Valve
How to play the Counter-Strike 2 beta: date and how to access
The sequel to CS:GO is coming soon, but Valve is running a closed beta period before the official release. Here’s how to get in, start playing, and how long it’ll last.
The wait to get into Counter-Strike 2, the long awaited sequel to CS:GO, is almost over. With an official release window of “Summer 2023″, and said summer coming dangerously to a close, fans are eager and ready to start playing. But for now there’s a possibility of getting into the closed beta test.
On August 31, Valve announced that they would begin sending even more invites to the beta, meaning that a few lucky players will be able to start playing the game before its official launch. How can you qualify to get an invitation? What do you need to do? And how long will you be able to play for? Below you’ll find the answers.
How to gain access to the Counter-Stike 2 limited test beta
Getting into the beta for Counter-Strike 2 is actually a very unique experience. Instead of simply registering or getting a key to download it, if you want to get in you actually have to be an active CS:GO player. Invitees will get a notification on that game’s main menu letting them know that they can start playing CS2, with more and more players being added over time.
According to Valve themselves, if you want qualify for beta access you need to:
- Have CS:GO Prime Status
- Have an Active Competitive Skill Group
- Play the majority of your official matchmaking games in one of the regions where the Limited Test is available.
When can you play the CS2 beta, and how long will it last?
The Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test beta has been active for a while, which means that if you get invited you simply have to follow the instructions in CS:GO to download and play the beta. As for how long it will be available, it’s expected to last until the game launches in “Summer 2023″, so even if you don’t get into it, it’s possible that the full game is coming sooner than we expect.