All gamers know that if you truly love gaming, you are going to spend a lot of time perfecting the craft. Even games that you don’t love can quickly amass hours played in the double digits. However, knowing what you like about video games and knowing what to expect when choosing your next obsession means those hours will be spent in a way you truly enjoy. Apex Legends and Counter-Strike 2 are both very popular games, but they have key differences that make them unique. However, the question remains: Which is the better Esport?
Scenario and Competitive Format
When people think about Apex Legends and CS2, very different images will come to their minds. The game you choose depends on the style of the game’s mechanics you prefer. Apex Legends features 20 teams of 3 players and uses a tournament structure. Fortnite players will be familiar with Apex Legends’ battle royale gaming style.
However, those who prefer a more realistic and tactical experience will enjoy the first-person viewpoint of Counter-Strike 2 more. CS2 uses a classic 5v5 bomb-defusal format and follows structured leagues. CS2 also has another benefit: the out-of-game option that puts two players head-to-head to win skins. For example, players can try CS2 coinflip on SkinsLuck in an attempt to win skins that can be used in-game. Players go head-to-head and bet on the skins, but must wager on skins that are of equal value. Players flip the coin, and the winner walks away with bothskins.
Others may prefer the immersive feeling of CS2 in how the shorter rounds create a sense of urgency and drive for survival. This is a little less pronounced in the last-man-standing format of Apex Legends. However, players who prefer Apex Legends like the exploratory element, and they like the broken-down feeling of the Outlands.
New Players and Spectators
One thing to consider is the familiarity the player has with game formats and how easy these games are to play or watch as a beginner. Apex Legends can be confusing for players who are new to gaming. They may not always know which players on-screen are important when shown the whole arena. New gamers may become confused by the different zones in the game, and they may not have an in-depth understanding of the characters.
CS2, by comparison, is much simpler for new players to understand thanks to its first-person perspective. The simple game mechanic of trying to find and defuse a bomb means new players have a clear view of the mission objectives, making it so much easier to avoid feeling overwhelmed and easily distracted.
Accessibility
One of the biggest draws for both Apex Legends and Counter-Strike 2 is that the games are free-to-play. In Apex Legends, there is no cost to enter, but players can choose to spend money in-game on useful accessories and new skins. There is also a mode called Prodigy Battle Pass, which is where players buy access to premium areas in-game.
In Counter-Strike 2, there is also a paid version. This is called the Prime upgrade. This is a once-off payment made, which gives a player Prime status along with some benefits. Prime players get benefits like a weekly care package, full of goodies that enhance gameplay and improve survival.
FAQs
Is Apex Legends or CS2 a Bigger Esport?
When looking at the statistics on Steam, it is undeniable that CS2 is the bigger esport option. CS2 has peaked at 1,882,011 players logged in at a single time, whereas that number for Apex Legends is a paltry 646,330 by comparison.
Does Apex Legends or CS2 require more skill?
Both games require different, complex skill sets. In Apex Legends, a player needs to position themselves strategically to avoid attacks, and they also need to have knowledge of their weapons. Luckily, the game has a practice range where new players can get acquainted with the game mechanics.
CS2, on the other hand, requires strategic skills, attention to detail, and clear communication with teammates in order to solve a complex problem. Some would argue that because these skills are needed along with knowledge of game mechanics, CS2 requires more skills.
Are these games skills-matched?
CS2 puts players into teams based on their leagues. However, the Premier League uses a skills-based matching system. Although there is debate around CS2’s matching system, the consensus is that free players are put randomly into teams.
Apex Legends, on the other hand, does use skills-based matchmaking. Players, however, are skeptical of the efficiency of this system as players are not normally arranged into effective teams.
Conclusion
Choosing between Apex Legends and Counter-Strike 2 is completely dependent on the player. The choice you make is dependent on what mode of gameplay you prefer: if you like battle royale-style leagues or if you prefer the quick, decisive gameplay of a first-person bomb defusal game. Whichever you choose, knowing that both games are free to play means that you can experiment and learn more about yourself and your gaming preferences through dedicated play.
