Exciting rumours are circulating that Valve may be preparing to launch the highly anticipated Counter-Strike 2 later this month. Fans have been speculating about a September 27th release date after Valve posted a cryptic message on social media site Twitter recently.
On September 20th, the official Counter-Strike account asked followers “What are you doing next Wednesday?”. This was accompanied by a screenshot of the post added as the account’s banner image. While Valve is known for being cheeky online, many believe this is a legitimate teaser for the Counter-Strike 2 launch this coming week.
Valve Posts Mysterious Message Hinting at CS2
As one of the most popular tactical first-person shooter franchises ever, Counter-Strike still enjoys a thriving community decades after the original game first released. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is the current iteration, having come out in 2012. CS2 will replace CS:GO entirely, built using Valve’s Source 2 engine.
Excited fans have been combing over every detail available about CS2 during the ongoing closed beta test period. While keeping the classic Counter-Strike gameplay intact, the latest installment will introduce several new features to modernise the experience.
Players can carry over their existing cosmetic skins and items from CS:GO. This is crucial, as weapon skins are a huge part of the culture for diehard Counter-Strike enthusiasts. The game will even add grenade skins for further customisation. As always, these cosmetics will provide key revenue for Valve through in-game transactions.
Some of the most notable gameplay changes include a new weapon loadout by removing the unpopular weapon buying wheel, implementing a proper buying menu, and allowing players to get refunds on weapons during a match. The buying wheel was originally added to accommodate console versions of CS:GO but was hated by PC players.
Server performance should also get a boost with the addition of sub-tick rate servers and overhauled smoke mechanics. The Inferno map which is hugely popular in the community is also getting a major overhaul.These improvements will lend more integrity to the FPS as an esport.
Potential Release Date Coincides With Major Tournament
Rumours point to a September 27th release date, which would coincide with the finale of the ESL Pro League. This major Counter-Strike tournament runs through October 1st. A surprise CS2 launch during the playoff stage would certainly shake up the competition. However, it’s unlikely that teams would switch versions so close to the grand finals.
While the timing lines up, Valve has dashed hopes before by delaying anticipated releases at the last minute. The company has stressed not wanting to rush the title out before it’s ready. Potential critical bugs being found in the next week could delay the purported September 27th date.
When it does arrive, the shooter will be free-to-play on PC via Steam. As previously mentioned it will fully replace it’s predecessor.
Earlier in 2023, Valve promised CS2 would release sometime during the summer window. A late September launch would only narrowly fulfill that commitment, but fulfill it nevertheless.
Diehard Counter-Strike fans wait anxiously for official word from Valve confirming the release timing rumours circulating online. For now, they continue scouring social media and the beta client for any clues potentially hinting at an impending launch. The 27th may come and go without CS2’s arrival, but the prospect remains exciting and incoming whichever way you look at it.
Counter Strike 2 is currently in development.
Source – Forbes
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