23 March 2023 , 11:30
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The CSGO sequel is officially launching in just a few months but you can get in on the action early with the Counter Strike 2 limited test, which is available to play right now.
After Valve dropped a not-so-subtle Counter Strike 2 tease earlier this week, whipping the community up into a frenzy, it finally went ahead and dropped the Counter Strike 2 release date and gameplay reveal yesterday. Along with videos detailing all of the changes and improvements coming to the game – which will replace CSGO when it releases this summer – was the news of a Counter Strike 2 limited test which is live now.
Players can hop into it now, although there are a few caveats, which we'll get into below. So it's not a free-for-all, unfortunately. On the plus side, the FAQ suggests there'll be a number of limited tests between now and the Counter Strike 2 release, so if you don't get in this time, you may have more luck in the next run. Or Valve may drop an open beta ahead of launch.
The Counter Strike 2 limited test is only available on Windows so Linux or macOS users are out of luck. You can, however, steam and make videos of your gameplay so feel free to toss those of us who didn't get in a few crumbs so we can live vicariously through you.
Here's everything you need to know about the Counter Strike 2 limited test.
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Counter Strike 2 limited test: how to gain access and download
In order to play the Counter Strike 2 limited test, you don't have to actively do anything. Valve is selecting participants based on a number of factors devised by the dev team that include the following (among others):
- recent playtime on Valve official servers
- trust factor
- Steam account standing
- no VAC ban in CSGO
It's worth noting that more players will be added to the Counter Strike 2 limited test as it progresses, although Valve has been a little vague. Ideally, social media updates would be helpful if it's happening in rounds, but for now, the advice is to just keep checking the CSGO menu for an invite.
If you meet the criteria to be one of the chosen, Valve will send a notification to eligible players that should be visible in the CSGO main menu. Just hit 'enroll' and the Counter Strike 2 limited test download will start. When it's done, launch CSGO and select the 'limited test' option and you can start playing.
Counter Strike 2 limited test: features
At the outset, the Counter Strike 2 limited test lets you dive into Deathmatch and Unranked Competitive matchmaking on Dust2. Valve has said that we can expect additional game modes, maps, and features in future limited tests.
You'll also be able to use your CSGO inventory items including weapon finishes, and stickers, but you can't modify inventory items in the Counter Strike 2 limited test. That means no applying stickers, scraping stickers, or using Trade Up Contracts. In terms of workshop maps, they won't be available initially, but Valve says to 'stay tuned' so that may change as the Counter Strike 2 limited test progresses.
Counter Strike 2 limited test: can you still play CSGO
You can still play CSGO during the Counter Strike 2 limited test, but Valve notes that you can only play with and against players using the same version as you. It stipulates that Counter Strike 2 players will play with and against each other, and CSGO players will play with and against other CSGO players.
During the Counter Strike 2 limited test you can earn XP that will carry over to CSGO so your shenanigans will be rewarded at least.