How do I get access to the Counter-Strike 2 beta test?

Valve has officially unveiled Counter-Strike 2. The developers published several videos on their YouTube channel, in which they told about the most important changes in the game after the transition to the new Source 2 engine.

Here we have already announced what's waiting for the players in summer - the Counter-Strike 2 will be available for all CS:GO owners as a free update.

At the same time the developers announced the launch of the Counter-Strike 2 beta test. In particular, access to the new version of the game will have a select number of professional eSports players. However, Valve also left the opportunity for ordinary players, who can also take part in the historic event.

In this story we will talk about the criteria the developers chose for the selection of participants for Counter-Strike 2 beta test.

What are the criteria for the selection?

According to the developers, players are selected based on a number of factors they deem important, including recent experience playing on official Valve servers, trust factor and Steam account status.

If a user has been approved for the Counter-Strike 2 beta, they will receive a special notification on the CS:GO main menu. After that, you will have to download new files and select the game's dedicated client at the next launch.

How often will access to the beta test be granted?

It is noteworthy that Valve did not put a time limit for access to the Counter-Strike 2 beta. The developers have promised that over time they will add new players to the test branch.

Since the official release of Counter-Strike 2 will take place in the summer, several waves of beta access may open by then.

What is the Counter-Strike 2 beta test?

It is reported that the beta testing will include DM mode, as well as access to the updated Dust 2 map in unranked mode. However, over time, the developers intend to add even more modes, features and maps to test Counter-Strike 2.

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How to access the beta test?

• Open up the CS:GO client.
• Check to see if you are notified of an invitation to the Counter-Strike 2 closed beta.
• If so, click the ENROLL button.
• This will download the update with the Counter-Strike 2 files.
• You will then have a choice between running CS:GO and the Counter-Strike 2 beta when you launch CS:GO (the "Limited Test" option).
• If there is no notification in your client, you just have to wait for the next wave of invites and hope for the best.

Answers to the key questions from the developers

• Can I use my CS:GO inventory items in Counter-Strike 2? - Yes. All of your CS:GO weapon makeovers, stickers and other inventory items will be available for use in Counter-Strike 2. Please report any inventory item and weapon coloring errors you encounter using the previously mentioned error reporting process.
• Can I continue playing CS:GO while Counter-Strike 2 is in limited testing? - Yes. Please note that you will only be playing against other players playing the same version of Counter-Strike as you.
• Can I run or play workshop maps in the Counter-Strike 2 limited test? - Not initially. Stay tuned to the CS:GO blog for updates to workshop map availability.
• I got banned from CS:GO. Can I use the same Steam account to play Counter-Strike 2? - No. Accounts that have VAC or banned from playing CS:GO cannot play Counter-Strike 2 on VAC protected servers.
• Can I participate in the Counter-Strike 2 limited beta on Linux or macOS? - No. The Counter-Strike 2 beta is only available on Windows.