Valve has announced that it doesn’t care Counter-Strike players on older hardware anymore, having published a new support document today that explains how its controversial new sequel will exclusively support 64-bit Windows and Linux going forward. Support for older hardware, including DirectX 9, 32-bit operating systems, and even macOS, is being discontinued, as they “represented less than one percent of active CS:GO players.” Legacy CS:GO, a frozen build of the previous Counter-Strike game that retains support for older hardware, will continue to be available through Counter-Strike 2’s beta options, while refunds will be provided to affected, eligible players until December 1, 2023.
Legacy CS:GO Version FAQ
I can’t run CS2 because I run DirectX 9 or a 32-bit version of Windows. Am I eligible for a Prime Status Upgrade refund?
DirectX 9 and/or 32-bit Windows users are eligible for a Prime Status Upgrade refund if their purchase was made on Steam between the announcement of the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test (March 22, 2023) and the launch of Counter-Strike 2 (September 27, 2023).
CD keys, gifts, and accounts with bans are not eligible for a refund.
I can’t run CS2 because I play on a Mac. Am I eligible for a Prime Status Upgrade refund?
macOS users are eligible for a refund if most of their CS:GO playtime was on macOS and they played CS:GO on a Mac between the announcement of the Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test (March 22, 2023) and the launch of Counter-Strike 2 (September 27, 2023), regardless of when they purchased their Prime Status Upgrade.
CD keys, gifts, and accounts with bans are not eligible for a refund.
How long do I have to claim my refund?
We will be offering refunds until December 1, 2023.
What is the legacy version of CS:GO?
The legacy version of CS:GO is a frozen build of CS:GO. It has all of the features of CS:GO except for official matchmaking.
What will happen after the end of support for the legacy version of CS:GO?
After January 1, 2024 the game will still be available, but certain functionality that relies on compatibility with the Game Coordinator (e.g., access to inventory) may degrade and/or fail.