Not dead after all: Counter-Strike 2 surpasses all-time player peak

It would be fair to say that Counter-Strike 2‘s reception has thus far been mixed, to put it lightly. After all, it essentially served as an Overwatch-style replacement for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive rather than a true sequel, which rubbed many CS:GO veterans the wrong way. Despite the prevailing narrative—especially on the Counter-Strike subreddit—that CS2 is “dead,” it seems reports of its demise were greatly exaggerated, as it hit its highest player peak on March 9 since its launch last September.

This is despite matchmaking issues, the competitive scene still going through growing pains, and widespread botting (which is also currently affecting Valve’s other multiplayer shooter, Team Fortress 2). The game evidently has appeal, and its modern take on age-old online shooter mechanics have lent it an enduring presence despite its many detractors.