Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Counter Strike 2 Operators In Lobby With Weapons Ready To Play
Image via Valve
Category:
Guides

How to install CS2 – Best launch options

Image of Aggy
Aggy
|

Published: Sep 27, 2023 05:42 pm

You’re probably eager to install and launch Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) if you’ve played Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). However, it’s kind of difficult to know how since not a lot of information was pushed to the general gaming public, so it’s easy to be confused about the best launch options after you install CS2. Luckily, we’ll go over the most helpful tips to download and play CS2.

Recommended Videos

How to download and launch Counter-Strike 2

If you already have CS:GO, you’re going to need to install CS2 as an update. CS2 is the replacement for CS:GO, so if you already downloaded CS:GO, just install the update and it will be in your library and ready to play. For those of you who have not downloaded CS:GO and want to install CS2, we have easy-to-follow instructions below:

  1. The Steam page for CS2 can be found by searching for it on Steam.

  2. Click Add to Library.

  3. Open the Steam App.

  4. Download CS2 to your PC.

  5. Click Play Game when it is ready.

Related: How to fix CS2 not launching

Alternatively, you can just press Play Game from the Steam Page if you already have it installed. If it doesn’t load, keep in mind that any errors are likely due to servers being overloaded since CS2 has been highly anticipated and carries the player base from CS:GO.

Why is the Counter-Strike 2 install slow?

The speed of your download depends on how fast your internet is, but if you have to wait a long time for this to download, you’re likely going to have issues playing the game. My recommendation is to look into a Wi-Fi booster, extender, or repeater because your PC may be too far from your router. Otherwise, definitely spring for an internet speed upgrade because this is worth it.

Related: Wi-Fi Extender vs Booster vs Repeater?

Are there other ways to launch CS2 outside of Steam?

Steam is the best launch option, even though you will likely find CS2 on cracked sites where you can play on private servers. We never recommend these as you can get your information stolen much easier on these kinds of servers and hosting sites.

If you want to play the game on private servers, you should wait until more of those start popping up and are confirmed to be safe. CS:GO was known for its private servers where players felt safer, but since CS2 is still new, we won’t see players hosting games anytime soon.

Make sure to check out more Counter-Strike 2 guides here on PC Invasion.

Post Tag:
Counter-Strike 2
Valve
PC Invasion is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
related content
Author
Image of Aggy
Aggy
Aggy has worked for multiple sites as a writer and editor, and has been a managing editor for sites that have millions of views a month. He's been the Lead of Social Content for a site garnering millions of views a month, and co owns multiple successful social media channels, including a Gaming news TikTok, and a Facebook Fortnite page with over 600k followers. His work includes Dot Esports, Pro Game Guides, Attack of the Fanboy, Try Hard Guides, Android Police, N4G, WePC, Sportskeeda, and GFinity Esports. He has also published two games under Tales and is currently working on one with Choice of Games. He has written and illustrated a number of books, including for children, and has a comic under his belt. He writes about Starfield and CS2 for PC Invasion, among other things.
twitter