Top 5 Games Like Counter-Strike 2 on PC
Contents
Counter-Strike 2 is one of the most popular and engaging online shooters. Nonetheless, it can get boring after a few hundreds of similar matches. Plus, considering its system requirements, some older PCs may need more RAM or a better video card to run Counter-Strike 2. If you can afford it, we recommend choosing the best PC for CS2 for the most enjoyable gaming experience. However, if your budget doesn't allow you to make such a purchase, we recommend checking out CS2 settings for a low-end PC to get the game as close to enjoyable as possible.
Also, luckily, you can always opt for titles from our list of games like CS2. It’s a great way to take a break from tense, competitive matches and enjoy different gameplay.
Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 is a free team-based shooter developed by Valve in 2007. Although it offers a slightly different experience from CS2, it’s still worth being in our top of old games like Counter-Strike.
Despite its advanced age, TF2 is played by almost 100k gamers daily and has more than 1 million very positive reviews on Steam (the only platform offering this title). Plus, the game’s system requirements are surprisingly low (only 512 MB RAM), and it constantly gets new updates.
Comparison
Let’s compare the two legends—CS2 and Team Fortress! We’ll pay attention to all their main aspects.
Gameplay
In addition to other games like Counter-Strike 2, TF2 is a shooter in which two teams compete against each other. It features 9 classes (so-called “characters”). Each character has a unique set of weapons and abilities.
Modes
Considering the long history of TF2, there is no wonder it offers more ways to play than CS2. Currently, there are 16 official game modes.
Weapon skins
Like Counter-Strike 2, TF2 features a variety of skins, including various wearables. Moreover, the game is known for its assortment of funny hats.
Optimization
Due to the numerous updates, Team Fortress 2 is perfectly optimized for PC. It offers a great gaming experience with little bugs or lags on the server side.
Cases
TF2 features an item drop system. In simple terms, it means that after each match, a player can win a skin or a case.
Graphics
Team Fortress 2 attracts players with its cartoonish graphics. Considering the madness of its rounds, the choice of style is ideal for this game.
Features
So, why do so many people adore playing TF2? Here are the main reasons:
- Regular exciting events;
- A cast of memorable characters;
- Cosmetics that do not impact the game’s balance.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
PUBG is a free battle royale shooter developed by PUBG Studios in 2017. It receives regular updates, and more than 600k players compete in this survival game every day. However, its 2 million Steam reviews rate it as “mixed.” The title also has high minimum system requirements (at least 8 GB RAM and 2GB video card). You can download PUBG on Steam or Epic Games Store.
Comparison
Unlike other shooter games like CS2, PUBG offers quite a unique experience. Playing it is a great way to spend time while waiting for the introduction of the Danger Zone in Counter-Strike 2.
Gameplay
In PUBG, you enter a big map with 99 other gamers. The goal is to remain the last one standing, and the game offers an impressive variety of weapons and vehicles for you to do so.
Modes
PUBG doesn’t offer any official game modes other than the main one. However, you can choose the way you want to play a round (Solo, Duos, or Squad).
Weapon skins
Just like many FPS games like CS2, PUBG features cosmetic skins. You may also like its character customization system.
Optimization
Some players claim they face persistent lags during the matches. Consider that the game requires a powerful internet connection for a smooth gaming experience.
Cases
PUBG features two types of chests. The players can open some of them for free, while others require special keys or G-Coins.
Graphics
If your PC can handle the game on high graphics settings, you’ll be amazed by its beauty. On the other hand, PUBG’s minimum recommended requirements may shock many players.
Features
People adore playing PUBG due to its exciting gameplay and interesting features. Here are the main ones:
- Lots of drivable vehicles and guns;
- Realistic shooting system;
- Regular in-game events.
Rainbow Six Siege
If you want to play games like CS2 for a low-end PC, don’t miss Rainbow Six Siege, an FPS developed by Ubisoft in 2015. The price for its basic edition on Steam is only $20, and more than 1 million very positive reviews state that it’s worth the money.
Every day, nearly 120k players enjoy this tactical shooter. The game is regularly updated and has pleasantly low minimal system requirements (6 GB RAM and at least NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460). You can get this title on Steam or Epic Games Store.
Comparison
Although the premise and gameplay of this shooter look familiar to CS2, there are many differences.
Gameplay
The game is slower than CS2 and focuses on tactics rather than personal skills. The maps are more realistic, so it can be a real challenge to identify the enemy’s position and eliminate them.
Modes
The game features 4 different modes. The good news is that familiar Disarm Bombs and Hostage Extraction are among them.
Weapon skins
Rainbow Six Siege is designed with a weapon customization system in mind. You can also apply different skins and stickers on guns to create your unique style.
Optimization
The game is perfectly optimized for PC. It offers an unforgettable gaming experience due to the constant improvements.
Cases
Unlike any other game like CS2, this title doesn’t feature randomized loot boxes. However, the players can use in-game currency to buy cosmetic items.
Graphics
Rainbow Six Siege offers more realistic graphics than CS2. You’ll definitely like the developer’s attention to such important details as shadows and special effects.
Features
Players adore games from the Rainbow Six series for its realistic gameplay. Plus, there are other noteworthy features:
- Environmental destruction;
- Variety of amazing maps;
- Friendly community.
Warface: Clutch
If you adore games similar to CS2, you should try Warface. Released by Crytek in 2013, this free online shooter is available on both Steam and Epic Games Stores.
The game is an ideal option for older PCs due to its minimum system requirements (only 4 GB RAM and at least GeForce GTS 450). The bad news is that only 650 players compete in the game per day. Plus, it has more than 82k mixed reviews on Steam. On the other hand, the shooter still gets regular content updates.
Comparison
Of course, CS2 is way more popular than Warface. However, the title may be a great choice for gamers with less powerful PCs.
Gameplay
The ability to choose one of five classes is one of Warface’s most definitive gameplay features. Each character has a unique playstyle and well-defined role to fill. However, many people complain about its pay-to-win system, which requires significant donations to unlock better weapons.
Modes
There are 16 game modes currently available in the game. Each of them has several dedicated maps.
Weapon skins
Weapon skins in Warface are purely cosmetic items. However, the players can use skins only for weapons available in their inventory.
Optimization
The game is perfectly optimized for PCs with low system requirements.
Cases
Warface features random loot cases. Unlike CS2, the players must open the boxes to get access to powerful and unique guns.
Graphics
Considering the game’s release date, there is no wonder it can’t boast innovative graphics. At the same time, this is the reason why Warface is ideal for old PCs.
Features
Warface is definitely a title any CS fan should play. Download it to enjoy its main features:
- Great class system;
- Robust weapon customization system;
- An option to create your clan.
Valorant
Last but definitely not least, Valorant was developed by Riot Games in 2020. It’s not just a title from the list of games like CS2 on PC, but the main rival of our favorite shooter. The game gets regular improvements, and nearly 700k gamers visit it every day.
Valorant has thousands of positive reviews from CS fans. It also has reasonable minimum system requirements (4GB RAM and 1 GB video card). Although you won’t find Valorant on Steam, you can download it via Riot’s official website or Epic Games Store.
Comparison
This game is an amazing alternative to CS2. Here is a review of its main aspects.
Gameplay
The game offers the possibility to choose one of 24 agents—characters with unique features. Somewhat unsurprisingly, if you know anything about Riot Games, playing Valorant feels like entering a MOBA with the guns from Counter-Strike.
Modes
Similarly to the majority of games like CS2, Valorant offers 11 main modes. They may be divided into two types—Plant/Defuse and Deathmatch.
Weapon skins
Valorant features cosmetic skins. Players can obtain them via an in-game store or by completing Battle Passes.
Optimization
The game offers an impressive gaming experience. Everything is perfectly optimized so that you won’t face unexpected crashes and bugs.
Cases
The game doesn’t feature classic cases with skins. Nonetheless, there are a lot of methods to expand your collection of cosmetics.
Graphics
Valorant has simple and pleasant graphics. Although the textures are slightly cartoonish, this style perfectly fits the game’s atmosphere.
Features
Valorant is a great alternative for all CS2 fans. You’ll definitely like its main features:
- Dynamic 5v5 matches;
- Tons of unique abilities;
- A focus on unique team combinations.
We also recommend checking out the list of games like Counter-Strike for PS5 (PS4) for those who like to play consoles.
***
All these games, while pretty similar to CS, offer something unique and innovative. Whether you want to take a break from your favorite shooter or are looking for something with lower system requirements, we welcome you to try one or more titles we’ve found. And, as always, good luck!