With the release of Counter-Strike 2, many players have transitioned to the new game, but some still have a nostalgic desire to play Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS). If you're one of those players, you might be wondering how to continue playing CSeven after the official release of CS2. This guide will walk you through the steps to access CS and explain what to expect.
Steps to Play CS:GO After CS2 Release
If you want to play CS after CS2 has taken over as the primary Counter-Strike title, here's what you need to do:
Open Your Steam Library: Launch Steam and go to your game library where all your installed games are listed.
Right-click on Counter-Strike 2: Since CS2 has replaced CS:GO in your library, right-click on "Counter-Strike 2."
Select Properties: From the dropdown menu, select "Properties."
Go to the 'Betas' Tab: On the left side of the Properties window, you'll see a tab labeled "Betas." Click on it.
Choose the Beta Version: In the Betas tab, you'll see a dropdown menu under "Beta Participation." Select "csgo_demo_viewer - 1.38.7.9" from the list.
Launch the Game: After closing the Properties window, launch the game. Even though it still says "Counter-Strike 2" in your Steam library, it will launch CS with the older game files.
By following these steps, you'll be able to access and play CS, but there are some limitations.
What You Can and Can't Do in CS
While it is possible to play CS after the release of CS2, there are significant restrictions to keep in mind:
No Official Servers or Matchmaking: One of the biggest downsides is the lack of official servers and matchmaking. This means you won't be able to play competitive matches or join public servers as you used to in CS. The community has largely moved on to CS2, so the multiplayer experience in CS is quite limited.
Bots and Private Matches: You can still create private matches against bots or with friends, which is a good way to explore old maps and relive the gameplay mechanics that made CS a beloved title.
Map Exploration: Without the pressure of competitive matches, you can freely explore maps in CS and compare them to their CS2 counterparts. This can be an interesting way to see how the game has evolved.
Conclusion
While the transition to Counter-Strike 2 marks the end of an era for CS, it doesn't mean you have to say goodbye entirely. By following the steps outlined above, you can still access and enjoy CS, albeit with some limitations. Whether you want to relive old memories, practice with bots, or simply appreciate the differences between CS and CS2, this method allows you to do so.
