Counter-Strike 2 ending support for macOS and older PCs

After years of hope, Valve finally released Counter-Strike 2 towards the end of September. The game – which sees it replacing CS:GO – exploded in popularity overnight. However, for those on older systems, the updated version of the iconic FPS will no longer be supported.

In a recent post on the Steam Support page, the message reads that Valve will cease supporting Counter-Strike 2 on “older hardware, including DirectX 9 and 32-bit operating systems.” So if you’re still running Windows XP or older, you’re going to be out of luck.

For those on Mac, things seem worse. The post goes on to say that the developer will “no longer support macOS” at all. These outdated PCs and the total macOS users only account for around one percent of players, Valve says.

Instead, you’ll get this…

While Counter-Strike 2 will be moving forward with exclusively 64-bit Windows and Linux operating systems, those who are on older machines are being offered a ‘legacy version’ of CS:GO. However, support for this will only be ongoing until January 1, 2024, though the game will “still be available.”

This legacy version is a “frozen build” of CS:GO and will come with all the features of the game, just not official matchmaking. Valve says those who can no longer play Counter-Strike 2 are eligible for “Prime Status Upgrade” refunds, though there are some provisos to that.

Despite the hype surrounding this updated version of the legendary Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the game currently has a “Mixed” review score on Steam. Some of this could be due to CS:GO no longer being available, and the removal of support for macOS and older PCs might see further criticisms heading the game’s way.