The CS2 release date was Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 1.41PM PT / 4.41PM ET / 9.41PM GMT. An odd time to launch a game, sure, but it kept us on our toes.

If you don't already have CS:GO, you will have to download the game from Steam by pressing “Install.” Once it's downloaded on Steam, open it and click “Play.” You can now play Counter-Strike 2!

Boot up CS:GO and load into the main menu. If you got into the CS2 beta test, you'll see a popup telling you so (or else a notification in your left-hand main menu bar with a message about the beta). Just click “Enroll” on the popup, and you're good to go! You may need to restart CS:GO to play the beta.

Counter-Strike 2: how to find your test invitation Valve will inform selected candidates for the Counter-Strike 2 test in CS:GO's main menu, where you will get a notification. If you see that notification, click “ENROLL” and download CS2. Launch CS:GO after the download is done and choose “Limited Test” to play CS2.