Valve has confirmed that players who receive a VAC ban in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be blocked from playing Counter-Strike 2 on VAC-protected servers. This decision affects users who might try to circumvent Valve Anti-Cheat protection, a system designed to deter cheating across Valve titles. When queried about whether a CS:GO ban would prevent access to Counter-Strike 2 on the same Steam account, Valve provided a clear answer: such accounts cannot participate in Counter-Strike 2 on VAC-enabled servers.
The update process for Counter-Strike 2 has been unfolding with limited testing beginning on March 22. Official plans indicate a broader release in the summer of 2023, with Counter-Strike 2 offered as a free upgrade for existing CS:GO owners. This approach aligns with Valve’s strategy to transition players smoothly to the newer version while maintaining the integrity of competitive play through VAC protection.
Historical context is also worth noting. In discussions around Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, there have been memorable moments where the community explored the lengths players would go to obtain cosmetic items or unlocks. One notable case involved a dedicated CS:GO fan from China who spent a substantial amount on a virtual ornament for the AK-47 case. This anecdote underscores the value fans place on in-game gear and the ongoing interest in virtual items within the CS ecosystem. Source: Valve Support