How to Download CS2 on PC | Explained
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the successor to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), was launched on September 27th, 2023. Like its predecessor, CS2 can be downloaded for free on Steam. Here’s how:
How to Download CS2 on PC
- Open Steam or install Steam if you don’t already have it on your PC.
- Find CS2 in the Steam Store.
- Scroll down and click Install/Download/Play Game.
- In the popup, click Install.
- After the download completes, you can play CS2.
CS2 Prime Status Upgrade
As mentioned above, Counter-Strike 2 is free to download and play. However, you should strongly consider purchasing a “Prime Status Upgrade” in order to have the best experience playing CS2 competitively.
In addition to receiving Prime-exclusive items & weapon cases, Prime Status will improve your Trust Factor and give you access to Premier matchmaking.
Premier Matchmaking
In CS2, Premier is a new and improved competitive experience. The classic Competitive system still exists, but Premier has become the best way to play high-quality Counter-Strike matches and avoid cheaters (without using 3rd-party solutions like FaceIt).
In Premier, CS2 players have a numeric “CS Rating” that they receive after winning 10 matches. This rating is used to create matches with players of similar skill levels.
Before a Premier match, there’s a pick/ban phase to ban maps until one remains. The first team to win 13 rounds wins the match. If the match reaches a 12-12 tie, overtime is played until a team gets to 16. If overtime ends 15-15, the match is a draw.