Yes, CS:GO is still very playable in 2024, though the landscape has changed significantly since the release of Counter-Strike 2. I'll break down the current state of the game and what you need to know.

While Valve has officially discontinued CS:GO in favor of CS2, you can still download and play the original CS:GO through Steam. The game maintains a dedicated player base, though significantly smaller than its peak numbers.

The main factors affecting CS:GO's playability today are:

- Reduced player count compared to previous years
- Longer queue times for competitive matches
- Some community servers still running
- Basic functionality remains intact
- No more major updates or official support

One important consideration is that your CS:GO skins have been automatically transferred to CS2, but you can still use them in CS:GO if you continue playing the original game.

The matchmaking system still works, but you might experience longer wait times, especially at higher ranks or during off-peak hours. Community servers remain active, offering various game modes like surfing, KZ, and custom maps.

Performance-wise, CS:GO actually runs better than CS2 on older hardware, making it a viable option if you have a lower-end PC. The game's mechanics remain unchanged, providing the classic Counter-Strike experience many players prefer.

Should you still play CS:GO? Here are the key points to consider:

- If you enjoy the original game mechanics
- If your PC can't handle CS2 well
- If you prefer the old map versions
- If you're part of a community that still plays CS:GO

However, keep in mind that the game's future is limited. With no new updates or official support from Valve, CS:GO will gradually become more outdated. Security patches and bug fixes are no longer being implemented.

For new players, I recommend starting with CS2 instead, as it represents the future of the franchise and has the largest active player base. But if you're a CS:GO veteran or simply prefer the original game, it remains perfectly playable in its current state.

The bottom line is that while CS:GO isn't dead, it's in maintenance mode. You can still enjoy the game, but be prepared for a smaller community and no new content updates. The core gameplay experience that made CS:GO popular remains intact and functional for those who wish to continue playing.

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