How to Play CS:GO in 2025

With the official release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Valve removed Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) from Steam. However, despite this, there are still ways to download and run a working version of CS:GO. This article explains how to play CS:GO in 2024 and what steps you need to take to relive the classic experience.

On January 1, 2024, Valve officially ended support for CS:GO. Nevertheless, many gamers are not fond of the new version of the game — CS2. The abundance of cheaters in CS2 matchmaking, performance issues, and optimization problems have led players to feel nostalgic for the old version of the shooter. If you're one of those players wondering how to play CS:GO in 2024, we’ve got you covered with the safest and most effective methods.

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How to Download and Play CS:GO in 2025

Follow these steps to discover how to download CS:GO in 2025:

1. Open Steam.

2. Go to the "Library" section.

3. Right-click on CS2 and select "Properties."

4. Open the "Betas" tab.

5. In the top-right corner, select "Legacy Version of CS:GO ."

6. The game will start downloading automatically.

After the download is complete, do the following:

1. Navigate to: your disk:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\csgo.

2. Open the file steam.inf and change the value in the ClientVersion line to 2000258.

3. Launch Counter-Strike 2, but select "Legacy Version of CS:GO" before starting.

4. Connect to custom servers and enjoy the game.

Where to Find Custom Servers for CS:GO

One of the most popular services for finding decent 5vs5 matches is Popflash. This site allows you to quickly find games with other CS:GO enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that Popflash is a third-party product not associated with Valve. Using this service may pose certain risks to your Steam account, so proceed at your own risk.

History and Legacy of CS:GO 

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was officially released on August 21, 2012, and was supported by Valve for 11 years. During this time, the game became a true phenomenon, evolving from a small game into one of the most popular and respected titles in the world of esports. New maps, cosmetic items, and mechanics were added, allowing players to customize their characters and weapons.

Even with the release of CS2, many players continue to remain loyal to the original version of the shooter. The end of support for CS:GO has led the community to seek ways to preserve the game in its classic form. There are numerous reasons why gamers want to return to the old version: nostalgia, familiar interface, less demanding graphics, and, of course, the game mechanics that won the hearts of millions.

Valve has decided to focus its efforts on the new version of the game—Counter-Strike 2. Although CS:GO has officially ceased to exist on Steam, the spirit of the game continues to live on thanks to the efforts of dedicated players and communities.

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Conclusion

Although official support for CS:GO has ended, players can still enjoy the old version of the game using the method described above. For those wondering how to play CS:GO in 2024, it’s clear that dedication and a bit of technical know-how can still bring the classic experience back. Despite the difficulties and potential risks, CS:GO fans continue to play their beloved shooter, overcoming all obstacles.

Perhaps, in time, Valve will consider the community's requests and provide more convenient and secure ways to return to the classic version. Until then, guides on how to play CS:GO in 2024 remain vital for those who miss the original game. The good old CS:GO still lives on in the hearts of its devoted fans.