When was CS:GO released?

When was CS:GO released?
Images via Valve

Written by 

Jack Roberts

Posted 

11th Aug 2023 11:16

With Counter-Strike 2 fast approaching, you may be wondering just when exactly the CS:GO that everyone has come to know and love was released.

Having been treated to regular bug fixes, patches and updates, the game has remained consistently at the top of best-shooter lists for several years. And now with a sequel on the way in the form of a major update, it's worth looking back at just how long we’ve been playing CS:GO.

So, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about when CS:GO was released, and if you’re a new player, give you a rundown of what you can expect in the game – so read on.

  • If you’re looking for games similar to CS:GO, be sure to check out some of the best free-to-play shooters you can play right now

What is CS:GO?

Key art for CS:GO
Click to enlarge

Often hailed as one of the greatest shooters of all time, CS:GO is a tactical FPS developed by Valve. Abbreviated from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it involves pitting two teams against each other in an assortment of game modes.

A regular face on the esports scene, Valve eventually made CS:GO a free-to-play game, making it accessible to anyone with a PC. This may also account for the millions of players that continue to flock to it today.

When was CS:GO released?

A desert map in CS:GO
Click to enlarge

CS:GO was released on August 21, 2012, and is still going strong today. With a dedicated player base and regular updates, it doesn’t look like it will be stopping any time soon.

Always a game that has been prepared to move with the times and tastes of its players, CS:GO even introduced a battle-royale mode in 2018, to put it alongside other heavy hitters in the genre, such as PUBG and Fortnite.

That’s everything you need to know about when CS:GO was released. Despite its age, CS:GO has stood the test of time and maintained a dedicated player base. And with a sequel on the way, now may be the perfect time to jump into a match.

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