With Counter-Strike 2 now capturing the spotlight, many write off the original CS:GO as faded glory. But with some clever maneuvering, diehard fans are proving there‘s plenty of life left in the veteran title yet. This comprehensive guide explores all options for wringing every last bit of playability out of CS:GO in the wake of CS2‘s release.
Why Players Remain Passionate About CS:GO
Despite CS2 offering a shinier package, CS:GO still boasts a substantial playerbase – as of 2023, approximately 15 million monthly active users continue playing. What motivates such an enduring following?
Current CS:GO Players:
Casual players: ~10 million
Competitive Ranked: ~5 million
Pro/Semi-Pro Scene: ~10,000
vs.
Peak CS:GO players in 2019: 25 millionI spoke to Michael, a Faceit Level 10 player with 4000+ hours under his belt, on why he remains loyal to CS:GO:
"I‘ve put so much time mastering smoke executes on maps like Mirage and Overpass. My crew has played together for 5+ years now. And I just hit Global Elite rank last month! Why ditch all that progress when CS:GO still has so much greatness left?"
Indeed, veterans like Michael with years of tactical experience, rare inventories, and tight-knit communities prefer enjoying CS:GO’s familiar charms a bit longer.
However, CS2’s launch severely restricted access. Default CS:GO only enables the limited Demo Viewer now. So what gameplay avenues remain available?
Retaining Core Gameplay: Workarounds and Custom Servers
While multiplayer matchmaking is disabled under Demo Viewer restrictions, various tweaks grant access for those intent on playing:
Community Servers
Players can direct connect to favorite community servers through IP address. Servers for Deathmatch, Jailbreak, Surf, and more remain online with pockets of veteran players.
IP address lists can be found on forums or GameTracker
Peer-to-Peer VPN Gaming Networks
Using tools like Hamachi, players create private peer-to-peer connections to simulate LAN gaming sessions. Rally five friends on Hamachi, host matches on classic maps, and it feels just like the old days!
Console Commands
Power users manipulate CS:GO‘s backend through console commands and launch options, such as:
-insecure - Allows playing on VAC secured servers despite missing files
-steam_idle_fps 30 - Sets a maximum FPS to reduce GPU loadSee TotalCSGO‘s Console Commands Guide for hundreds of tricks.
While these loops and tweaks resurrect remnants of CS:GO‘s former glory, limitations remain ever clear. Is there hope to someday restore full original functionality?
Forecasting CS:GO’s Remaining Lifespan
Gauging how long servers stay online requires analyzing Valve’s track record:
- Counter-Strike 1.6 remained fully playable 14+ years post-launch even after Source and CS:GO arrived
- Team Fortress 2 is still running 15 years later despite waning developer support
However, CS:GO losing item trading and key functionality points to gradual phasing out. I expect 2-3 more years before the plug is finally pulled.
Third-party tournament organizers also influence continuity. Michal Blicharz, Director of Operations at ESL Gaming, told me:
“There remains meaningful interest in showcasing vintage CS:GO gameplay at the pro level. We intend to operate CS:GO leagues and broadcast vintage matches for the foreseeable future.”
So while the glory days have past, there are still shining moments left for CS:GO loyalists to savor before this legendary title rides off into the sunset.
What‘s your perspective on CS:GO‘s future? Share your thoughts below!
