After the announcement of Counter-Strike 2 by Valve, one of the main questions in the community is how to gain access to the CS2 beta testing. Cover.gg has gathered all the relevant information in one article.

Make sure you don't have access to CS2 yet

If you haven't seen this splash screen on the main CS:GO screen, don't despair. Not everyone who has access has seen it. According to beta testers' advice, start by going to the game's properties in Steam and selecting the section with additional content - perhaps Valve has already sent you a gift a long time ago.

It is essential to verify the integrity of the CS:GO game files. Many times, players have gained access to the Counter-Strike 2 beta after this step.

If, in any case, you still haven't found yourself among the lucky ones, don't worry. Perhaps the game's cache is overloaded, and you need to clear it. In that case, there is another method that people call effective. You need to exit the game, go to Steam, and clear the game's cache. As always: library - CS:GO properties - clear cache.

READ MORE: Counter-Strike 2 system requirements - minimum and recommended

How to access the Counter-Strike 2 beta testing

Honestly, if you already have access, you would have seen the message on the main CS:GO screen a long time ago. If the previous steps didn't help, and you didn't end up among the lucky ones with early access to CS2, then it's time to grind!

The number of CS:GO accounts that have gained access is less than 3%! As the developers themselves noted, one of the main factors is your recent activity in matchmaking and in-game modes. However, Valve also points out that this is not the only factor. We're ready to argue that a pro-player status can greatly expedite the process!

Pirated method

For the particularly desperate, there is an illegal way to play Counter-Strike 2. Resourceful individuals leaked files for CS2 into the public domain on the first day. If you really want to play the new game, you can try downloading its pirated version and play with bots or on custom servers.

WARNING! This method may result in a permanent VAC ban and a ban in Counter-Strike 2. That's the worst red flag!

Which players most often received keys to the new game version?

Although Valve talked about a careful selection of players, examples like headtr1ck and npl proved that not even all pro-players gained access to the beta testing.

This is confirmed by a Reddit user who noted that his only friend who received the beta. This friend spent only three minutes of his time in CS:GO, and it is unlikely he will ever log in to see the new CS2 or even just play CS:GO.