Yes. The PC game people search for as “CS:GO” is now Counter-Strike 2, and Valve’s Steam listing marks it as “Free To Play.” You can download and play the base game at no cost, provided your PC meets the listed minimum specifications. The only paid item tied to the game on Steam is an optional upgrade called Prime Status.
Why the name has changed
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is no longer the separate current listing on Steam. Valve describes Counter-Strike 2 as “A free upgrade to CS:GO,” and says it marks “the largest technical leap in Counter-Strike’s history.” If you search for CS:GO on PC today, the page you need is Counter-Strike 2 on Steam. Searches for “CSGO free” and “CS2 free” lead to the same free-to-play game.
What is free and what costs money
Valve separates the game into two access options. The base game is free. Prime Status is a separate, optional digital upgrade. Valve’s listing presents them separately, so you do not need Prime to download or play the base game.
| Option | Cost and access | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Counter-Strike 2 (base game) | Listed by Steam as “Free To Play”; the listing shows a “Play Game” option | Full access to the game, subject to the platform minimums below |
| Prime Status Upgrade | Optional paid digital upgrade. The Steam page displayed $14.99 when checked on 2026-10-08; this is a regional, time-sensitive price and may differ where you live or change later | Matchmaking with other Prime players, plus eligibility for Prime-exclusive souvenir items, item drops, and weapon cases |
Prime Status refund terms
Steam’s listing states that the Prime Status Upgrade is not eligible for a refund. Check the purchase screen before you pay, because the free base game does not depend on this purchase.
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- Single-elimination, team-based online shooter
- Completely overhauled with better graphics, new characters, items, and environments
- Package includes Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Day of Defeat: Source
- Real-world physics adds depth the gameplay
- Internet connection required for online play
Minimum PC requirements
The game is free, but the PC still has to meet Valve’s minimum specifications. The table below lists the minimums Steam shows for each platform. These are the least a machine needs to run the game, not a performance target, and Valve notes that requirements can change, so check the live listing before installing.
| Component | Windows | SteamOS and Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Ubuntu 20.04 |
| Processor | Four hardware CPU threads (Intel Core i5 750 or higher) | Four hardware CPU threads (Intel Core i5 750 or higher) |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | 1 GB or larger DirectX 11-compatible card with Shader Model 5.0 support; DirectX 11 | AMD GCN or newer, or NVIDIA Kepler or newer, with up-to-date Vulkan drivers |
| Storage | 85 GB available | 85 GB available |
| Other | Not stated | Support for VK_EXT_graphics_pipeline_library is highly recommended; a sound card is highly recommended |
What the listing does not specify
Valve’s listing sets minimum capabilities only. It does not name a required mouse, headset, or computer model, so no specific peripheral is needed to meet the stated requirements.
Rank #2
Content rating
Steam’s mature-content description for the game reads “Includes intense violence and blood.” Keep this in mind when deciding whether the game suits younger players.
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All details above come from Valve’s Steam store page for Counter-Strike 2, accessed on 2026-10-08. Prices, regional availability, and requirements can change, so confirm them on the Steam listing before you buy or install.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Electronic Arts 9853 Half Life 2006 Collection PC
Rank #4
- 【INCLUDES】Includes two action trackers. Quickly reset by tipping the tracker forward or back to easily move all the trackers to one side. Makes a fantastic gift. A wide range of uses guarantees your favorite nerd will put this tracker to good use.
- 【ACTION TRACKER】Includes two action trackers. Round pucks slide smoothly between two positions to track actions. Rubber feet on the bottom of the tracker keep it where you want it. Optional rubber bumpers are included for the sliding markers. We found that some people love them and others despise them. We will let you decide which camp you belong to.
- 【QUICK RESET】Tip the tracker forward to instantly reset for the next round.
- 【CUSTOMIZE】Dry erase background which custom labels for any game. Stickers. Markers are elevated off dry erase surface so sliding the markers between the too positions will not wipe off the labels. Perfect adition for tabletop games like Roll for the Galaxy, Here to Slay, Shovel Knight, D&D and many more.
- 【QUALITY - 100% SATISFACTION】This product is made in America by people who care about quality. This product comes with information on how to contact us directly with any questions or concerns.
Rank #3
- Sequel to the hit first-person shooter
- Scientist-with-a-crowbar Gordon Freeman joins a ragtag human resistance fighting extradimensional invaders for the survival of a conquered Earth
- Unnervingly realistic graphics the likes of which have not been witnessed outside of a motion picture or pre-rendered cut scene
- Realistic physics: objects have varied and appropriate mass, density, physical properties
- For 1 player
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
