Counter-Strike 2 receives lowest ratings in Valve’s history

With the lowest ratings in the company’s esteemed gaming history, Valve’s highly anticipated “Counter-Strike 2” has stumbled into perilous territory.

Valve Corporation, renowned for its gaming prowess, is sailing through turbulent waters with its latest release, “Counter-Strike 2.” The sequel to the beloved “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” (CS:GO) is encountering a wave of criticism, securing its place as Valve’s most poorly-rated game in recent history, even eclipsing the notorious “Artifact.”

As of October 1, 2023, Counter-Strike 2’s Steam player reviews reveal a modest 59.1 percent of positive responses since its September 27 launch. However, this downturn can hardly compete with Artifact’s dismal 46 percent positive review score on Steam.

Counter-Strike 2 Marks a New Low in Valve’s Gaming History

Artifact’s downward spiral began with its disappointing reveal as “Artifact: The Dota Card Game” during the 2017 Dota 2 International event. The community’s high expectations were met with a wave of discontent due to issues such as a $20 price tag and a predatory in-game purchasing system. 

The game’s player base dwindled rapidly, eventually leading to the discontinuation of the 2.0 overhaul. Valve’s last-ditch effort was to make the original game and the 2.0 beta, “Artifact Foundry,” available for free, an unusual move for the gaming giant.

Counter-Strike 2 subtick system seems a bit problematic pic.twitter.com/m55mu00lGX

— CS2 NEWS (@cs2newsupdate) October 9, 2023

 

In contrast, Counter-Strike 2 faces a unique set of challenges. The game’s transition from the beloved CS:GO, a game with a decade-long legacy, has been met with resistance from dedicated fans. Criticisms in player reviews are directed at the absence of cherished game modes, the proliferation of cheaters, and the abrupt disappearance of CS:GO.

Despite these challenges, Counter-Strike 2 continues to attract a robust player base, reaching a peak of 1,223,144 concurrent players. However, CS:GO still holds the record for the highest number of concurrent players for any game on Steam, with an astonishing peak of 1,818,773 players.

Counter-Strike 2 is poise to navigating stormy waters

Counter-Strike 2’s “mixed” rating in recent Steam reviews, which also incorporates feedback from previous Counter-Strike versions, firmly establishes its position as the lowest-rated Valve game in this category. Titles like Half-Life, Half-Life 2, Portal, Dota 2, Left 4 Dead, and even Half-Life: Source maintain more favorable ratings, underscoring the unique challenges that Counter-Strike 2 currently faces.

One recurring issue haunting Counter-Strike 2 is hit detection problems, where hitboxes occasionally fail to register damage accurately, particularly when characters are attacked from elevated angles. Valve has made efforts to address these concerns with a recent patch aimed at fixing hitbox alignment issues. However, players have voiced additional concerns, including the removal of cherished game modes and maps.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive support will end on January 1, 2024.

You can only play with bots. pic.twitter.com/mKjbNEAZT5

— CS2 NEWS (@cs2newsupdate) October 10, 2023

While the Steam rating for Counter-Strike 2 remains polarized, the game’s enduring popularity and player numbers continue to soar. Valve’s ongoing efforts to address community concerns, coupled with the promise of future updates and fixes, are expected to elevate the recent review score in the coming months.

Counter-Strike 2’s tumultuous journey is unique and distinct from its predecessor’s smooth trajectory. The CS community remains divided, with some expressing their discontent and others finding enjoyment in the game. As Valve navigates these rough waters, it remains to be seen whether Counter-Strike 2 can overcome its current status as Valve’s lowest-rated title and emerge as a victorious sequel in its own right.

Header: Valve