Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test: How to get into the CS2 beta

All of the leaks and all the hype were not for nothing. Valve confirmed in March that Counter-Strike 2 is coming out in 2023. While CS:GO fanatics still have a little while left to wait for the full release, some players will have the chance to play the early beta version, as long as they know how to get into the CS2 Limited Test.

Over the summer of 2023, Valve has slowly let more and more people in the CS2 Limited Test. But over halfway through September, a full launch date for CS2 is still unknown, and some players still aren’t in yet.

What is the CS2 Limited Test?

In typical Valve fashion, after basically ignoring all the fan theories from the beginning of the year about CS2 being close to release, the developer dropped three gameplay teasers on YouTube all at once and announced that CS2 is indeed being launched in the summer this year.

The CS2 Limited Test or CS2 beta is essentially an early access version of the game. Valve will use the results of player testing with the Limited Test to “shake out any issues before the worldwide release.” Testing new features by granting a selection of players early entry is a common practice for Valve, which has generally led to positive results.

The question every CS enthusiast is asking, of course, is can they play the CS2 Limited Test? Technically, anyone can, but not everyone will.

How to get CS2 beta access

During the first few months of the Limited Test, players were selected by Valve “based on, but not limited to, their recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.” However, as of Aug. 31, there are three main requirements for getting access:

• CS:GO Prime access
• An active official matchmaking skill group in CS:GO
• Play a majority of your official matchmaking games in a region where the Limited Test is available.

If your account has been chosen for participation in the CS2 Limited Test, you will receive a notification in the CS:GO main menu the next time you load in. Once you receive the notification, all you have to do is select “enroll.” Exit CS:GO, and an update will begin downloading.

After the download is complete, launch CS:GO like you normally would, except this time you will have a choice between playing CS:GO or the CS2 Limited Test. Make sure not to check the box that remembers your choice, so you don’t lock yourself out of CS:GO or CS2.