How to play CS:GO in 2025
Author: Hawk Live LLC
Last updated:
This version does not only have less system requirements, but according to some players, there is a classic gameplay mode. Since Valve released CS2, new game version starts to setup by default from Steam, thats why many players consider that thay can't get CS:GO anymore. There is, however, quite an easy way to install the old version of the game. In this article, we are going to explain how to play CS:GO after CS2 is released in 2025.
How to install CS:GO in 2025?
As of now CS:GO is not available to purchase directly in the Steam Store but the game can still be run by using the inbuilt features of the client. In order to download Counter-Strike Global Offensive in 2025, here are a few simple steps to follow:
Open Steam.
Go to the game library.
Find Counter-Strike 2 and click right mouse button.
Select “Properties.”
Go to the “Betas”.
Select “Legacy version of CS:GO” from the “Beta Participation” list.
Credit: SteamWait for the game to load.
Go to the installation folder of the game by path:
SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\csgo.
Open the steam.inf file and change the ClientVersion field to 2000258.
Start CS2 and select “Legacy version of CS:GO”.
Credit: Steam
At this point the classic version of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive should be available once again to you.
What audience will CS:GO have in 2025?
The official servers for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive had their support ceased by Valve early last year which is when classic matchmaking was also taken offline. However, the game still has an audience with active players that reach up to tens of thousands who continue to play daily on custom maps, community servers and even through third-party services that offer quality moderated servers.
It's virtually Universal knowledge that CS:GO tournaments practically faded from the professional cybersports arena post CS2 release and where the majority of professional players shifted their focus to. Currently, at the start of 2025, there are only any amateur organized competitive events with low-level prize pools and these are mostly organized by community enthusiasts.
CS:GO Servers 2025
As with any application, finding servers to play on becomes a challenge after it has been installed. In 2025, finding servers for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be quite easy because there is a significant community for the game despite no official matchmaking from Valve. So, how do you find matchmaking in CS:GO the easy way?
Popflash is one of the most used by CS:GO players matchmaking platforms. It was previously used by professionals for practice, but now is available for all players.
Community Servers – Through the server browser in CS:GO, you can still find hundreds of matches across all countries. Different supporters of the game create different game modes ranging from classic matches to unorthodox cooperative games.
Gaming fanbase — dedicated users of the CS:GO game often become a member in a fanbase in forums and social networks where private servers are often set up for team games.
Credit: CS:GO
Conclusion
While CS:GO is lacking official support, it is still possible to play it in the year 2025. It does have a complicated installation process but is available for free on steam to those who are willing to follow the provided instructions.
