Head-to-head · PC Games
Counter-Strike 2 vs Apex Legends
Counter-Strike 2 leads on 1 check, Apex Legends on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCounter-Strike 2 · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
Counter-Strike 2 scores higher on our rubric for pc games: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
Apex Legends offers controller support; Counter-Strike 2 doesn't publish it. Counter-Strike 2 offers mod support; Apex Legends doesn't publish it. On supported os, Counter-Strike 2 gives you Multiple where Apex Legends offers Windows.
Counter-Strike 2 is the better fit for PC players seeking free tactical team matches. Apex Legends is the better fit for free battle royale with cross-platform parties.
- Counter-Strike 2 fits best
PC players seeking free tactical team matches
- Apex Legends fits best
Free battle royale with cross-platform parties
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Side by side
| Feature | Counter-Strike 2 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Apex Legends 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in PC Games | #7 in PC Games |
| Best for | PC players seeking free tactical team matches | Free battle royale with cross-platform parties |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Features Counter-Strike 2 2/4 · Apex Legends 2/4 | ||
| Single-player | — | — |
| Online multiplayer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Controller support | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Mod support | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Genre | Action | Not published |
| Supported OS | Multiple | Windows |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Counter-Strike 2 is Valve’s objective-based competitive first-person shooter for PC players who want tactical team matches without paying to access the base game. It runs on Windows and Linux and focuses on online multiplayer rather than a… Read the review → |
Apex Legends is a free-to-play online battle royale shooter for players who want squad matches built around characters with distinct skills. Its core Battle Royale mode pits players in 60-player matches, and limited-time modes and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Counter-Strike 2 — where it wins
- Free base game includes objective-based online team matches
- Premier mode tracks CS Rating and global and regional leaderboards
- Updated maps, dynamic smoke, and community Workshop tools
Where it doesn't
- Prime matchmaking requires a separate $14.99 upgrade
- Focused on online multiplayer, with no single-player mode
- Available on Windows and Linux, not a broad range of platforms
Apex Legends — where it wins
- 60-player Battle Royale matches and limited-time modes
- Legends bring distinct skills to team-based play
- Cross-platform parties and progression between EA app and Steam
Where it doesn't
- Requires an internet connection and an EA account
- Optional in-game purchases are available
- PC version supports Windows only
- Counter-Strike 29.3/10 · Free plan
A free competitive shooter with visible ratings, leaderboards, and optional Prime matchmaking.
Try Counter-Strike 2Full verdict → - Apex Legends8.8/10 · Free plan
A free online battle royale with distinct Legends and cross-platform play.
Visit Apex LegendsFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update