For an enormous chunk of the PC gaming group, Counter-Strike outlined team-based first-person shooters. Now there’s a sequel: Counter-Strike 2, which is able to debut this summer season from Valve Software. You can try it out, too.

The recreation’s builders describe it as “the next era of Counter-Strike,” and it’s not arduous to see why. Counter-Strike 2‘s gameplay video looks up-to-date and that’s saying one thing, particularly for a recreation that gamers have valued extra for its gameplay than the rest. Counter-Strike 2 will likely be launched as a free improve to the present Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).

Counter-Strike 2‘s new options embody:

• Upgraded and overhauled maps
• Game-changing dynamic smoke grenades
• Tick-rate-independent gameplay
• Redesigned visible results and audio

Smoke grenades sound fascinating, as they’ll now be volumetric objects that may react to their environments, together with being pushed away by bullets and even grenades. You’ll see it increase to fill areas, as you’d count on it to.

There are additionally updates for the way Counter-Strike 2 manages participant interactions. Today, that’s overseen by what’s often known as a “tick rate,” the place the server “checks” what every participant’s doing on an everyday “tick.” Now, issues are a bit totally different.

“Sub-tick updates are the heart of Counter-Strike 2,” the builders say. Previously, the server solely evaluated the world in discrete time intervals (referred to as ticks). Thanks to Counter-Strike 2’s sub-tick replace structure, servers know the precise on the spot that movement begins, a shot is fired, or a ‘nade is thrown. As a end result, no matter tick price, your transferring and taking pictures will likely be equally responsive and your grenades will at all times land the identical approach.”

So, how do you be a part of the Counter-Strike 2 beta? Well, when you’re a frequent participant you stand a greater likelihood.

“Players are selected for the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test based on a number of factors deemed important by the Counter-Strike 2 development team, including (but not limited to) recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing,” the group tweeted.

Talk a couple of huge day for PC gaming. If Counter-Strike was a part of your life rising up, then you’ll be able to revisit your childhood starting this summer season.