counter-Strike 2 with bots? ›

Launch the Game: Start Counter-Strike 2 from your Steam library. Practice with Bots: Navigate to the Play button on the game's home screen. Select the “Practice with Bots” option.

What region is the CS2 limited test available in? ›

However, with players in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa all able to play the Limited Test, just make sure you're not connecting from Antarctica and you should be alright.

Learn More Now ›

Why is Counter-Strike 2 so laggy? ›

A bad or unstable internet connection can cause a stutter in Counter-Strike 2. That's why using a direct connection Ethernet cable can amazingly improve your ping while eliminating lag from the game. For Ethernet, connect the internet router directly to the PC via a cable.

Why is my FPS so bad in CS2? ›

Why Does My FPS Drop in Major CS2. Several reasons might cause CS 2 FPS drop randomly, such as network instability, computer performance, and items in the game. For instance, when your character in the game walks to a place full of utilities like smoke, grenades, and Molotov, your FPS is very likely to drop.

Discover More ›

How to make bots better in CS2? ›

Customizing Bot Difficulty

To change the difficulty level of bots in a game, a player may typically use the following commands in the console: bot_difficulty [value] where [value] is replaced with a number to set the desired difficulty level.

How do you kick all bots in Counter-Strike? ›

First, type: mp_limitteams 1 this ensures once you kick out the bots, they don't re-join the game. Next, type: mp_autoteambalance 0 this will keep the bots from auto-balancing. Then, type: bot_kick in the command line then press enter. This will kick out the bots.

Find Out More ›

Does CS2 have practice with bots? ›

One of the most simple and beginner-friendly CS2 bot training techniques is playing a standard match against bots. To do this you will need to click the play button at the top of the home screen and then click the practice and competitive buttons just below, after this you are free to choose a map.

Find Out More ›

When can I play competitive CS2? ›

Gaining Access to Premier Competitive Mode

The process is simple – secure Prime Status and ascend to Level 10. This achievement helps you unlock Premier Mode, revealing a host of thrilling game modes, including the core competitive mode, and competitive challenges.

Keep Reading ›

How to get CS2 access? ›

To be eligible for a CS2 Limited Test invite players must have CS:GO Prime status, an active official competitive matchmaking Skill Group, and play majority of their official matchmaking games in one of the regions where the Limited Test is available."