CS2 on Mac: What You Need to Know
I'm a Mac user and a Counter-Strike fan, and I have some bad news about CS2.
CS2 is not playable on Mac and it won't be.
Here's the situation:
Valve, the company behind Counter-Strike, has dropped Mac support with CS2. So, even if you've been playing CS:GO on your Mac without issues, you won't be able to play CS2.
Why? Valve says CS2 is a major technical upgrade and they're focusing on platforms with larger player bases. Mac users made up less than 1% of active CS:GO players.
So what are your options if you want to play CS2 on your Mac?
- Install Windows or Linux on your Mac using Boot Camp or an external drive.
- Switch to a Windows PC for gaming.
If users weren't ready to do those things Valve offered a temporary solution:
- A "legacy" version of CS:GO was available for those who couldn't run CS2.
- This version was available until January 1, 2024 but without official matchmaking.
- After that date some features like inventory access stopped working.
For those who purchased the Prime Status Upgrade Valve offered refunds until December 1, 2023.
While this is bad news for Mac users, it's important to remember that CS2 is a big step forward for the Counter-Strike franchise.
Valve's decision, while disappointing, is based on their goal to develop the game for years to come on platforms with larger player bases.
If you're interested in Counter-Strike but can't play CS2, you might want to check out our CSGO gambling site.
About the author
I'm the Head of Research at Clash.gg. With over 7 years of experience in the Counter-Strike niche, I have developed extensive knowledge of the game, its strategies, and the competitive scene. My insights are based on years of in-depth analysis and close involvement with the Counter-Strike community.