Valve warns public about Counter-Strike 2 beta scams

Fake beta invites are already out in the wild and Valve wants CS:GO players to know to be careful about falling victim to such scams.


Don't believe the lies, there are no Counter-Strike 2 keys being sent around by Valve.

If you’re looking to score a Limited Test invite to Counter-Strike 2, don’t. It’s impossible.

Valve recently and very characteristically confirmed that Counter-Strike 2 is coming out later this year. In the same announcement, the infamously casual private video game developer revealed that Counter-Strike 2 is currently undergoing a Limited Test run exclusive to a handful of players.

Unfortunately, a lot of players didn’t get an invite, resulting in many to wonder how to get one. This also gave rise to scammers looking to prey on on gullible Counter-Strike players by “selling” fake Limited Test keys.

Valve is now warning players not to fall victim to such scams. The company clarified it’s the only one capable of granting a player access to the Limited Test for Counter-Strike 2. It also dispels rumors that Limited Test keys exist. The Counter-Strike 2 Limited Test is an option found on the original CS:GO main menu for qualified players.

Valve never sent email invites or Steam notifications to let players know they have been invited to the Limited Test.

If you’re not lucky enough to get Limited Test access to Counter-Strike 2, don’t worry. Valve promises to invite multiple new waves of players to the Limited Test phase until Counter-Strike 2 is out in Summer of 2023.

So, if nothing else, you’ll have plenty more opportunities to get invited.

We’re still curious if Counter-Strike 3 will come in the 2030s or 2040s.

Valve is ramping up its production of new stuff in recent years. After the release of the Steam Deck last year, Valve promises that a new Steam Deck is in the pipeline way into the future.

In addition to this, Valve is reportedly working on a DOTA spin-off. Finally, with multiple more titles secretly in development, Valve might let us in on some of its mystery projects later this year after Counter-Strike 2 hits the market.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio