Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is viewed as the next era of the Counter-Strike video game franchise, ensuring that the series’ long-lasting legacy continues to live on. With Valve deploying a host of visual and mechanical game-changing features, the question is: Can your rig handle it?
Indeed, many eager Counter-Strike enthusiasts have been scouring the internet in desperate search for an answer. If that’s you, don’t worry. Your search stops right here. Below, you will find the minimum and recommended PC specs for CS2, including a review of the game’s most notable changes.
What Changes Are Coming To Counter-Strike 2?
So, what’s changed? Loads! Counter-Strike 2 is unsurprisingly the most technologically advanced entry to Valve’s famed first-person shooter (FPS) series. Considering that players have been pleading with the developers for an update for so long, it’s safe to say that fans will receive more than they bargained for. These new changes will affect tactics of the game, meaning CS2 betting is also about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Based on the CS2: Limited Test, it’s clear that players can look forward to an entirely new experience. We’ve reviewed some of the most striking changes to Counter-Strike 2 below. However, plenty more changes are apparently still to come.
If you don’t believe us, take a look at the official promotional video from Valve.
Source 2
One major innovation is the introduction of Valve’s Source 2 engine, the successor to the Source engine that powered Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). This innovation promises that CS2 will receive a complete visual overhaul, including enhanced textures and lighting reflections.
But that’s not all. CS2 will also receive support for NVIDIA’s RTX and Reflex technologies. These improvements aim to increase visual fidelity and provide more accurate and immersive gameplay experiences, rendering complex scenes with minimal frame drops and lower latency.
Reworked Smoke Grenades
Smoke grenades are being significantly revamped to be volumetric objects that react to elements like lighting, gunfire, and explosions. What does that mean? Smoke isn’t mere static blobs. Instead, smoke will move around objects, get sucked out of a window, or travel up and down stairs.
This change aims to add a layer of tactical depth, because smoke will respond dynamically to the environment and react to bullets and explosives. The best part? Smoke grenades in Counter-Strike 2 could also influence sightlines or broaden areas of concealment, introducing a new dimension to firefights!
Sub-Tick System
CS2 also brings a new “sub-tick” system, replacing the old “tick-based” system. This technology promises precise registration of every shot, eliminating any possible discrepancies due to server tick rate. Valve believes this change will make the gameplay faster and more responsive.
Overhauled UI
The game will include a redesigned User Interface (UI) aimed at better information delivery during gameplay, and all stock weapons will receive high-resolution models for a better visual experience. In short, everything looks cleaner, brighter, and better.
Another major update is the portability of the entire CS:GO inventory to Counter-Strike 2, with the bonus of each item benefiting from the Source 2 treatment. That includes enhanced lighting and materials, breathing new life into legacy skins.
Upgraded Maps
Map-wise, Counter-Strike 2 is set to come with new versions of some CS:GO favorites, updated to take advantage of the new engine’s features. Some maps, like Overpass, will get a full overhaul, while others will receive minor and careful adjustments.
Reworked Audio
Finally, CS2 will feature rebalanced and reworked audio to accompany the augmented visuals of the physical environment. That means the audio will be more distinct and offer a more comfortable listening experience.
Counter-Strike 2 Minimum Specs (Speculative)
Unfortunately, the official minimum and recommended PC Counter-Strike 2 specs have yet to be published. However, if you consider that CS2 will leverage the power of Valve’s new Source 2 engine, we can make a few educated guesses.
Here are the minimum PC specs for CS2 based on other Source 2 products by Valve.
- Operating System: Windows 7/8/10
- Processor: Intel Core i5-7300HQ (2.5 GHz) or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (3.2GHz)
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1050; AMD Radeon RX 570
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 20GB free space
Note: We will update this page once Valve reveals the official PC requirements for CS2. These specs are based on the hardware configuration required to run Dota 2 and Half-Life: Alyx.
Counter-Strike 2 Recommended Specs (Speculative)
If you want the smoothest, best possible CS2 experience, then the minimum requirements won’t cut it. Instead, you’ll need to step up your game.
Here are the recommended PC Counter-Strike 2 specs based on other Source 2 products by Valve.
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K (3.6 GHz) or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (3.6 GHz)
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 (6 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (equivalent or better).
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 20GB free space
Again, these are rough estimates based on the requirements of other Source 2 games and the technical features described for CS2. The actual requirements may differ substantially when the game releases.
Conclusion
Valve will release Counter-Strike 2 as a free-to-play game (or free CS:GO upgrade) sometime in summer 2023. However, a limited beta version is currently available to select players based on their recent playtime on official Valve servers, trust factor, and the standing of their Steam account.
This beta version offers just one map, Mirage (de_mirage), with Deathmatch and Unranked Competitive matchmaking against both players and bots. Luckily, the company has hinted at future updates that will showcase more game modes, maps, and features, marking an exciting evolution for the FPS series. But why wait? In the meantime, pass the time by honing your skills and enjoying all the great things Thunderpick’s CS:GO live betting offers. Place your CS:GO bets now!