Valve Announces Counter-Strike 2 Major, Epic Games Teases Fortnite Racing Mode, and Elden Ring DLC Arrives in June

In a whirlwind day for gaming fans, three major updates have lit up the community as Valve confirmed the first Counter-Strike 2 Major, Epic Games unveiled a new racing mode for Fortnite, and FromSoftware announced the release date for Elden Ring’s long-awaited DLC.

Let’s start with Valve, who officially revealed the inaugural Counter-Strike 2 Major, set to take place in Shanghai in December 2024. This marks the first global competitive event for the recently launched sequel to the classic tactical shooter. With a $1.25 million prize pool and qualifying events spanning multiple continents, Valve is signaling that Counter-Strike 2 is ready to take its place at the top of the esports pyramid. The Shanghai event will feature a revamped format, enhanced spectator tools, and a deeper integration with CS2’s new Source 2 engine.

Meanwhile, Epic Games is shifting gears—literally—with a surprise announcement teasing an all-new racing mode for Fortnite. Following last year’s successful foray into rhythm-based and survival modes, this racing expansion is a part of Fortnite’s broader push into becoming a multi-genre platform. Early footage shows fast-paced, Mario Kart-style gameplay with weapon pickups, vehicle customization, and familiar Fortnite characters behind the wheel. The mode is expected to launch as a limited-time event this summer, with potential to become a permanent fixture depending on player response.

Finally, FromSoftware ended the day on a high note by officially confirming the release date for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the game’s long-anticipated DLC. Launching on June 21, the expansion promises a massive new realm, terrifying bosses, and deeper lore. Teased since last year, Shadow of the Erdtree will continue the story of Elden Ring’s enigmatic universe and is expected to offer upwards of 20 additional hours of gameplay.

With esports milestones, genre-expanding updates, and one of the decade’s most beloved RPGs getting fresh content, today’s news cements 2024 as a landmark year for gamers across the board.