Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (commonly abbreviated CS:GO) is a multiplayer FPS developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment. It was released on August 21, 2012, initially on PC and later on consoles. On December 6, 2018, the game adopted a partially free-to-play model, making the main game modes free while retaining optional paid elements such as weapon skins and cases.

On September 27, 2023, CS:GO was officially replaced in players' libraries by Counter-Strike 2, marking a major shift in the franchise. However, starting on March 3, 2026, CS:GO became accessible again on Steam, though it is now hidden from search results and lacks official servers.

In line with previous entries, CS:GO maintains the core elements of the series (terrorist vs. counter-terrorist combat, economy-based gameplay, and precise shooting mechanics) while modernizing the overall experience. The game offers improved graphics compared to Counter-Strike: Source, though it still runs on the Source engine (unlike Counter-Strike 2, which uses Source 2). It also introduces new maps, regular weapon balancing updates, and various gameplay modes.

The game is divided into several modes: Competitive, Wingman, Casual, Deathmatch, Arms Race (which includes Demolition, Arms Race, Flying Snipers, and Retake), as well as Danger Zone, a battle royale-inspired mode added in 2018.

Finally, CS:GO has become a major global esports title, supported by a particularly active competitive scene and a dedicated community. This community has contributed to the game's longevity by creating custom maps and content, which have been officially integrated into the game over time through regular updates.