Is CS:GO Still Worth Playing in 2024? Complete Player Guide
Yes, you can still play CS:GO in 2024, but there's an important catch - the game has evolved into Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). When you try to launch CS:GO now, it automatically redirects you to CS2, which is essentially the next generation of the game.
CS2 is free to play and available to everyone who previously owned CS:GO. If you're new to the game, you can download it directly from Steam at no cost. The transition from CS:GO to CS2 happened in September 2023, marking the end of CS:GO's standalone era.
Here's what you need to know about playing in 2024:
- You'll need a Steam account - A computer that meets CS2's minimum requirements - An internet connection - Prime Status if you want to play competitive matches (costs around $15)
The good news is that CS2 maintains the core gameplay elements that made CS:GO popular while introducing significant improvements:
- Better graphics with Source 2 engine - Enhanced smoke grenades and effects - Improved hit registration - Updated maps with better lighting - More responsive movement
While some players miss certain aspects of CS:GO, the community has largely moved to CS2. The player base remains strong, with over a million concurrent players regularly enjoying the game.
For those specifically wanting to play the original CS:GO version, there are a few unofficial community servers still running the old game. However, these aren't supported by Valve and may have limited features or security risks.
Bottom line: While you technically can't play the original CS:GO anymore through official channels, its successor CS2 offers an improved experience that maintains the essence of what made CS:GO great while adding modern improvements.