Valve has pushed out an update to Counter-Strike 2 today which brings Inferno to the mix alongside a load of new limited test invites. If you've been itching for an invite to try out the new game, now might be your chance!

Who is Eligible for a Counter-Strike 2 Invite?

There are three criteria that players need to meet right now to secure an invite. Please note that invites may still be rolling out to people so please be patient.

  • You need to have CS:GO Prime Status.
    • This can be achieved by purchasing CS:GO Prime on Steam.
    • This status carries over to Counter-Strike 2.
  • You need to have an active official competitive matchmaking skill group.
  • You need to play the majority of your competitive matches in a region where the Limited Test is available.
    • As far as we know, this is effectively the entire world at this point minus Antarctica... 
    • Why isn't this just an open beta at this point?

Although it hasn't been directly confirmed, once you meet the requirements if you don't currently, you should be given access to the test.

Inferno Joins Counter-Strike 2

One of the classics, Inferno, has joined the limited test. It boasts improved graphics and slight tweaks throughout the map.

CS Rating - The New Rating System

A brand new rating system has been added to Counter-Strike 2. Here's how it works:

  • Premier is a new competitive mode.
  • The mode features a pick-ban system for active duty maps.
  • Rather than a name-based rating, everyone now has a CS Rating which is a numerical value.
  • Ratings display on seasonal leaderboards! 
  • Premier matches are not required to be played, and the old skill rankings now apply on a per-map basis.

CS2 August 31 Patch Notes

Quote From Valve

[ PREMIER ]

  • Added Premier mode
  • Added a visible CS Rating and CS2 Leaderboards. For more information visit the CS2 Leaderboard FAQ
  • Added CSTV for spectating Premier matches

[ SOUND ]

  • Fixed a case where grenade throw sounds would play twice
  • Added music preview button to music volume sliders
  • Various adjustments to sound effects

[ WORKSHOP TOOLS ]

  • Added Paint Kit enhancements to CS2 Item Editor. Paint Kit finishes can now support:
    • Enabling custom normal maps and AO for all styles
    • Optional pearlescent mask
    • Optional standard PBR roughness texture
    • Custom Paint-By-Numbers masks (enabling Paint-By-Number masks for Spray-Paint style)

[ MAPS ]

  • Added Inferno to all available game modes
  • Various bug fixes and tweaks for all shipped maps

[ MISC ]

  • Fixed a bug with hostage rescue prediction
  • Enabled first-person shadow for carried hostages
  • Fixed water effects showing in the wrong place when a bullet hit the water after penetration
  • Various fixes for weapon finishes
  • Replaced “Secondary Fire Hold” setting with “Zoom Button Hold”
  • Fixed “Disable all voice comms” button in scoreboard
  • “Temporarily Disable Incoming Chat” now mutes voice chat
  • Various CS:GO settings will be imported when launching the CS2 Limited Test
  • Fixed a case of inconsistent crouching with Duck Mode: Toggle enabled
  • Updated the invulnerability visual effect
  • Adjusted ‘sv_infinite_ammo 2’ grenade behavior to match CS:GO
  • Desert Eagle third-person muzzle flash smoke now dissipates faster
  • Continued iterating on smoke shape
  • Adjusted Competitive mode match length to 12-round halves

[ CS:GO ]

  • Recent ranked matches in “Your Matches” menu will now show Competitive, Wingman, and Premier matches

[ GAME AUTHENTICATION CODES ]

  • Access to match history granted to third-party websites will now cover Competitive, Wingman, and Premier matches
  • GetNextMatchSharingCode API used by third-party websites must now supply a match sharing code that is no more than 1 month old to obtain the next match sharing code.

Have you scored your invite to CS2 yet? How are you enjoying it compared to CS:GO? Let us know in the comments below.