Counter-Strike 2’s Limited Test period has been announced by developer Valve, along with the new game itself. The sequel to popular shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was revealed this Wednesday, March 22, is expected to arrive for PC (via Steam) sometime during Summer 2023, and will be a free update to CS:GO. Before its full release, however, a few players will be able to test the new game.

The Limited Test period for Counter-Strike 2 will allow players to try out the main updates that will affect the shooter. Notably, the game will have a graphical overhaul with improved visual effects, but the gameplay mechanics themselves will also be tweaked. Smoke, for instance, will react to bullets and other projectiles, while also fitting itself into areas in a more natural way. The game’s tick rate will no longer be an issue, as servers will be improved too.

When Counter-Strike 2's Limited Test Is

An in-game screenshot of Counter-Strike 2, showing the player walking through a city street carrying a sniper rifle with two other players ahead of them.

While the full release window is set for Summer 2023, Counter-Strike 2's Limited Test has already started. Players that have been given access to the test will be able to play Counter-Strike 2 indefinitely, up until the game’s release later this year. This means that the testing period should last something between three and six months. During this time, Valve will be finishing the polishing stage of development and correcting any bugs or exploits in CS:GO’s updated version that may be encountered during the tests.

How To Get Access To Counter-Strike 2's Limited Test

An in-game screenshot from Counter-Strike 2 showing off the game's new volumetric smoke grenade clouds.

The access to Counter-Strike 2’s Limited Test period will be given by Valve, and there is no actual way of signing up. The only official requirement is that players play CS:GO. On the Steam FAQ page, it is mentioned that different “important” factors are considered when selecting players for the opportunity. The company cites “recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing” as some of the factors. Players are already being selected for the test and others will regularly be given access.

Players will know they have received an invitation to the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test through an in-game notification in CS:GO’s main menu. There, they will be prompted to accept it and download the patch. Once that is done, they need only launch the game and choose “Limited Test” to play the new version. CS:GO pools will not be mixed with Counter-Strike 2, so players will only team up and face other players in the same version. The XP gained through the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test will carry over to CS:GO, which in turn should eventually carry over to the new version of the game once it launches.

A few elements of the game will not be available during the testing period, such as modifying inventory items and playing workshop maps and community servers. Banned players from CS:GO will continue to be restricted, as this is, effectively, a patch to the base game. Valve promises that more details about Counter-Strike 2 and its features will be revealed during the months leading up to its official release.

Sources: CS:GO/Twitter, Steam