Ray Tracing has reached an advancement owing to its technology through GPU, along with PS5 and Xbox series X and S. With this feature, a gamer can witness realistic lighting and also a more engaging gaming experience throughout the gameplay. However, the Counter Strike 2 (CS2) does not support it, and instead, it uses backed lighting.
Based on the latest reports, the Counter Strike: Global Offensive sequel, which is the new update, depends on the Source 2 engine. This is powered by Valve Corporation’s games since the 2015 release of Dota 2.
You might have seen this game engine in mobile games like Dota Underloads, Half-Life: Alyx, and The Lab. But, Valve Corporation has not yet incorporated Ray Tracing for their games. Going by the reports, the company released a free DLC pack, which was meant for the original portal and had the design to add Ray Tracing to the original classic version. However, the version was developed by Nvidia Lightspeed Studio.
Still confused? Let’s walk you through a more detailed discussion.
What is Ray Tracing?
Ray Tracing is an advanced method for making the lights and shadows given off in a game by an object more realistic. Ray Tracing accounts for every single ray of light within the scene and not sources of light. This makes the scene appear to be more realistic, and the shadows appear to be perfect. However, it has to depend on the GPU and request a lot of computing power for optimal performance.
Will CS2 and its precedents have Ray Tracing?
There is a lot of doubt whether CS2 and its precedents will have the Ray Tracing feature. However, even without this feature, Counter Strike remained a popular game owing to its low entry level. It also has very specific hardware requirements, which makes it even easier to play the game for a beginner.
Counter Strike is definitely a successor to CS: Source and the OG, Counter Strike and it was released in August 2012. At present, the release of Counter Strike 2 has gained hype as it has brought new advanced features to the CS in this modern gaming.
What is the hardware requirement for Counter Strike 2?
Here is the detailed list of minimum and recommended system requirements for Counter Strike 2:
Possible CS2 minimum requirements:
- PC: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Dual-core Intel or AMD processor at 2.8 GHz speed
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Graphics card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 650 or Radeon HD 7750 graphics card
- Storage: 60GB storage space
Possible CS2 recommended system requirements:
- PC: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Core i5-7500 / Ryzen 5 1600 processor
- Memory: 12GB RAM
- Graphics card: GTX 1060 or RX 580 graphics card (at least 6GB VRAM)
- Storage: 60GB storage space
Will you still play CS2 without Ray Tracing?
You can always take advantage of the CS2 setting even if it does not have Ray Tracing. You simply need a solid CPU with a compatible and well-loaded graphical card so that you can perfectly aim at the bots even at low resolution.
How to download and play CS2
CS2 or Counter Strike 2 is available on Steam. So, you have to download and install Steam first and then launch it.
To begin with, you have to download and install Steam, create an account, and check whether your laptop is capable of handling the FPS. Then, get to the Steam store and look for Counter Strike 2 in the stream library. Next, press the Install button to download, install, and launch the game. After the process is complete, press the Play button, and you are good to go.
If you already have Counter Strike downloaded, go to your Steam library then press the Update button. This will help you to download and update to CS2, and you will be ready to play.
What is the price of CS2?
CS2 is free to play, for it is a basic version. However, you have to pay $15 to get the Prime Status Upgrade, where you will get a premium experience.
Does every PC have Ray Tracing?
No, every PC does not have a ray tracing feature. However, even if the system has ray tracing support, you need the latest graphics drivers or advanced GPUs, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon RX 6000 or AMD Radeon RX 7000 GPU installed with Ray tracing features to make use of the advantages that come along.
