Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) was a landmark in the realm of first-person shooters (FPS). However, the new successor, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), has entered the fray, sparking questions about its potential popularity. Could it eclipse CS:GO’s illustrious track record? This comprehensive report delves into the current player count of CS2, comparing it with its predecessor and other competing games in the genre.

The Player Count of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)

As of the last month, Counter-Strike 2 has seen 31.4 million unique players diving into its gameplay. The average number of live players ranges between 800,000 and 900,000. This is significant data obtained directly from Steam’s API. These figures not only reflect the game’s broad acceptance but also indicate how it is performing relative to its predecessor, CS:GO.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) – A Comparison

Just last month, CS:GO averaged around 791,479 concurrent players, positioning it as the most popular game on Steam. However, there has been a decline in numbers. Before CS2’s launch, the average player count for CS:GO was 976,000 in September 2023. Interestingly, CS:GO’s all-time peak player count stands at over 1.8 million. This begs the question: will CS2 reach or surpass these numbers?

Record-Breaking Moments for CS:GO

Before being succeeded by CS2, CS:GO broke its all-time player count record on May 6, 2023, with 1,802,853 concurrent players. This shattered its previous record, set on February 11, 2023, which was 1,320,219 concurrent players. The highest player count that CS2 has reached so far is 1,364,902, suggesting that CS2 has the potential to break further records.

CS2 Player Count Versus Other Popular FPS Games

When compared with other FPS games, the player count for CS2 looks even more impressive. For instance, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege averages around 45,000 active players and about 75,000 during peak hours. Meanwhile, Apex Legends averages around 173,000 players on Steam alone. Valorant, which is not on Steam, was reported to have a total of 6,627,830 players in May 2023, according to the Tracker Network. However, this figure isn’t verified, making it difficult to make a direct comparison.

The Trajectory of CS2’s Player Count

Given the current numbers and the momentum CS2 has already gained, it seems plausible that the game could achieve new records in player count in the foreseeable future. Since its recent launch, CS2 has steadily climbed the popularity ladder, and if the trend continues, it may very well challenge its predecessor’s records.

Final Thoughts

The launch of Counter-Strike 2 has reinvigorated the FPS landscape, showing promising signs of both initial acceptance and potential longevity. While CS:GO remains a behemoth, its successor, CS2, has been making significant strides in player counts. As time progresses, it will be intriguing to see if CS2 can continue this momentum and establish new records.

Also Read: