You read that right. There is now a free version of CS:GO. If you just want to try out the game but not willing to spend the money there’s now a free option.
The CS:GO-Free client is limited to offline matches with bots only but you can also use the GOTV spectator mode to view some one else’s gameplay.
CS:GO has a long esports history and by giving a free option, this should at least get more fans of the game to engage more even if they don’t want to play multiplayer.
There are other changes that are also detailed on the patch notes here.