Do you still have to use BePinEx to mod CS2 if you dont use paradox mods?

I finally picked up CS2, and was wanting to install a couple mods to get going.

Immediately put off by paradox demanding an account to install mods from paradox mods, so I am trying to get mods from elsewhere.. and the only thing i can find is stuff from a year+ ago saying BePinEx is needed to install mods.

Just wanted to make sure if this is still what you have to do today, before I go down a rabbit hole.