Counter-Strike 2, the popular first-person shooter, has an age rating of Mature 17+ from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This means the game is considered suitable for players who are 17 years old and up. In Europe, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating is 18, which is a similar recommendation.

So, why the grown-up rating? It really comes down to what you see and do in the game. Counter-Strike 2 is all about realistic combat, which includes violence and blood. When I first started playing, I was surprised by how intense it was. It’s not over-the-top gory, but it’s definitely not for younger kids. My first match was a rush of adrenaline, trying to defuse a bomb while the enemy team was closing in. It was a lot of fun, but I could see why it has that mature rating.

What Do The Ratings Mean?

It's helpful to understand what these ratings actually mean for you or your kids.

• ESRB Mature 17+: This rating is given to games that may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language. In the case of Counter-Strike 2, it’s mainly for the realistic violence and blood.
• PEGI 18: This is the highest age rating in the PEGI system. It’s applied when the level of violence becomes a depiction of gross violence, apparently motiveless killing, or violence towards defenseless characters.

Another thing to keep in mind is the in-game economy. You can buy, sell, and trade weapon skins, which are like different paint jobs for your guns. Some of these skins can be worth a lot of real money. I remember when I got my first rare knife skin from a loot box; it was a thrilling moment! I eventually traded it for a few other skins I wanted, but I know people who have sold skins for hundreds of dollars. It adds another layer to the game, but it's also something parents should be aware of, as it can involve spending real money.

If you're a parent, it’s a good idea to talk to your kids about the game's content and the in-game purchases. The game also has voice and text chat, so players can communicate with others online. It's always a good idea to have a conversation about online safety and who they are talking to.

Counter-Strike 2 is a really competitive and fun game if you're old enough to play it. If you're looking to get some cool in-game skins or other items, you can use Playstorm to earn gift cards for Steam, the platform where you play Counter-Strike 2 on PC. Just play fun games on your phone, and you can redeem your earnings for Steam vouchers to use in the game.