In November 2019, Agents were introduced to Counter-Strike as part of the Operation Shattered Web update. These Agents are essentially character skins, which can be purchased from the Steam Community Market. Each brings its own unique aesthetic to the server, and much like Counter-Strike 2 weapon skins, offers a new way to customize your inventory.

Some hardcore players swear off the use of Agents. They can give a free competitive advantage to the opponent, as they make it easier to identify players. Still, they remain very popular among the Counter-Strike 2 community.

Counter-Strike 2 T-Side Agents Tier List

Agents are available on both the T and CT sides in Counter-Strike 2. There are 65 in total, with 35 terrorist and 30 counter-terrorist CS2 Agents, so there's plenty to rank here.

We're starting off with the T-side CS2 Agents. In my opinion, this ??is where the strongest designs are found. The price tags can reflect this, with some T-side Agents costing as much as $160 on the Steam Community Market.

These rankings are based purely on aesthetics. Counter-Strike 2 isn't (and hopefully will never? be) pay-to-win, so that's the only real thing there is to rank these ?skins on.

S Tier

• Bloody Darryl The Strapped
• Elite Trapper Solman
• Number K
• Rezan The Ready
• Sir Bloody Miami Darryl
• Sir Bloody Loudmouth Darryl

A Tier

• Getaway Sally
• 'Medium Rare' Crasswater
• Rezan The Redshirt
• Safecracker Voltzmann
• Sir Bloody Darryl Royale
• Sir Bloody Silent Darryl
• Sir Bloody Skullhead Darryl
• Slingshot
• 'The Doctor' Romanov

B Tier

• Arno The Overgrown
• Blackwolf
• Crasswater The Forgotten
• Dragomir
• Dragomir (Footsoldier)
• Enforcer
• Jungle Rebel
• Street Soldier
• Soldier
• The Elite Mr. Muhlik
• Vypa Sista of the Revolution

C Tier

• Col. Mangos Dabisi
• Default
• Ground Rebel
• Little Kev
• Maximus
• Osiris
• Prof. Shahmat
• Trapper
• Trapper Aggressor

Counter-Strike 2 CT-Side Agents Tier List

Moving on to Counter-Strike 2's CT-side Agents, we see fewer placings in the S and A Tiers. Again, these are based on looks, and many of the CT Agents in CS2 are jus?t slight variations of one another. This means more Agen??ts are placed in the B and C Tiers.

This doesn't mean you should completely write off these agents. Appearance is subjectiv?e, right?

S Tier

• Chem-Haz Capitaine
• Special Agent Ava

A Tier

• 'Blueberries' Buckshot
• Chef d'Escadron Rouchard
• Cmdr. Mae 'Dead Cold' Jamison
• Lieutenant Rex Krikey
• Officer Jacques Beltram
• Primeiro Tenente

B Tier

• 1st Lieutenant Farlow
• 3rd Commando Company
• Bio-Haz Specialist
• Chem-Haz Specialist
• Cmdr. Davida 'Goggles' Fernandez
• Cmdr. Frank 'Wet Sox' Baroud
• John 'Van Healen' Kask
• Lieutenant 'Tree Hugger' Farlow
• Markus Delrow (HRT)
• Operator (SWAT)
• Seal Team 6 Soldier
• Sous-Lieutenant Medic

C Tier

• Aspirant
• B Squadron Officer
• Buckshot
• D Squadron Officer (NZ)
• Default
• Lt. Commander Ricksaw
• Michael Syfers (Sniper)
• Sergeant Bombson
• 'Two Times' McCoy (Cavalry)
• 'Two Times' McCoy (USAF)

The post Coun??ter-Strike 2 Agents Tier List: All ??CS2 Agents, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

Back in October, Counter-Strike 2 released its weapon charms update. This release brought tiny sausage men to the world of CS2, giving players a new way to customize their in-game weapons. Skins and stickers were old news - this was the er??a of the weapon charms.

So far, 33 CS2 weapon charms have been released so far, separated into two different categories: Missing Link and Small Arms. We're taking a look at both collections, putting them into Tier Lists to see which ones you should be tak?ing a look at adding to your inventory.

Counter-Strike 2 Missing Link charms Tier List

Missing Link Counter-Strike 2 charms are the previously mentioned "tiny sausage men." All of these weapon charms share the same shape - small sausage bodies, with adorable arms and legs pointing off of them. Each charm has a unique design, mostly originating from things directly from CS2. Things like Lil' Ava, based on the Special Agent Ava skin, or Lil' Monster, which is a direct homage to the CS2 map, Overpass.

Alongside our Tier List for the Missing Link Counter-Strike 2 weapon charms, we've also included a guide price for each. They all have rarities, just like any other collectible CS2 item, so this means the price is different, too. These prices are based on recent St??eam transactions for all the w?eapon charms.

S Tier

• Chicken Lil' ($3)
• Hot Wurst ($25)
• Lil' Whiskers ($3.40)

A Tier

• Lil' Monster ($8)
• Lil' SAS ($1.10)
• That's Bananas ($2.40)

B Tier

• Big Kev ($0.75)
• Diamond Dog ($15.50)
• Hot Howl ($42)
• Lil' Ava ($0.60)
• Lil' Sandy ($2.25)
• Lil' Teacup ($4)

C Tier

• Diner Dog ($7)
• Hot Sauce ($0.80)
• Lil' Crass ($0.70)
• Lil' Squatch ($1.50)
• Pinch O' Salt ($0.75)

Remember, because CS2 weapon charms are still pretty new, the prices are still in flux. The market is still determining wher?e their final value will land, so it could be a while before we know exactly how much each one will set you ??back. Still, it's good to have a ballpark figure at the moment for the minimum you can expect to pay.

It's also worth mentioning that each charm has a unique patter??n between 1 and 100,000. This determines the color of the charm - some are worth more than others in specific colors.

Counter-Strike 2 Small Arms charms Tier List

In addition to the Missing Link collection, there are also the Small Arms Counter-Strike 2 charms. These charms are made to resemble various CS2 weapons, many of which feature an artistic twis?t. These are my favorite - there's something very meta about sticking an AK-47 charm on an AK in-game.

S Tier

• Baby Karat CT ($28)
• Baby Karat T ($55)
• Die-cast AK ($6.50)

A Tier

• Baby's AK ($0.75)
• POP Art ($1.80)
• Semi-Precious ($23)
• Titeenium AWP ($7.75)

B Tier

• Hot Hands ($1.55)
• Lil' Squirt ($8.15)
• Pocket AWP ($0.45)
• Stitch-Loaded ($0.25)
• Whittle Knife ($0.55)

C Tier

• Backsplash ($0.25)
• Disco MAC ($1.40)
• Glamour Shot ($2.15)
• Lil' Cap Gun ($0.25)

The post Counte?r-Strike 2 weapon charms Tier List: All CS2 charms, ?ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

Counter-Strike has 25 years of history behind it. At this point, it's one of the longest-running FPS series that remains relevant today. Some maps that still fe?ature in the game have been involved from the very start.

Choosing the 10 best Counter-Strike maps of all time is a difficult job, considering the series' long history. But someone's got to do it, so le??t's try, shall we?

10. Office

• Game: Counter-Strike: Source

There's something nostalgic about Office, and it's not that Counter-Strike fans were all really into playing th?e H?ostage Rescue game mode back in 2004.

Instead, you're more likely to recognize Counter-Strike: Source's Office from Garry's Mod, where it was repurposed for modes like Prop Hunt. Is it the best map for classic Counter-Strike gameplay? No. But it makes it onto th?is ?list for its iconic status alone.

9. Overpass

• Game: Counter-Strike 2

While Overpass was first introduced in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it received a significant facelift with CS2's release, giving it a new lease of life. Despite its removal from the Active Duty map pool, the latest version of Overpass is t??he best so far.

The map is an AWPer's paradise, with various long lanes ?to find impact. Overpass suits tactical players, with plenty of ways to execute utility into either bombsite. Sure, you can sometimes aim-duel your way to victory, but those with solid tactics will usually win on Overpass.

8. Anubis

• Game: Counter-Strike 2

Anubis was first designed by community members Roald, jakuza, and jd40, before Valve purchased it for CS:GO. It required no fundamental changes during the move to Counter-Strike 2, such is the strength of its level design. After a shi?ny lighting overhaul, Anubis was good to go.

Although Anubis is one of the newest official maps to be added, it's not too early to call it one of the best Counter-Strike maps ever. There's much to consider in each a?rea on the CT side, while T-side players have plenty of options for intricate mid-round decisions.

7. Cobblestone

• Game: Counter-Strike 1.6

Cobblestone (or de_cbble, as it was known) had its best days in Counter-Strike 1.6. This map's castle theme features a unique amount of verticality, resulting in unique gunfights you'd rarely be given on any other Counter-Strike map. Its rocky aesthetic was a fun escape from the typically sandy CS maps, too.

Newer versions of Cobblestone have undergone too ma??ny rough changes, contributing ??to a worse map overall. Still, we'll always have the original.

6. Cache

• Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Cache is mapmaker FMPONE's masterpiece. It essentially perfects Counter-Strike's three-lane map formula, with a distinct Soviet style that sets it apart from the other maps. The best version of Cache arrived in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and we can only hope it returns in CS2.

Interestingly, Cache doesn't require as much tactical nous as other maps to get the win. Pure aimgods can succeed here, which ?might be why it's so p??opular with fans.

5. Train

• Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Okay, I may have called Overpass an AWPer's paradise earlier, but I lied. Train takes that title comfortably. Pick a lane on either side, hol??d it with an AWP, and win. Simple! Train has such a?? unique layout among the best Counter-Strike maps that it would be impossible to leave it out of any list like this.

Ever since Counter-Strike 1.6, Train has been a series staple. Slight improvements led to its best version in CS:GO, and I can't wait to see how it plays in its eventual Counter-Strike 2 release.

4. Nuke

• Game: Counter-Strike 2

If you like verticality in your Counter-Strike maps, you must love Nuke. There are three levels to worry about, all of which can be a threat at any given time. The bombsites are essentially on top of each other, ensuring Nuke plays differently from any other CS map.

The map was much larger in its CS 1.6 versio??n and has slowly been streamlined over the years, such as the closing of the second vent or removing the railings around the building outside. These have been for the ma?p's good, with the CS2 iteration being the best to date.

3. Inferno

• Game: Counter-Strike: Source

Inferno is a controversial pick for some. The map's meta is very much figured out at high-level play nowadays, but back in Counter-Strike: Source, this wasn't always the case. Inferno's layout allows communicative teams to approach each round in ?several way?s, making it one of the most fun maps to play with friends.

Maybe it's nostalgia speaking, but the CS:S version clears the CS:GO and CS:GO reworks. Specifically, A-site and Banana feel?? much better when playing old iterations of Inferno.

2. Mirage

• Game: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Mirage has something for everyone. Want to take every aim duel and win matches via pure skill? Go for it. Want to perform meticulously planned team tactics with complex utility usage? Mirage will let you. No matter what type of player you are, Mirage complements your style, which is why it has been the most popular Counter-Strike map ever since its official release in 2013.

While the CS2 version is shiny and pretty, we think the CS:GO version edges it out for a place on this list. The more washed-out colors in the CS:GO original add more to the atmosphere.

1. Dust2

• Game: Counter-Strike 1.6

Dust2 and Counter-Strike are synonymous. There isn't one without the other. It's one of the most iconic FPS multiplayer maps ever, peaking with the CS 1.6 origi?nal. Despite numerous versions over the years, Dust2 has never undergone any significant changes to its ??layout. Why change perfection?

The map remains in Counter-Strike 2's Active Duty map pool. While it may be rotated occasionally to give it some time out, it'll likely always be the best Counter-Strike map ever made. It'd take some beating.

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There are two types of Counter-Strike 2 players. Those who have Prime, and those who don't. No, not Amazon Prime - Counter-Strike 2 Prime, an account status that co?mes with a bunch ??of benefits for players who own it.

But is CS2 Prime Status actually worth the?? money? Let's take a look.

What is Counter-Strike 2 Prime Status?

Counter-Strike 2 Prime Status is an optional extra that you can pick up from the Steam Marketplace. While Counter-Strike 2 is usually free-to-play, there? are a slew of benefits you gain from picking up Prime Status.

For a one-time purchase of $14.99, you gain access to XP, competitive skill groups, and Premier Mode. You also get a weekly in-game drop by playing matches, giving you a skin and a free CS2 case to open.

All of that is great, but those perks aren't the real selling point of Counter-Strike 2 Prime Status. You see, Prime players can only be matchmade with other Prime owners. Why is that import??ant? Cheaters. Naturally, cheaters use free-to-play servers to avoid losing money if banned, and Prime Status circumvents this entirely.

Is Counter-Strike 2 Prime Status worth it?

In a word, yes. I'd go as far as to say Counter-Strike 2 Prime Status is ess?ential if you want to ?have fun in the game at the moment.

The cheating problem in CS2 remains so, so bad, even in Premier Mode, where Prime is required. Valve continues to iterate on VAC, but until it is perfected, cheaters will continue to run rampant in Counter-Strike 2. This is amplified on non-Prime servers, where accounts don't need to pay a $14.99 entry fee to get involved. If they do get banne??d, they ca??n just create another and try again!

Cheating issues aside, Prime Status pays for itself eventually, anyway. You can sell the free weekly drops you earn instead of using them. If you're someone who plays a lot of Counter-Strike 2, this will add up to the amou?nt you paid over a l??ong period of time.

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Counter-Strike 2 offers four official game modes in total, giving players a few unique ways to play the game. Given the CS formula is pretty well-established at this point, it's rare to see a new game mode join the fold. These are all of the game modes you can play right now in Counter-Strike 2!

We're only going to cover official CS2 modes here, so any that didn't make the jump from CS:GO (sorry, Danger Zone!) and community-made modes like Surf a?nd KZ won't be featured.

Bomb Defusal

Bomb Defusal is by far the most popular Counter-Strike 2 game mode. This is classic CS, the tactical 5v5 formula the series has been based on ever since its inception. You look as far back as Counter-Strike 1.6, and you'll still see Bomb Defusal being the most played game mode. Most CS2 maps are designed for this mode, too, and it remains the foc??us of the game's esports scene.

The game mode itself is simple enough. Five terrorists enter the m??ap and can win rounds via one of two ways: plant the bomb on either bomb site and wait for it to explode or eliminate all of the counter-terrorists. CT's job is to kill all of the terrorists or, if the bomb is planted, defuse it. If counter-terrorists defeat the terrorists but can't defuse in time, they still lose the round. After 12 rounds, teams switch sides, and the firs?t to 13 wins.

This formula has kept the Counter-Strike series releva??nt for?? 25 years now, and it's showing no signs of slowing down.

Hostage Rescue

Hostage Rescue is yet another staple of the Counter-Strike series. While not as popular among fans as Bomb Defusal, Hostage Rescue has been included ever since 1.6, offering another unique 5v5 experience. Several Counter-Strike 2 maps have been made exclusively for Hostage Rescue, including returning favorites Office and Italy??????????????????????????.

The rules of Hostage Rescue are pretty self-explanatory. ?Counter-terrorists need to extract at least one of the two hostages on the map to win the round or simply kill the terrorists. On the other side, ter??rorists need to either eliminate all the Counter-Terrorists or simply run down the clock without any hostages being extracted.

Wingman

Wingman is a massive change of pace from the other Counter-Strike 2 game modes. This mode offers a 2v2 experience wit??????????????????????????h the same ruleset as Bomb Defusal but on a much smaller scale. Because there are only tw?o players on each team, the rounds are much faster-paced.

The maps reflect this change i??n scale, too. Some 5v5 Bomb Defusal maps have been cut off to feature just one bomb site instead of the standard two, while others like Assembly and Memento have been created?? exclusively for Wingman. If you usually play with one other friend and want to warm up quickly before heading into Bomb Defusal matches, Wingman could be a very useful game mode for you.

Deathmatch

Want to play Counter-Strike 2 like it's Call of Duty? Deathmatch is right up your alley. You know the drill here. Standard CS2 maps, free-for-all, the pla??yer with the most kills at the end of the game wins. You can purchase any weapon from the buy menu, allowing you to change throu??ghout the match.

Deathmatch is mainly played by casuals, but it can be a very useful tool for hardcore players, too. In 15 minutes of Deathmatch, you're likely to take as many gun duels as you are in an entire night of playing Bomb Defusal. This makes it perfect for practicing gunfights, improving your aim and crosshair placement, and warming up before playing other Counter-Strike 2 game modes.

Arms Race

Back in Counter-Strike 1.6, a mod called Gun Game invented a brand-new game mode. Nowadays, it still exists in the form of Arms Race, which was readded to CS2 in a February 2024 update. In this mode, you must work your way through 16 tiers of weapons, progressing by getting two kills with each. You can take players down to a previous level by kni?fing or Zeusing them, w??hich can be frustrating, to say the least. The final tier requires you to get a knife kill, making for a tense ending to matches.

Two maps, Baggage and Shoots, can only be played in Arms Race, although Pool Day is also in the map pool for this game mode. Arms Race is perfect for beginner players, as it lets them use and get familiar with Counter-Strike 2 weapons they might not usually buy.

The post All Counter-Strike 2 game modes, explained appeared first on Destructoid.

Counter-Strike 2 has releas??ed a major new update titled "The Armory," which focuses on bringing even more cosmetics to Valve's tactic?al FPS.

Many in the CS2 community were disappointed to see Valve allow the game's first anniversary to go uncelebrated, but it appears the d?eveloper had something big c??ooking that wasn't quite ready in time.

Counter-Strike 2 gets a battle pass (sort of)

The Armory Pass is arguably the most signif?icant addition in this update. Coming in at $15.99, this allows you to earn credits for each match you play, which can be spent on all the new cosmetics (which we'll get onto soon enough). It's essentially a battle pass, where you have a little more choice over your rewards.

You can buy and activate five of these Armory Passes at a time, all of which will continue to earn credits concurrently. Cynically, it almost sounds like Valve has figured out a way to sell five battle passes at the same time,? but I'll let you make up your own mind on that front.

Charms, stickers, and skins, oh my!

For the first time ever, weapon charms have come to Counter-Strike 2. There are two of these collections: Missing Link and Small Arms Charms. The Missing Link charms are, as described by Valve, a collection of "tiny sausage men" you can place anywhere on your weapon. Small Arms are similar, instead made to resemble iconic CS2 weapons. They're undeniably char??ming and a fun new customization option.

Next are the three new weapon collections: Overpass, Graphic, and Sport and Field.? Each adds 16 new weapon skins to the game, as well as the Gallery Case, which features 17 community-designed skins.

If you're keeping count, this combines for a total of 65 new Counter-Strike 2 skins, making this a huge day for cosmetics-loving sections of th??e community.

And there are fresh stickers, too. The new CS2 update sees the release of two sticker collections, giving? you plenty to play around with. As mentioned, the above cosmetics can be purchased by earning credits through the Armory Pass.

See the full list of patch notes in the new Counter-Strike 2 update below:

[ THE ARMORY ]

• The Armory is now available in the store (//store.steampowered.com/sale/armory)
• Features 3 new weapon collections, 2 charm collections, 2 sticker collections, the Gallery Case, and the Heat Treated Desert Eagle
• Purchase and activate an Armory Pass to start earning Armory Credits
• Make progress toward credits whenever you earn XP with an active Armory Pass
• Redeem credits for items in the Armory

[ CHARMS ]

• Introducing Charms: dynamic items you can apply to your favorite weapons. Currently available exclusively in the Armory
• Drag and drop Charms to precisely place them on the weapon of your choice. A weapon can have one charm attached at a time
• Use a Charm Detachment to detach the Charm from a weapon. The Charm will return to your inventory and can be reused
• Redeeming a Charm from the Armory grants three complimentary Charm Detachments. Additional Charm Detachments are available for purchase

[ INVENTORY & ITEMS ]

• All items acquired from the in-game store (including the Armory), Trade Offers, and Steam Community Market are now subject to a 7 day re-trade and re-market restriction
• All stickers, patches, and charms available on Steam Community Market, in the Armory, or on friends' Steam Inventory web pages can now be previewed on your own inventory items
• Removed ability to delete weapon cases from your inventory
• Added sticker scrape level selector when applying new stickers to weapons
• Added precise sticker wear level selector when scraping existing stickers on inventory weapons. Any applied stickers can only increase their sticker scrape level
• Added a way to immediately remove existing stickers from inventory weapons in addition to sticker scraping
• Added nametag module preview on the actual items when applying nametags
• Fixed several cases where applying nametags or stickers would unequip the weapon from your loadout
• Customizing a base weapon that's currently equipped will now auto-equip the newly customized version

[ ANIMATION ]

• Improved character posing when on large slopes
• Made feet pin and unpin differently for all use cases to help remove aggressively leaned characters (AKA the MJ lean)
• Pin/unpin IK logic now not affected by poor server ping times
• Feet IK now repositions to idle pose if the feet have pinned at a largely different pose to that authored
• Re-authored run, walk, and crouch content to fix wide/scissor leg posing when traversing
• Changed ladder animations and behavior so characters heads are much more representative of where the player camera is, including characters now display crouch correctly when on ladders
• Removed popping when crouching or uncrouching while jumped and reduced leaning on jump animations
• Fixed character's pose popping when falling off a ledge
• Fix for many cases where character's posing would subtly pop when traversing with slow moving weapons

[ GAMEPLAY ]

• Flashbangs and HE grenades no longer prematurely detonate when they exceed their 'stuck bounce' limit

[ GRAPHICS ]

• Added a Display selection dropdown for non-windowed Fullscreen mode to the Video settings screen
• Fixed graphics artifacts for fire effect in the Advanced Video tab

[ AUDIO ]

• Fixed a bug where UI sounds wouldn't position correctly when in-game
• Fixed an issue where step sounds would play for the local player but fail to broadcast to other players and vice-versa
• Fixed an issue where ragdoll water splash sounds would erroneously play on alive players
• Fixed a case where voice chat didn't work on community servers
• Fixed a case where incoming voice chats would sometimes never close

[ NETWORKING ]

• Added telemetry option to display graphs of network jitter and misdelivery
• Changed how packet misdelivery is measured. Previously, if packets arrived out of order, this could be counted as misdelivery even if it was corrected and did not impact gameplay. Also, jitter was not considered, even though excessive jitter can disrupt smooth gameplay. The new measurement method will only count reordered packets as misdelivered if they impact gameplay. Furthermore, if network jitter exceeds a threshold where gameplay is affected, the packets are counted as misdelivered even if they are not dropped and arrive in order

[ MAPS ]

• Ancient

  • Fixed some disappearing geometry
  • Fixed some cases where players could detect player movement through water from across the map
  • Fixed some pixel peeks
  • Fixed a case where player shadows could be seen through geometry
  • Adjusted some clipping for better player movement

• Anubis

  • Fixed some missing collision
  • Nudged some geometry and clipping that were blocking grenade throws
  • Improved clipping on some floors for more predictable grenade throws
  • Fixed a pixel peek
  • Adjusted clipping in a few areas for better player movement

• Dust2

  • Fixed some clipping at B site

• Italy

  • Added to competitive matchmaking
  • Fixed bird animations

• Mirage

  • Fixed some C4 stuck spots

• Nuke

  • Fixed a pixel walk
  • Fixed some C4 stuck spots
  • Fixed some gaps in geometry where items could get lost
  • Fixed some disappearing geometry

• Overpass

  • Adjusted some grenade clipping to prevent bad grenade bounces

[ WORKSHOP ]

• Added optional 3rd layer to environment blend shader
• Added biplanar mapping as an option for environment shaders
• Added optional wetness layer, paintable in Hammer on environment materials with the feature enabled
• Added color correction, roughness, and normal adjustments to foliage shader and static overlays

[ MISC ]

• Removed support for command line options that were intended for development purposes only

The post Major Counter-Strike 2 update adds ‘tiny sausage men’ weapon charms and more appeared first on Destructoid.

In Counter-Strike 2, utility is everything. The game features five different pieces of utility to use, each having its own unique purpose on the server. You can hold four utility items at a time, meaning yo??u've got to choose which ones ??you'll be taking into a round.

Strong utility usage separates the good from the great Counter-Strike 2 players. Knowing the right way to use these items can be the difference between winning and losing a match, so it's crucial to ??know what each piece of utility does.

HE Grenade

• Cost: $300

This is just your typical ??grenade, useful for chipping away at your opponent's HP throughout a round. While most useful against unarmored opponents, you can still expect to deal almost 60 damage with a direct hit against full armor.

HE stands for "high explosive," so it's no surprise that HE Grenades are great for stopping rushes at the start of a round. Certain Counter-Strike 2 maps have choke points that T-side players will rush to gain s??ome map control early, but a well-placed HE Grenade can put a stop to that. They're also perfect to finish off an opponent that you know has low HP. Just lob a HE Grenade to their general location, which should net you the kill.

Flashbang

• Cost: $200

Flashbangs are the ultimate piece of support utility in Counter-Strike 2. As you might expect, they're used to completely blind your opponents, giving you the advantage in a gunfight. Costing just $200 per Flashbang, they're the only piece of CS2 utility ??that you can carry two of them at the same time.

While there are certain scenarios where you can throw a Flashbang for yourself to peek, they're best used as part of team communication. A teammate throws the Flashbang, and as it pops, you take more?? space and kill any blind enemies. It's especially powerful if you know exactly where an enemy is, as it's near-impossible for them to hit you while fully blind.

Smoke Grenade

• Cost: $300

The Smoke Grenade might be Counter-Strike 2's most important piece of utility. When thrown, it creates a plume of smoke wherever it lands, obscuring visibility. You can still shoot through Smoke Grenades, and you can dissipate them with a HE Grenade. They can also be used to extinguish Molotov??s and Incendiary Grenades.

Many CS2 players learn Smoke Grenade lineups. These allow you to throw them from safety, ?blocking off commonly held angles on the bombsites before you've even entered them. This makes it far easier to take a bombsite on the T-side. For CTs, Smoke Grenades can halt the T approach. Sometimes, they'll just run straight through it, but that often carries more risk than it's worth.

Incendiary Grenade / Molotov

• Cost: $500 (Incendiary Grenade), $400 (Molotov)

The Incendiary Grenade and Molotov are the same concept, with a couple of important differences. At their core, they're both grenades that spread fire wherever they land that can be extinguished with a Smo?ke Grenade. The CT-side gets the Incendiary Grenade, which is more expensive but actually worse to use. T-side players get the Molotov, which spreads fire further and for longer. Five seconds on the Incendiary, seven on the Molotov.

So why the slight differences? On th??e CT-side, the Incendiary Grenade is primarily used to stop Terrorist rushes through the maps' choke points. Only burning for five seconds helps give rounds a good pace, as CTs must think more strategically about when and where to throw their Incendiary Grenades.

??The T-side Molotov is usually used to burn Counter-Terrorists out of hiding spots. As you're entering a bomb site, throwing a Molotov can be the perfect way to force a gunfight if you have an inkling about where CTs might be waiting. It's also great for making sure CTs can't defuse during the final seconds of the bomb ticking down. Throw a Molotov on it and confirm that round win!

Decoy Grenade

• Cost: $50

At $50, the Decoy Grenade is by far the least popular piece of Counter-Strike 2 utility. It's just ??not very effective. When thrown, Decoy Grenades make the noise of your currently held weapon where it lands. This helps fake pr??esence on the map, but nowadays, very few players will fall for this.

It's especially useless on the CT-side, where weapons like the USP-S and M4A1-S have?? silencers, making the Decoys silent, too. If you want to use the Decoy Grenade, throw it as a fake Flashbang. As it flies through the air, a Decoy looks just like a Flashbang. This often makes players ??instinctively turn away to avoid being blinded. Peek your opponent as they're not looking for a free kill.

The post All Counter-Strike 2 utility, explained appeared first on Destructoid.

In Counter-Strike 2, the UMP-45 is perhaps one of the most underappreciated weapons. For $1200, players have access to a powerful c?lose-range SMG that's perfect for tuc?king away on tight angles.

In the right hand, the UMP-45 can deal tons of damage and can be bought on both the T and CT sides. Despite this, it's not exactly the most popular weapon in the game, with most players opting for the MAC-10 and MP9 as budget SMG options. It still has 41 weapon skin?s to use - let's rank them!

Counter-Strike 2 UMP-45 Skins Tier List

There's only one factor we're considering when ranking these UMP-45 CS2 skins into a Tier List: aesthetics. If you're adding a new Counter-Strike 2 skin to your loadout, you won't (or shouldn't, at least) buy one you don't lik?e. That's why our Tier List focuses on how cool a skin looks. The S Tier and A Tier skins are the ones you need in your inventory, while the B and C Tier ones you can probably skip unless you massiv??ely disagree with our rankings.

Just because a skin is expensive doesn't mean it's good. Cheap doesn't necessarily mean bad, either, with some of the best UMP-45 skins in Counter-Strike 2 being among the most affordable to pick up. Because of this, price isn't a factor in this Tier List. However, we've still included a guide price based on Steam transactions for the Factory New versions of each skin. It's ??useful information, even if it doesn't determine which skin is the "best."

S Tier

• Momentum ($10)
• Primal Saber ($14)
• Wild Child ($13)

A Tier

• Arctic Wolf ($1.50)
• Blaze ($20)
• Carbon Fiber ($0.14)
• Crime Scene ($110)
• Exposure ($1.75)
• Fade ($500)
• Labyrinth ($0.30)
• Minotaur's Labyrinth ($140)
• Scaffold ($4)

B Tier

• Caramel ($55)
• Delusion ($3)
• Fallout Warning ($80)
• Full Stop ($2)
• Grand Prix ($0.50)
• Gunsmoke ($0.18)
• Indigo ($15)
• Moonrise ($1.35)
• Motorized ($0.35)
• Plastique ($2)
• Urban DDPAT ($0.10)

C Tier

• Bone Pile ($17)
• Briefing ($0.40)
• Corporal ($1)
• Day Lily ($130)
• Default ($0)
• Facility Dark ($0.03)
• Gold Bismuth ($7)
• Houndstooth ($4.50)
• Mechanism ($5)
• Metal Flowers ($4.50)
• Mudder ($0.08)
• Oscillator ($0.50)
• Riot ($0.45)
• Roadblock ($0.30)
• Scorched ($12)

You may notice that some of these skins cross the $100 mark in price. It's worth remembering that these prices reflect the?? cost of the Factory New versions of these skins, whic??h are by far the most expensive.

There are four other wear ratings in Counter-Strike 2: Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred. Each wear rating sees each skin become more worn, which, in most cases, reduces the cost ??dramatically. Consider this if you reckon a skin costs more than you're willing to spend.

The post Counter-Strike 2? UMP-45 skins Tier List: All CS2 UMP-45 skins, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

The Five-SeveN is one of the most powerful sidearms in Counter-Strike 2. Besides the Desert Eagle, this CT side pistol has arguably the highest skill ceiling of any secondary weapon in the game. Kind of useless when used by a new player but incredibly dangerous in the hands of a CS veteran.

Like all weapons in CS2, the Five-SeveN features 36 unique weapon skins you can purchase to jazz up the appea??rance of your sidearm. Let's put them into a Tier List, shall we?

Counter-Strike 2 Five-SeveN Skins Tier List

Our rankings for this Tier List are based purely on the appearance of each skin. You're spoiled for choice with Five-SeveN skins, with plenty of awesome options that don't cost an arm and a leg to pick up. The S and A Tier skins are the ones we think you should be looking at, but the subjective natu?re of this means you may find your favorite tucked away in the B and C Tiers, too.

For many players, the price will also be important. That's why we've included an approximate price you can expect to pay when buying the Factory New versions of these Five-SeveN skins. A note, though. Prices in the Counter-Strike 2 skins market are always changing, so ??you may find that some of these are cheaper or more expensive at the time of reading. Still, it's good to get an idea of which ones are in your price range.

S Tier

• Angry Mob ($13.50)
• Berries And Cherries ($110)
• Boost Protocol ($4.50)
• Fairy Tale ($60)
• Hyper Beast ($115)

A Tier

• Candy Apple ($100)
• Capillary ($0.50)
• Copper Galaxy ($8)
• Fall Hazard ($300)
• Fowl Play ($10)
• Hybrid ($3)
• Monkey Business ($14)
• Retrobution ($3.50)
• Scrawl ($0.30)
• Triumvirate ($5)
• Urban Hazard ($2)

B Tier

• Buddy ($2)
• Case Hardened ($22)
• Coolant ($0.03)
• Crimson Blossom ($140)
• Flame Test ($0.25)
• Neon Kimono ($350)
• Nitro ($40)
• Silver Quartz ($0.60)
• Violent Daimyo ($0.80)

C Tier

• Anodized Gunmetal ($12)
• Contractor ($20)
• Default ($0)
• Forest Night ($0.15)
• Hot Shot ($17)
• Jungle ($30)
• Kami ($2.30)
• Nightshade ($3)
• Orange Peel ($0.30)
• Scumbria ($0.45)
• Withered Vine ($6.50)

As you can see, Five-SeveN skins in Counter-Strike 2 range from a few cents to hundreds of dollars. You don't always have to go big to get the skins you want, however??. Our prices reflect the Factory New versions of the above skins, but you can opt for Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, or Battle-Scarred options instead to bring the price down considerably.

The Five-SeveN Hyper Beast is an excellent example of this. You can expect to pay around $115 to p??ick this up in Factory New, while the Battle-Scarred variant comes in at approximately $25 at the moment. A steep discount, to say the lea??st.

The post Counter??-Strike 2 Five-SeveN skins Tier List: All CS2 Five-SeveN skins, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

The P250 might just be Counter-Strike 2's most unde??rrated weapon. In the right hands, this $300 sidearm can become a death machine, making it a perfect choice for eco rounds.

It may not have the devastating power of the Desert Eagle, but the P250 more than holds its own in the current CS2 meta. Because of this, there are a bunch of popular P250 Counter-Strike skins?? to collect in-game - 48 of them, to be exact. Let's rank them!

Counter-Strike 2 P250 Skins Tier List

To rank our Counter-Strike 2 P250 skins Tier List, we're basing it primarily on each one's aesthetics. Now, this is totally subjective, and you might disagree with a few of them, but we think these are the best-looking skins in CS2. When buying yo?ur new P250 skin, this is always going to be the deciding factor, which is why we're using it for our rankings.

Cost is important, too, of course. While the price of these skins doesn't affect this Tier List, we have included a guide price for each one ba??sed on their cost on the Steam Marketplace at the moment. This is ever-changing, but it's good t??o know which skins are in your approximate price range. The P250 is unique in that many of its most interesting skins actually cost the least to buy, so there are a few bargain opportunities here.

S Tier

• Asiimov ($19)
• Cassette ($0.20)
• Muertos ($11)
• Visions ($12)
• Wingshot ($5.50)
• Whiteout ($180)

A Tier

• Apep's Curse ($100)
• Cartel ($17)
• Crimson Kimono ($31)
• Facility Draft ($0.03)
• Metallic DDPAT ($0.15)
• Re.built ($0.30)
• See Ya Later ($10.50)
• Supernova ($1.80)
• Valence ($0.80)

B Tier

• Bengal Tiger ($25)
• Cyber Shell ($1.50)
• Dark Filigree ($10)
• Digital Architect ($55)
• Exchanger ($0.55)
• Franklin ($1.70)
• Gunsmoke ($50)
• Mehndi ($25)
• Nevermore ($1.80)
• Nuclear Threat ($400)
• Red Rock ($11)
• Ripple ($0.42)
• Undertow ($55)
• Verdigris ($0.55)
• Vino Primo ($7)
• X-Ray ($0.60)

C Tier

• Black & Tan ($28)
• Bone Mask ($8)
• Boreal Forest ($0.12)
• Contaminant ($1.20)
• Contamination ($3.90)
• Default ($0)
• Drought ($0.85)
• Facets ($45)
• Forest Night ($2.50)
• Hive ($7.50)
• Inferno ($2)
• Iron Clad ($0.60)
• Mint Kimono ($6.50)
• Modern Hunter ($450)
• Sand Dune ($0.50)
• Splash ($40)
• Steel Disruption ($2.50)

All of the prices that we're u?sing here reflect (about) what it should cost you to grab the Factory New versions of these skins. That doesn't mean you can't grab them for cheaper, though. Wear rating is often a big factor in skin price, and if you're willing to compromise on quality, you can also go for a Minim??al Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, or Battle-Scarred version of each skin instead.

The P250 Whiteout is a great example here, coming in at around $180 in Factory New. However, the Minimal Wear version will cost you about $50 - a massive change despite the minute diffe??rence in quality.

The post Counter-Strike 2 P250 skins Tier List: Al??l CS2 P250 skins, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

The Galil AR is one of Counter-Strike 2's most useful weapons. At $1800, it represents a budget alternative to the AK-47 on T side while still being more than capable of winni??ng ?rounds in the right hands.

Because of how useful it can be, the Galil AR a?lso has some of the game's most popular skins. Found either in cases or on the Steam Marketplace, there are 34 Galil AR skins in total, ??ranging anywhere from a few cents to hundreds of dollars.

Counter-Strike 2 Galil AR Skins Tier List

If you're choosing one Galil AR skin to add to your Counter-Strike 2 inventory, there's one factor above all else you're going to consider: looks. After all, if you don't actually like skin, why would you buy it? To put all the Galil AR skins into our Tier List, we're only going to consider the aesthetic side of it. The S Tier skins here are the must-buys, while the C Tier options are the ones we'd only recommend if you really disagree with our rankings.

For some players, price will be an important factor, too. While we're not considering it in our rankings, we have made sure to include a guide p??rice you can expect to pay for each skin. There's no point checking out a skin and falling in love with it, only to find it's out of your price range. These prices are based on recent Steam Marketplace transactions for the Factory New version of each skin, although it's essential to be aware that these fluctuate on a daily basis.

S Tier

• Chromatic Aberration ($12)
• Eco ($40)
• Sugar Rush ($75)

A Tier

• Blue Titanium ($4.50)
• Chatterbox ($90)
• Connexion ($1.60)
• Phoenix Blacklight ($85)
• Rocket Pop ($8)
• Signal ($1.80)
• Stone Cold ($8)
• Tuxedo ($1.55)

B Tier

• Amber Fade ($33)
• Aqua Terrace ($160)
• Cerberus ($85)
• Cold Fusion ($0.30)
• Crimson Tsunami ($5)
• Destroyer ($0.25)
• Dusk Ruins ($20)
• Firefight ($2.80)
• Kami ($4.50)
• Orange DDPAT ($45)

C Tier

• Akoben ($0.65)
• Black Sand ($0.80)
• CAUTION! ($75)
• Default ($0)
• Hunting Blind ($7.50)
• Sage Spray ($0.19)
• Sandstorm ($4)
• Shattered ($23)
• Tornado ($17.50)
• Urban Rubble ($22)
• Vandal ($2.20)
• VariCamo ($0.10)
• Winter Forest ($250)

While you might think some of these CS2 Galil AR skins are a little steep for your taste, remember, these prices are all Factory New. If you decide to purchase a Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, or ??Battle-Scarred version of each skin, you can bring down the cost dramatica?lly.

The skins will look worse, but you're paying the premium with a Factory New wear rating. The Galil AR Winter Forest illustrates this perfectly. You'll need to spend in the? realm of $250 to find this skin Factory New, but it sells Battle-Scarred for?? about $10 on the Steam Marketplace.

The post Counter-Strike 2 Galil AR skin??s Tier List: All CS2 Galil AR skins, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

Counter-Strike 2's AUG is, simply put, not the most popular weapon in the game. Available exclusively on the CT side, this scoped weapon will set you back $3300 of in-game cash to purchase, making it more expensive than the more powerful M4A1-S or M4A4.

Despite not being used?? often on the server, the AUG still has a bunch of great ?skins that you can buy on the Steam Marketplace or open via cases. There are 38 in total to rank - let's get into it.

Counter-Strike 2 AUG Skins Tier List

Our criteria for ranking Counter-Strike 2 AUG skins is easy. We're basing it purely on looks, because you shouldn't be spending your hard-earned money on an expensive AUG skin you don't like. Aesthetics will always be the deal-breaker when buying a CS2 skin, although it's probably th?e most ??subjective factor of all.

While the cost isn't coming into the equation to rank these skins, we've still included a base price for each one. The price of CS2 items on the Steam Marketplace is constantly changing, so w?e've looked at the recent transactions for each of the AUG skins and approximated a price that we think you should be able to pick them up for. It may not be the deciding factor for you, but it's good to know which ones are in your price range before you actually go looking for them.

S Tier

• Akihabara Accept ($3700)
• Carved Jade ($20)
• Hot Rod ($550)
• Momentum ($20)

A Tier

• Anodized Navy ($30)
• Bengal Tiger ($38)
• Chameleon ($5.50)
• Death by Puppy ($13)
• Random Access ($4.50)
• Stymphalian ($8)
• Syd Mead ($10)
• Torque ($13.50)
• Wings ($32)

B Tier

• Arctic Wolf ($7)
• Aristocrat ($3)
• Flame Jörmungandr ($400)
• Fleet Flock ($13)
• Midnight Lily ($500) 
• Ricochet ($0.65)
• Sand Storm ($80)
• Snake Pit ($0.15)
• Triqua ($0.45)

C Tier

• Amber Fade ($2)
• Amber Slipstream ($0.45)
• Colony ($12)
• Condemned ($0.25)
• Contractor ($0.10)
• Copperhead ($100)
• Daedalus ($5.50)
• Default ($0)
• Navy Murano ($6)
• Plague ($2)
• Radiation Hazard ($3.50)
• Spalted Wood ($6)
• Storm ($0.55)
• Surveillance ($1.20)
• Sweeper ($0.03)
• Tom Cat ($0.35)

It's important to note that all the prices shown above reflect the Factory New prices of each skin. If you're not fussed about your guns loo?king a little weathered and worn, you can instead choose a lower wear rating vers??ion of a skin to lower the price.

Each one is ??available in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred, with each tier bring?ing down the cost of the skins a little more. Nothing proves this better than the most expensive skin on this list, the AUG Akihabara Accept. Although you can expect to spend upwards of $3700 in Factory New, its Battle-Scarred version can be found for approximately $300 on Steam.

The post Counter-Strike 2 AUG skins Tier L??ist: All CS2 AUG skins?, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

Since the release of Counter-Strike 2 in September 2023, many fans have been hard at work on community-made maps for use on custom servers. These maps aren't part of the CS2 Active Duty map pool but can offer a fun? change of pace from the us?ual rotation.

Most of these maps are downloaded from the St?eam Workshop. Afterward, you can play them with friends on private servers, choosing your favorites to hop into a game with.

Aim Japan Shogun Showdown

If you're sick and tired of Counter-Strike 2's usual aesthetic, Aim Japan Shogun Showdown will feel like a breath of fresh air. This map is intended to be a 1v1 server set in a traditional Japanese village, making it great for fast-paced warmups alongside your duo before queuing for a match. It's not all eye candy, though - Aim Japan Shogun Showdown has some interesting geography, whi?ch makes for some tactically intense 1v1 matches.

Akiba

Set in a Tokyo convention center, Akiba focuses on standard 5v5 bomb defusal gameplay. This map is a visual feast, focusing more on showing off what Source 2 ?is capable of than creating compelling matches. That said, it still makes for fun matches, whether you're playing with friends or bots in offline games.

Biome

We'll say it: Biome is probably the best Counter-Strike 2 map not currently in the Active Duty rotation. It was made by jd40, the iconic map-maker behind Anubis, and Biome is his latest (and arguably greatest) work. Set inside a dome, Biome is intended for standard 5v5 defusal gameplay, and features all the nuances and tricks of a fully-fledged CS2 map. If you can get nine players together at ??the same time, we'd definitely recommend giving Biome a try. Considering jd40 has a grea?t relationship with Valve after Anubis, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that this map makes it into the full game one day.

Brewery

You'll earn no prizes for wondering where Brewery takes place. This map is a remake of a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive classic, giving it a fresh coat of paint to make it relevant in the new game engine. Brewery is primarily a CS2 Wingman map, meaning it's intended to only be played in 2v2 matches instead of the standard 5v5. There's a reason it has remained popular acros??s versions of the game - its simple design makes for some intense? Wingman matches.

Foroglio

Foroglio is set in a small Swiss village up high in the mountains, offering some remarkable vistas you won't see anywhere else in Counter-Strike 2. Level designer Rikuda has done something really interesting with this 2v2 Wingman map. By setting it on a hill, Foroglio becomes defined by its verticality, a unique trait for a CS ma??p to have. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to get the jump on your enemies here, which m?eans you'll have to use all the tools at your disposal to win a Foroglio match.

Futsal

There's more to Futsal than meets the eye. This Counter-Strike 2 Workshop map isn't just a recreation of a futsal pitch. Nope - it actually works! You can shoot the scoreboard in Futsal to drop the ball, which you can either shoot or run into to push it around the field. The scoreboard will recognize when a goal is scored, and you can even use the in-game radio to blare some music while you play. It's not the CS2 gam?eplay you're used to, but it's an? interesting concept in its own right.

Inferno Night

Inferno is one of Counter-Strike's most iconic maps, having been a series staple as far back as 1.6. New iterations of the map have kept it feeling fresh for over two decades, but there's one approach Valve has never taken with Inferno - nighttime. Angel's Inferno Night changes this, turning the clock forward a few hours on a CS legend. You'd be surprised how much it changes th?e map's ambiance, with neon signs lit up, carefully placed stree??t lights, and fireflies dancing in the night.

Lost Coast

Lost Coast is less of a functional map intended to be played and more of a Source 2 tech demo. It's to be explored and marveled at, offering a glimpse of what maps on Counter-Strike 2's engine could look like in the future. If you're someone who loves to take a lot of screenshots of your CS2 skins, too, then Lost Coast is? the perfect backdrop for this.

Rainfall

Rainfall is another CS2 Workshop gem from level designer Rikuda. This 2v2 Wingman map places you on a rainy day in the Faroe Islands, where you'll disrupt the quaintness with some crazy Counter-Strike action. There's a lot to appreciate about Rainfall, and it's got a level of polish that ??could eventually see it make its ?way to the base game.

Vandal

Finishing off with another 2v2 Wingman offering, Vandal is the map that feels most in line with Counter-Strike 2's base aesthetic. In a way, it almost feels like an extension of Overpass, just smaller. Despite being mad??e for smaller matches, Vandal features multiple routes into the map's single bomb site, which have been carefully considered to ensure every 2v2 round plays out differently.

The post 10 best Counter-Strike 2 Workshop maps appeared first on Destructoid.

Counter-Strike 2's MP9 is the CT side's overpowered SMG. This $1250 pocket rocket is an absolute monster in close-range enga??gements, and many players have even called for it to be nerfed.

In many ways, it's the CT side equivalent of CS2's MAC-10. With a $600 kill bonus, the MP9 is the gun of?? choice to build up your economy throughout a CT half. It's a popular weapon, to say the least, which means many of its in-game skins can come at a premium.

Counter-Strike 2 MP9 Skins Tier List

The MP9 has just 34 skins to choose from in Counter-Strike 2. Many other weapons have upwards of 50 skins, so it's surprising to see how few the MP9 currently has. You can find these skins in Counter-Strike 2 cases, or by s??imply buying your favorite from the Steam Marketplace.

To rank these CS2 MP9 skins into four tiers, we've made our choices based on how cool each one looks. Counter-Strike 2 skins are purely cosmetic, so realistically, there's no other fac??tor to go on. You shouldn't be buying skins you don't like the look of if you're planning to use it, unless you're a collector looking to pick up all of them. Of course, skin appearance is totally subjective, so you may disagree with some of our ranki?ngs.

Still, for some players, the price will play a factor in their decision when choosing a new Counter-Strike 2 MP9 skin. When skins go as high as $2000 for the MP9, it makes sense that not everyone will want to shell out this sort of cash. This is why for each skin, we've included an estimated price. This is based on the recent transactions for the Factory New versions of the skins on the Steam Marketplace. The CS2 skins market fluctuates?? daily, but this should give you a rough idea o?f the price bracket you'll be shopping in.

S Tier

• Food Chain ($11)
• Hot Rod ($150)
• Mount Fuji ($13)
• Starlight Protector ($19)
• Wild Lily ($2000)

A Tier

• Airlock ($14)
• Bulldozer ($500)
• Featherweight ($0.35)
• Pandora's Box ($200)
• Rose Iron ($9)
• Stained Glass ($125)

B Tier

• Capillary ($0.90)
• Dark Age ($150)
• Dart ($0.90)
• Deadly Poison ($3)
• Goo ($2)
• Hydra ($21)
• Hypnotic ($11)
• Ruby Poison Dart ($2.60)
• Setting Sun ($12.50)
• Storm ($31)

C Tier

• Army Sheen ($1.10)
• Bioleak ($0.40)
• Black Sand ($0.30)
• Default ($0)
• Dry Season ($42)
• Green Plaid ($10)
• Modest Threat ($0.30)
• Music Box ($22)
• Old Roots ($6)
• Orange Peel ($0.40)
• Sand Dashed ($0.10)
• Sand Scale ($0.35)
• Slide ($0.10)

It's always worth noting that since our prices here are based on Factory New Counter-Strike 2 skins, you can also find them for cheaper if you go for a lower wear rating. Consider grabbing an MP9 skin in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, or Battle-Scarred instead, as it can make a huge difference to the price. The best example of this here is the MP9 Bulldozer. While it costs around $500 to get in Factory New, its Battle-Scarred variant can be found for approximately $70, and we actually prefer the worn look on the cheap??er option. Just make sure you know what's available to you!

The post Counter-St??rike 2 MP9 skins Tier List: All CS2 MP9 skins, ra?nked appeared first on Destructoid.

In Counter-Strike 2, the MAC-10 is the T side weapon o??f choice for players looking to take a bomb site quickly. With high mobility and solid damage, fending off a team storming you with MAC-10s is extremely difficult.

In Counter-Strike 2, you will use the MAC-10 at some point on T side. That's a fact for most players. You simply can't afford to buy an AK-47 or a Galil AR every round, so you'll likely compromise with a MAC-10 on occasion. This means that the skins for the MAC-10 in CS2 can be extremely popular among players.

Counter-Strike 2 MAC-10 Skins Tier List

At $1050, the MAC-10 is the T side equivalent of the MP9, and like every other weapon in Counter-Strike 2, it has its own selection of skins for you to find in cases and purchase from the ma??rketplace. There are 47, to be exact - let's rank them!

Before we dive into the rankings, we're clarifying that we're basing these placements on aesthetics only. Obviously, the price is important, and we've included a guide price for each skin based on recent Steam Marketplace transactions. But when push comes to shove, you're likely going to consider the look of a skin above everything else. For the most part, the average player isn't picking up CS2 skins for hundreds of dollars that they don't actually lik??e. Leave that to the avid collectors. It's definitely worth knowing the prices for each - just don't let that guide your final decision.

S Tier

• Disco Tech ($15)
• Fade ($40)
• Heat ($9)
• Propaganda ($60)
• Stalker ($65)

A Tier

• Button Masher ($1.40)
• Case Hardened ($90)
• Ensnared ($0.30)
• Gold Brick ($70)
• Lapis Gator ($1)
• Light Box ($0.90)
• Neon Rider ($13.50)
• Nuclear Garden ($11)
• Sakkaku ($1.15)
• Silver ($0.15)
• Toybox ($19)

B Tier

• Allure ($1.70)
• Amber Fade ($19)
• Candy Apple ($0.15)
• Echoing Sands ($0.65)
• Graven ($40)
• Indigo ($24)
• Last Dive ($3.50)
• Malachite ($3.75)
• Oceanic ($0.30)
• Pipe Down ($2.15)
• Rangeen ($0.65)
• Red Filigree ($120)
• Tornado ($45)
• Whitefish ($0.80)

C Tier

• Aloha ($4.50)
• Calf Skin ($0.20)
• Carnivore ($0.70)
• Classic Crate ($0.40)
• Commuter ($24)
• Copper Borre ($130)
• Curse ($12.50)
• Default ($0)
• Hot Snakes ($280)
• Monkeyflage ($0.30)
• Palm ($0.25)
• Sienna Damask ($0.80)
• Strats ($1)
• Surfwood ($5.50)
• Tatter ($13)
• Ultraviolet ($26)
• Urban DDPAT ($20)

While MAC-10 skins don't break the bank like other Counter-Strike 2 skins (for the most part), you can always bring the price down even further by picking up a lower wear rating than Factory New. Most skins are available in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred w??ear ratings, which can have a big impact on the overall price. You may even find you prefer the more worn look for some of these skins! The MAC-10 Stalker is a great example of this. While a Factory New version sets you back approximately $65, it can be found in Battle-Scarred for?? around $9, making it much more affordable for the average player looking for a new skin.

The post Counter-Strike ??2 MAC-10 skins Tier L??ist: All CS2 MAC-10 skins, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

The Desert Eagle is by far the best pistol in Counter-Strike 2. At just $700, this weapon has devastating one-hit kill potential to the head and, in the right hands, can decimate an entire ??team in a single clip. ??When the economy is looking rough and a miracle is needed, players often lean on the Desert Eagle to bail them out.

Every weapon in Counter-Strike 2 has its own unique ski?ns to collect, and the Desert Eagle is no exception. Landing a one-tap heads?hot on an enemy is satisfying enough with the Deagle, but doing it with a stylish skin just hits different.

Counter-Strike 2 Desert Eagle Skins Tier List

Because of its raw power, the 36 available Desert Eagle skins are often among the most popular that Counter-Strike 2 has to offer. Of course, this also comes at a high cost, with many Deagle skins costing hundreds of dollars to add to your CS2 inventory.

If you're in the market for a new Desert Eagle skin, you're likely thinking about one thing: aesthetics. You're not throwing hundreds of dollars at a Counter-Strike 2 Deagle skin that you don't even like (at least we hope not). Because of this, our CS2 Desert Eagle skins Tier List will be ranked on how each one looks. There are definitely a few controversial rankings here, so remember: Counter-Strike 2 skins are totally subjective.

Our guide prices are based on recent transactions for the Factory New versions of these skins on the Steam Marketplace. It's an ever-changing market, but at least you'll have an estimate for each of what you can expect to spend on your chosen De??sert ??Eagle skin.

S Tier

• Code Red ($85)
• Conspiracy ($11)
• Emerald Jörmungandr ($430)
• Midnight Storm ($32)
• Printstream ($115)
• Sunset Storm å¼?($350)
• Sunset Storm å£?($350)

A Tier

• Blue Ply ($2)
• Cobalt Disruption ($105)
• Crimson Web ($115)
• Fennec Fox ($500)
• Night Heist ($20)
• Ocean Drive ($150)

B Tier

• Corinthian ($0.75)
• Directive ($14)
• Golden Koi ($135)
• Hand Cannon ($600)
• Hypnotic ($110)
• Kumicho Dragon ($40)
• Light Rail ($4.50)
• Mecha Industries ($10.50)
• Naga ($7)
• Night ($80)
• Trigger Discipline ($4)

C Tier

• Blaze ($800)
• Bronze Deco ($0.55)
• Default ($0)
• Heirloom ($17)
• Meteorite ($1.20)
• Mudder ($0.55)
• Oxide Blaze ($0.70)
• Pilot ($170)
• Sputnik ($3)
• The Bronze ($7)
• Urban DDPAT ($19)
• Urban Rubble ($0.60)

It's always worth pointing out that the prices above are based on the Factory New versions of these Counter-Strike 2 skins. You can always purchase any of the skins in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, or Battle-Scarred wear ratings instead, which in most instances, brings the pric?e down dramatically. Take the Desert Eagle Crimson Web, for example. It costs $115 in Factory New, but the Battle-Scarred version can be found for around $9. Sometimes, compromise makes?? all the difference!

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Counter-Strike 2's FAMAS may not be the most popular rifle on the CT side, but at $2050, it provides a budget option for those who can't afford the M4A1-S or M4A4 when the game's economy is tight.

Despite its relative unpopularity among players, there are still a bunch of cool Counter-Strike 2 FAMAS skins for you to grab. Being forced to use the FAMAS isn't ideal, but it's certainly a lo??t more palatable ?when you've got something nice to look at the entire time.

Counter-Strike 2 FAMAS Skins Tier List

Counter-Strike 2 features a total of 34 skins for the FAMAS. This gives you plenty of options when picking up the next item for your inventory, and because they're not as in demand as other CS2 rifles, there's signifi?cant ??potential to pick up a bargain here.

When ranking this Counter-Strike 2 FAMAS skins Tier List, we're going to focus exclusively on aesthetics. The only time you'll ever see someone using a CS2 skin they don't like the look o??f is when they receive it in a weekly drop. If someone is purchasing a skin from the Steam Marketplace, it's fair to suggest that they're searching for a cool-looking item above all else.

As with the rest of our Counter-Strike 2 skin Tier Lists, we won't consider price when ranking these FAMAS skins. While we've included an estimated cost based on Steam Marketplace transactions for the Factory New versions of each, it likely won't come into consideration when you're choosing a new skin to buy. Luckily, the FAMAS skins never veer into the realm of ridiculous, compared to other weapons like the CS2 AK-47.

S Tier

• Commemoration ($16)
• Roll Cage ($15)
• ZX Spectron ($7)

A Tier

• Djinn ($12)
• Eye of Athena ($15)
• Mecha Industries ($8)
• Pulse ($8)
• Valence ($6.80)
• Waters of Nephthys ($100)

B Tier

• Afterimage ($52)
• Dark Water ($17)
• Doomkitty ($6.50)
• Meltdown ($47)
• Neural Net ($0.80)
• Night Borre ($8.50)
• Prime Conspiracy ($100)
• Rapid Eye Movement ($8)
• Styx ($10)
• Teardown ($0.60)

C Tier

• CaliCamo ($5)
• Colony ($0.10)
• Contrast Spray ($75)
• Crypsis ($0.55)
• Cyanospatter ($0.70)
• Decommissioned ($0.60)
• Default ($0)
• Faulty Wiring ($1)
• Hexane ($7)
• Macabre ($4.40)
• Meow 36 ($0.30)
• Sergeant ($6)
• Spitfire ($225)
• Sundown ($140)
• Survivor Z ($0.70)

While the FAMAS skins are pretty reasonable in general, you can bring them down even further by considering a worse wear rating. Our prices are reflective of the Factory New versions of each skin, but you might like the look of each in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred instead. Some players aren't at all fussed about their Counter-Strike 2 skins looking picture-perfect,?? which will naturally give you?? better prices on the Steam Marketplace.

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Counter-Strike 2's AWP is the weapon of choice for the best players in the game. At $4750, it's among the most expensive CS2 guns ?to bring onto the server, but as a one-hit kill, it's also one of the deadliest.

Even if you're someone who rarely picks up the AWP in Counter-Strike 2, it's worth having a fres??h skin in your loadout. You never know when you'll ne??ed to drop one over to your teammate when they're desperate to play with the gun affectionately nicknamed "the Big Green."

Counter-Strike 2 AWP Skins Tier List

There are a total of 41 AWP skins in Counter-Strike 2. Because it's one of the most powerful and popular guns ??in the game, its skins are among the most in-demand you can find on the market. Sadly, this means many of them don't come cheap.

However, price isn't a factor in our Counter-Strike 2 AWP skins Tier List. Instead, we're just considering how cool each skin looks in-game. After all, whether you can afford every AWP skin in the game or not, you're always going to buy a skin you like the look of. No one (we hope) is spending thousands on skins that they don't actually like the look of, so we think it's the only thing that should matter when it comes to creating an AWP skins Tier List. The S and A Tier skins are the must-haves, while the B and C Tiers are the ones you should think twice about unless you really like them.

While the cos?t doesn't come into the equation for rankings, we have included an approximate price based on the recent Steam Marketplace transactions of these skins. There are a couple of highlighted exceptions, as their prices are so high that no one trades them on Steam. Yes, all of the S Tier AWP skins look amazing, but only you know which ones you're willing to pay the big bucks for.

S Tier

• Asiimov ($165)
• Atheris ($15)
• Chromatic Aberration ($19)
• Dragon Lore ($11,000 on third-party sites, rarely sold on Steam)
• Gungnir ($12,000 on third-party sites, rarely sold on Steam)
• Fade ($1450)
• Man-o'-war ($40)
• Redline ($85)
• Wildfire ($160)

A Tier

• Black Nile ($5.50)
• Chrome Cannon ($160)
• Containment Breach ($480)
• Desert Hydra ($2500 on third-party sites, rarely sold on Steam)
• Duality ($12.50)
• Fever Dream ($15)
• Hyper Beast ($110)
• Medusa ($2000)
• Neo-Noir ($38)
• Oni Taiji ($550)
• The Prince ($3500 on third-party sites, rarely sold on Steam)

B Tier

• Acheron ($1.80)
• Capillary ($2.30)
• Elite Build ($35)
• Exoskeleton ($10)
• Lightning Strike ($700)
• Mortis ($8)
• Phobos ($2.10)
• POP AWP ($9)
• Silk Tiger ($300)
• Sun in Leo ($40)
• Worm God ($3)

C Tier

• BOOM ($400)
• Corticera ($41)
• Default ($0)
• Electric Hive ($65)
• Graphite ($165)
• PAW ($4.50)
• Pink DDPAT ($110)
• Pit Viper ($0.60)
• Safari Mesh ($1)
• Snake Camo ($275)

As with any Counter-Strike 2 skin, you can bring down the price of these options by picking up a lower wear rating. With any Factory New skin, you're getting the best appearance, but you're paying a premium as a result. Instead, make sure you also look at the prices of the Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred versions of each skin. If you're not too fussed about having a perfect CS2 skin, this co??uld prove a more cost-effective option for you.

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In Counter-Strike 2, the M4A4 is one of the main rifles on the CT side. Although it's usually seen as a less popular alternative to the M4A1-S, the M4A4 can still hold its own on the server.

Like every gun in CS2, the M4A4 has tons of popular skins you can use to make your weapon stand out from the crowd. These skins range from just a few cents to thousands of dollars for this powerful Counter-Strike 2 weapon. Of course, you don't have to spend that much to get a cool skin, but the option is there for those who?? can afford it.

Counter-Strike 2 M4A4 Skins Tier List

If you've got the M4A4 in your Counter-Strike 2 loadout, chances are you'll use it extensively on the CT side. With 41 M4A4 skins to choose from, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to freshening up your inventory with some of the most popular CS2 skins on the market.

Our primary deciding factor for each skin on this list is purely aesthetics. When you're picking a new M4A4 skin for your loadout, we're betting that appearance is the most important consideration for you, making it only right to do the same in our Counter-Strike 2 M4A4 skins Tier List.

For each skin, we've included an approximate price based on each one's recent Steam transactions. Although the market is forever changing, this should give you a decent estimate of how much you can expect to pay for the Factory New versions of these Counter-Strike 2 skins. The only exception here is the M4A4 Howl, arguably the rarest CS2 weapon skin?? ??ever, thanks to its removal from cases in 2014. We'll use third-party market prices for that one.

S Tier

• Buzz Kill ($38)
• Howl (Unavailable on Steam; approximate market price is $6000)
• Temukau ($130)
• The Emperor ($145)

A Tier

• Asiimov ($185)
• Cyber Security ($50)
• Desolate Space ($25)
• Eye of Horus ($700)
• In Living Color ($34)
• Neo-Noir ($35)
• Poseidon ($1550)
• Royal Paladin ($95)
• Spider Lily ($17)
• The Coalition ($370)

B Tier

• é¾�王 (Dragon King) ($28)
• Bullet Rain ($55)
• Daybreak ($350)
• Evil Daimyo ($6)
• Hellfire ($65)
• Magnesium ($3)
• Red DDPAT ($90)
• The Battlestar ($11)
• Tooth Fairy ($9)
• Tornado ($190)

C Tier

• Converter ($0.70)
• Dark Blossom ($32)
• Default ($0)
• Desert Storm ($50)
• Desert Strike ($9.50)
• Etch Lord ($2.90)
• Faded Zebra ($25)
• Global Offensive ($30)
• Griffin ($5.50)
• Jungle Tiger ($90)
• Mainframe ($0.10)
• Modern Hunter ($320)
• Poly Mag ($0.40)
• Radiation Hazard ($700)
• Urban DDPAT ($2.80)
• X-Ray ($20)
• Zirka ($40)

If you're looking for some of these skins but don't want to pay their full market value, you should consider picking them up at a worse wear rating. Our prices are based on Factory New versions of each skin, but they're also available in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred, too. Sometimes, the difference between Factory New and Minimal Wear versions of a skin can be huge, as people pay a premium for perfection regarding CS2 wear ratings.

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The Glock-18 is Counter-Strike 2's default T side pistol and the perfect foil to the CT side's USP-S. If you're playing the game, you??'ll be using this at some point - it's as simple as that.

While using the Glock-18, you don't want to be left with a plain old pistol. That's where CS2 skins come in. If you take a look at the Steam Marketplace, there are 43 Glock-18 skins to choose from in Counter-Strike 2, with prices ranging anywhere from pocket change to thousands of dollars. What's a fresh coat of paint worth to you? That's for you?? to decide.

Counter-Strike 2 Glock-18 Skins Tier List

Because players are essentially forced to use the Glock-18 on the T side in Counter-Strike 2, it is one of the most popular weap?ons for purchasing shiny new skins. If you're using it, you might a??s well look good while doing so.

This brings us to our CS2 Glock-18 skins Tier List. Our list is ranked exclusively by aesthetics because no one wants to rock a Glock-18 that doesn't bring the heat. Some players will use skins simply because they have them sitting in their inventory from weekly rewards, but if you're consciously buying one from the Steam Marketplace, you're going to want to know ??which ones look the coolest.

We've also included the current price you can expect to pay for the Factory New versions of each Counter-Strike 2 Glock-18 skin right now from the Steam Marketplace. These prices are up and down daily, but it should provide a ballpark figure to help you determine what's worth picking up. Compared to some weapons like the AK-47, the average price of Glock-18 skins in CS2?? isn't too eye-watering, although there are still a couple that will make your wallet weep.

S Tier

• Candy Apple ($0.65)
• Fade ($1850)
• Gamma Doppler ($75)
• Reactor ($12)
• Vogue ($8.50)

A Tier

• Blue Fissure ($19)
• Bullet Queen ($42)
• Grinder ($2.20)
• High Beam ($0.10)
• Ironwork ($1.50)
• Moonrise ($1.70)
• Neo-Noir ($60)
• Nuclear Garden ($6)
• Off World ($0.70)
• Ramese's Reach ($15)
• Twilight Galaxy ($265)

B Tier

• Block-18 ($2.60)
• Brass ($85)
• Bunsen Burner ($1.50)
• Dragon Tattoo ($100)
• Groundwater ($80)
• Night ($45)
• Pink DDPAT ($90)
• Royal Legion ($7.50)
• Sacrifice ($1)
• Snack Attack ($20)
• Synth Leaf ($500)
• Umbral Rabbit ($1.75)
• Water Elemental ($12.50)

C Tier

• Catacombs ($0.60)
• Clear Polymer ($1)
• Death Rattle ($)
• Default ($0)
• Franklin ($50)
• Oxide Blaze ($0.35)
• Red Tire ($4)
• Sand Dune ($180)
• Steel Disruption ($4)
• Warhawk ($0.90)
• Wasteland Rebel ($6)
• Weasel ($2.20)
• Winterized ($0.25)
• Wraiths ($1.30)

While all Glock-18 skins in Counter-Strike 2 naturally look better with a Factory New wear rating, you can also pick up the above skins in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred, which goes a long way to making each one affordable. The Sand Dune is a perfect example of this - while th?e Factory New version costs around $180 on the Steam Marketplace, you can grab its Battle-Scarred version for as little as $5. Compromise could be good, and your wallet might thank you for it.

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In Counter-Strike 2, the M4A1-S is by far the most popular rifle on the CT side. It's cheaper than the M4A4, more powerful than the FAMAS, and significantly, it's silenced, making it a vital asset for winning games of CS2.

Like any weapon in the game, the M4A1-S has a bunch of skins. You can use these skins to give your M4A1-S a fresh coat of paint by opening CS2 cases or purchasing them from the Steam Marketplace. With skins ranging anywhere from a few cents to thousands of dollars, you've got a wide range of options here. You choose how much you want to invest in a shiny new M4A1-S skin in Counter-Strike 2.

Counter-Strike 2 M4A1-S Skins Tier List

Since the M4A1-S is the CT side equivalent of the CS2 AK-47, it features many of the most popular skins in the entire game.?? Your opp?onents won't know what hit them when you're dunking on them with a shiny new M4 skin.

We're ranking purely on appearance to put these M4A1-S skins into Tiers. If you're buying Counter-Strike 2 skins, this will almost certainly b??e your main factor above everything else. After all, why bother buying a skin if you don't like the look of it in-game?

Alongside each entry into our CS2 M4A1-S skins Tier List, we've also included an approximate price, as per the recent transactions for the Factory New version of each skin on the Steam Marketplace. While you can technically purchase Counter-Strike 2 skins on third-party marketplaces, most players will be buying from the Steam Marketplace, so this seems like the fairest way to compare the prices. These prices are frequently changing, so we're not considering it as a factor when ranking each M4A1-S skin. Still, k??nowing how much each could potentially? set you back is good.

S Tier

• Blue Phosphor ($800)
• Decimator ($40)
• Hot Rod ($1200)
• Nightmare ($45)
• Printstream ($550)

A Tier

• Black Lotus ($28)
• Chantico's Fire ($130)
• Emphorosaur-S ($3)
• Golden Coil ($190)
• Hyper Beast ($145)
• Icarus Fell ($650)
• Imminent Danger ($1800)
• Knight ($1800)

B Tier

• Atomic Alloy ($100)
• Basilisk ($12)
• Cyrex ($45)
• Dark Water ($90)
• Leaded Glass ($12)
• Master Piece ($480)
• Mecha Industries ($105)
• Nitro ($5)
• Player Two ($120)
• Welcome to the Jungle ($1800)

C Tier

• Blood Tiger ($7)
• Boreal Forest ($1.80)
• Briefing ($11)
• Bright Water ($28)
• Control Panel ($50)
• Default ($0)
• Flashback ($3)
• Fizzy POP ($2.50)
• Guardian ($30)
• Moss Quartz ($70)
• Mud-Spec ($1)
• Night Terror ($1.40)
• VariCamo ($1.10)

While some of these Counter-Strike 2 M4A1-S skins may be out of your price range, remember that you can also purchase them at a lower wear rating. The above prices reflect Factory New versions of each skin, although you can also grab them in Minimal Wear, Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred. They'll look worse but won't b??urn as big a hole in your pocket.

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If you think that "point and shoot" is all there is to Counter-Strike 2, then you're sorely mistaken. The game also has a massive subculture surrounding skins, where players can open cases to get a fresh coat of paint for their CS2 weapons.

Not all skins are created equal. Some will only cost a couple of cents - literally loose change you can find down the bottom of your couch. Others (often knives) will see you choose between the skin and the downpayment on a new house. There are definitely a few Counter-Strike 2's AK-47 skins that will leave your jaw dropped.

Counter-Strike 2 AK-47 Skins Tier List

As the best T-side rifle in Counter-Strike 2, AK-47 skins are among the most popular in the entire game. Dropping?? 30 kills to get the win while showing off your flashy AK just hits differently, which is why so many players are obsessed with finding the perfect skin for their rifles.

This is where our CS2 A??K-47 skins Tier List comes in. We've ranked each AK-47 skin purely by how cool it looks in-game, so you know the first place to start if you're planning on refreshing your inventory. S Tier skins are the must-haves for collectors, while C Tiers can probably be skipped unless you're looking for a starter skin to kick off your collection. With 47 skins ?in total, you're spoiled for choice, regardless of your pick.

While we're not considering the price of these CS2 AK-47 skins of this Tier List, we've included an approximate based on the recent Steam Marketplace transactions for Factory New (or highest float, if FN isn't available) versions of each skin. Remember, these prices fluctuate on a daily basis, so they could be slightly different when you're reading this. Some AK-47 skins cost upwards of thousands of dollars, and we get that not every player is going to be able to afford this kind of outlay. It's definitely a crucial factor worth considering if you're choosing between a brand-new Counter-Strike 2 skin!

S Tier

• Asiimov ($240)
• Bloodsport ($170)
• Case Hardened ($450)
• Fuel Injector ($540)
• Gold Arabesque ($2100)
• Inheritance ($200)
• Slate ($11)
• Redline ($130)

A Tier

• Head Shot ($65)
• Hydroponic ($1800)
• Ice Coaled ($19)
• Legion of Anubis ($18)
• Neon Rider ($155)
• Nightwish ($70)
• Orbit Mk01 ($27)
• Wild Lotus ($13,000)

B Tier

• Baroque Purple ($18)
• Cartel ($28)
• Fire Serpent ($2000)
• Frontside Misty ($80)
• Jet Set ($1200)
• Leet Museo ($90)
• Neon Revolution ($90)
• Panthera onca ($350)
• Red Laminate ($350)
• The Empress ($160)
• Vulcan ($1000)
• X-Ray ($1980)

C Tier

• Aquamarine Revenge ($125)
• Black Laminate ($165)
• Blue Laminate ($15)
• Default ($0)
• Elite Build ($7)
• Emerald Pinstripe ($11)
• First Class ($200)
• Green Laminate ($23)
• Jaguar ($215)
• Jungle Spray ($150)
• Phantom Disruptor ($12)
• Point Disarray ($35)
• Predator ($75)
• Rat Rod ($12.50)
• Safari Mesh ($2.50)
• Safety Net ($7)
• Steel Delta ($3)
• Unchartered ($1.40)
• Wasteland Rebel ($260)

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The act of simply opening Counter-Strike 2 cases is pretty much an entire subculture surrounding the game at this point. There's nothing quite like the thrill of opening a case and seeing all of the expensive items you could have had agonizingly scroll past, before eventually landing on somethi?ng worth a couple of cents.

If nothing else, it's a fun way to burn a few bucks. Best case scenario, you get one of those sweet Counter-Strike 2 knives. There are a couple of ways you can get these CS2 cases in-game to open to your heart's content.

Buy Counter-Strike 2 cases on Steam Marketplace

The most common way that players will get Counter-Strike 2 cases is by purchasing them on the Steam Marketplace. There, gamers can trade their items for a fee. With so many different CS2 cases to choose from, each has a different price. Some will set you ba?ck a few cents, while others cost upwards of hun?dreds of dollars.

?To get CS2 cases through the Steam Marketplac??e, follow along with these steps:

• On Steam, hover over the "Community" tab before pressing "Market"
• On the right side of the page, under the "Browse by Game" tab, select "Counter-Strike 2"
• Search for the word "case" in the search bar, or filter the item type by "Containers" under the advanced options
• Select the Counter-Strike 2 case you want, and select the quantity before purchasing

After this, you'll have your CS2 cases in-game automatically. However, you'll still need to buy a key for each one. Keys cost $2.50 each in Counter-Strike 2, so it's a cost that can rack up quite fast. You can purchase these keys directly in-game - there's no need to go through the Steam Marketplace ?here.

Earn free Counter-Strike 2 cases

Don't want to torch your wallet opening CS2 cases? We've got you. By playing Counter-Strike 2, you can earn a free case once a week via your we?ekly care package. The only kicker is that you must have a Prime account, which currently costs $14.99. Playing a few matches will earn you enough XP to unlock the weekly drop, where you'll receive a random case from one of the current Prime cases. These are:

• Kilowatt Case
• Revolution Case
• Recoil Case
• Dreams & Nightmares Case
• Snakebite Case
• Fracture Case

Because millions of players earn these CS2 cases weekly, they're among the cheapest on the market. You've still got to buy a key for them too, so you're not totally off the hook. Still, if you're not one for spending a ton of money on Counter-Strike 2 cases, this might be the route for you.

If o?pening cases isn't for you, you can even sell your free ones on the Steam Marketplace to others. After a while, you could use that cash to buy something else on Steam entirely.

The post How to get cases in Counter-Strike 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

The culture around collecting knives in Counter-Strike 2 is fascinating. Players can unbox them from CS2 cases, albeit with an extremely low chance of d??oing so, or the??y can buy them directly from the Steam Marketplace.

The kicker is that these knives cost hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of dollars. There are even several skins for each type of Counter-Strike 2 knife, gi?ving them a unique appearance. It's almost a subse?ction of the game's community at this point, with many players searching for the perfect pattern or wear rating before settling on their perfect knife.

Counter-Strike 2 Knife Tier List

In Counter-Strike 2, knives are purely cosmetic. There's no gameplay benefit to owning a knife, no matter how much you spend, but you will get plenty of compliments if you're rocking something particularly flashy. In such a finely-tuned tactical shooter, it's good that Valve has resisted the urge to adopt? pay-to-win mechanics like this.

Instead, each knife has its own distinct look, as well as unique animations that separate one another. In the absence of any gameplay advantages, we're going to be ranking our Counter-Strike 2 knife tier list by aest??hetics. Let's be real - these knives are as rare as each other, but there's a reason some are worth far more on the market.

The S Tier CS2 knives are the cream of the crop. Iconic designs that you'll see the esports professionals flaunting on the server. A Tier are the knives still well worth buying, especially if you can find one with an awesome skin. The B Tier options are great starter knives, especially if you've never had one before. For the C Tier Counter-Strike 2 knives, we'd?? suggest you save your money for something a little cooler, but your own personal taste might lead you to disagree.

S Tier

• Butterfly Knife
• Karambit
• M9 Bayonet

A Tier

• Bayonet
• Huntsman Knife
• Kukri Knife
• Skeleton Knife
• Stiletto Knife
• Talon Knife

B Tier

• Bowie Knife
• Falchion Knife
• Flip Knife
• Nomad Knife
• Paracord Knife
• Shadow Daggers
• Survival Knife

C Tier

• Classic Knife
• Default Knife (CT)
• Default Knife (T)
• Gut Knife
• Navaja Knife
• Ursus Knife

Since the release of Counter-Strike 2, the price of many S Tier knives has shot up with the game's rise in interest. The likes of the Butterfly Knife and Karambit were always fan-favorites back in CS:GO, and now they are even more so.

The A Tier includes the newly-rele?ased Kukri Knife, which launched as part of the "A Call To Arms" update. Joining classics like the Skeleton and Talon Knives, it shows that? even new additions can be popular in the community.

Some of the CS2 knives in the B Tier actually have the most unique visuals, but their animations aren't quite as impressive as those above them. The Shadow Daggers stand out in t?his regard, as does the Bowie Knife.

Coming down to C Tier is where you'll find the worst of the Counter-Strike 2 knives. Not particularly visually interesting or unique, the likes of the Gut and Navaja Knives will be passed over by most players. At lea??st they'r??e affordable.

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In Counter-Strike 2, having the best weapons for every situation is key to success. Whether you're spending big on the AWP or managing your money with an MP9, there's a way to win every single round of Counter-Strike. Valve very rarely shakes up the CS2 weapon meta, meaning it's u??nlikely you'll see too mu??ch change in this Tier List in the future.

We've divided our Counter-Strike 2 weapons Tier List into two separate lists: primaries and secondaries. The nature of the?? game means it's impossible to directly compare the two. Sure, players using an AK-47 or a Desert Eagle can both win a round all by themselves, but those with th??e sidearm have much less of a chance of actually making it happen.

Counter-Strike 2 Primary Weapons Tier List

When it comes to the 24 primary weapons in Counter-Strike 2, there's a pretty?? clearly defined meta that playe??rs learn at a very early stage. Both Counter-Terrorists and Terrorists have one meta rifle to save towards, while the most skilled players on both sides drop the big bucks on the AWP.

In Counter-Strike 2, the economy is everything. Occasionally, you'll need to buy cheaper weapons to save for the more expensive ones. Our Tiers here take the economy into consideration, balancing between sheer damage and value for money. At S Tier, these are the must-buy weapons in CS2. A Tier features the guns you can do a ton of damage with, even if they won't necessarily break the bank. Down in the B and C Tiers are the Counter-Strike 2 weapons you should be avoidin??g, if you have the choice.

S Tier

• AK-47 ($2700)
• AWP ($4750)
• M4A1-S ($2900)
• M4A4 ($3000)

A Tier

• Galil AR ($1800)
• MAC-10 ($1050)
• MP9 ($1200)
• SSG 08 ($1700)
• XM1014 ($2000)

B Tier

• FAMAS ($2050)
• MAG-7 ($1300)
• MP7 ($1500)
• Negev ($1700)
• P90 ($2350)
• UMP-45 ($1200)

C Tier

• AUG ($3300)
• G3SG1 ($5000)
• M249 ($5200)
• MP5-SD ($1500)
• Nova ($1050)
• PP-Bizon ($1400)
• Sawed-Off ($1100)
• SCAR-20 ($5000)
• SG 553 ($3000)

Counter-Strike 2 Secondary Weapons Tier List

While most Counter-Strike 2 players will be using primary weapons round-to-round, the nine secondary weapons also play a huge role i?n each match. There will always be some rounds where you're forced to play with sidearms, so when the time comes, you want to ensure you're using the correct ones.

Much like the primary weapons, this Tier List is ranked on a cost-to-impact basis. S Tier secondary weapons here can go toe-to-toe with rifles with the right strategy behind them. A Tier is in that same vein, if slightly less effective. B and C Tiers in the secondary weapons category are more if you want a change of pace, rather than anything truly effective at winning a CS2 round. Remember, just because you can use an R8 Revolver, it?? doesn't mean you should.

S Tier

• Desert Eagle ($700)
• P250 ($300)
• USP-S ($200)

A Tier

• Five-SeveN ($500)
• Glock-18 ($200)
• Tec-9 ($500)

B Tier

• CZ75-Auto ($500)

C Tier

• P2000 ($200)
• R8 Revolver ($600)

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Last year, the release of Counter-Strike 2 led to a resurge??nce in popularity for Valve's tactical first-person shooter franchise. A change of engine and a fresh coat of paint led to many of the game's maps look?ing fresher than ever.

In Counter-Strike 2, the A??ctive Duty map pool determines the maps used in esports tournaments, as well as what can ?be played in Premier Mode. The pool is usually updated every 6-12 months, rotating maps in and out to ensure that the game never feels stale.

Current Counter-Strike 2 Active Duty map pool

Here are the seven maps featured in Counter-Strike 2's Active Duty map pool at the moment:

• Ancient
• Anubis
• Dust 2
• Inferno
• Mirage
• Nuke
• Vertigo

Of the current Active Duty CS2 maps, Dust 2 is the most recent addition. It was previously removed in November 2022, before being reinstated in April 2024, replacing Overpass. Dust 2's histo?ry spans as far back as 2001, so it's a classic that keeps players coming back for more.

Valve tends to be secretive about Counter-Strike 2 updates. Because of this, we don't quite know when the next update to the Active Duty map pool will come. Many CS2 professionals are outspoken about their d??ismay at the current selection of maps, so it might not be long before change comes along.

Competitive Counter-Strike 2 maps

Outside of the Active Duty map pool, there are also several CS2 maps that ga?mers can play in the Competitive playlist. While you can't searc?h for these maps in Premier Mode, they still offer a good time. When Valve decides to switch things up in the map pool, these are the maps it will choose from when not adding a new one.

Bomb Defusal

• Mills
• Overpass
• Thera

Hostage Rescue

• Italy
• Office

Some maps from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, such as Cache, Cobblestone, and Train, have yet to return. Valve has yet to confirm whether they will come back in a future Counter-Strike 2 update.

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After years of hope, Valve finally released Counter-Strike 2 towards the end of September. The game �which sees it replacing CS:GO �exploded in popularity overnigh??t. However, for those on older systems, the updated version of the iconic FPS will no longer be supported.

In a recent post on the Steam Support page, the message reads that Valve will cease supporting Counter-Strike 2 on "older h?ardware, including DirectX 9 and 32-bit operating systems." So if you're still running Windows XP or older, you're going ??to be out of luck.

For those on Mac, things seem worse. The post goes on to say that the developer will "no longer support macOS" at all. These outdated ???PCs and the total macOS users only account for around one percent of players, Valve says.

Instead, you'll get this...

While Counter-Strike 2 will be moving forward with exclusively 64-bit Windows and Linux operating systems, those who are on older machines are being offered a 'legacy version' of CS:GO. However, support for this will only be ongoing until January 1, 2024, t?hough the game will "still?? be available."

This legacy version is a "frozen build" of CS:GO and will come with all the features of the game, just not official matchmaking. Valve says those who can no longer play Counter-Strike 2 are eligible for "Pri??me Status Upgrade" refunds, though there are some provisos to that.

Despite the hype surrounding this updated version of the legendary Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the game currently has a "Mixed" review score on Steam. Some of this could be due to CS:GO no lon?ger being available, and the removal of support for macOS and older PCs might see further criticisms heading the game's way.

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It looks like cheating doesn’t pay, and Valve is out to prove it in Counter-Strike 2. In its first set of patch notes, Valve doesn't mince w?ords; it's banning cheaters and? penalizing parties caught benefiting from their activities.

As noted by IGN, Counter-Strike 2 cheaters risk more than just their own in-game freedom. Valv????e's update warns that when multiple people are caught cheating, players partied with them risk their own account status. The patch notes read:

â€??œWhen one or more party members get convicted of cheating and permanently banned, all their associates will be penalized with loss of Profile Rank and CS Rating".

In addition to the cheater-by-association ban, the patch notes target folks hoping to piggyback their way through player rankings with higher-skilled friends. “In Premier, players with a very high established CS Rating are not allowed to party with accounts that do not have an established CS Rating.�/p>

It seems this is part of Valve’s latest solution to address the lengthy history of cheating in the Counter-Strike community, though the CS2 developer doesn't really explain why or how you'll get flagged as an associate. The company implemented its first iterations of Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) back in 2002 and tuned the system into a cheat-seeking missle over ????the last decade.

These are but some of the changes, improvements, and bug fixes found in the first wave of Counter-Strike 2 updates. Valve, in very Valve behavior, launched Counter-Strike 2 at 4:40 p.m. ET on a Wednesday, officially retiring CS:GO.

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They probably don't teach this in PR and marketing classes. In typical Valve fashion, Counter-Strike 2 is officially released as of 4:40 p.m. ET on a Wednesday. The highly anticipated FPS sequel completely replaces Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and brings graphical updates and new features to?? the competitive shooter.

CS:GO is officially no more, as it will automatically change to Counter-Strike 2 in your Steam Library. CS2 is completely free-to-play, th??ough players can purcha?se an optional $14.99 Prime Status upgrade. It appears Prime Status will feature its own special matchmaking and enable Prime Status players to obtain exclusive item drops and weapon cases.

A decade of CS:GO comes to an end

This is the first new Counter-Strike title in over a decade as CS:GO was released in August of 2012. Cosmetics players have earned in CS:GO will automatically update to their new Counter-Strike 2 version, making it a seamle??ss upgrade for all players. However, new players can download right away and jump in and start ??playing as well.

Also, according to the new Steam Page, CS2 is built in the Source 2 engine. This allows Valve to utilize realistic physics-based rendering, state-of-the-art n?etworking, and upgraded Community Workshop tools.

Graphical upgrades alongside new features

Even though Counter-Strike 2 is technically an upgrade of the framework in CS:GO, there a??re some pretty big new features in it as well:

• All-new CS Ratings with the updated Premier mode
• Global and Regional leaderboards
• Upgraded and overhauled maps
• Game-changing dynamic smoke grenades
• Tick-rate-independent gameplay
• Redesigned visual effects and audio
• All items from CS:GO moving forward to CS2

A bumpy start

While many are surely excited to jump into CS2, it appears some players are having trouble getting in. Though the new version of the shooter is technically live, some are not seeing the updated change in their Steam Library. I had this issue as well and restarting Steam worked for me. Before I restarted Steam it still showed as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive for me. But, after restarting Steam, it automatically updated to Counter-Strike 2 and started downloading the update.

Also, understandable the servers are prob??ably seeing a lot of traffic right now. Hopefully as the day continues things will settle down a bit and everyone can?? get in and play.

Counter-Strike 2 is available now on PC via Steam.

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Counter-Strike 2 news gets the squad pumped

Valve's tactical shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has smashed its own concurrent player record for the third time in just two months �This past weekend saw CS:GO pull in over 1.5 million players on Steam, be??ating a record set just a fortnight ago by almost 50,000 players??.

According to the figures on Steamdb, 1,519,457 squaddies leapt into action on March 25, beating the peak player count of 1,470,183 recorded on Saturday, March 11, and further surpassing the previous record of 1,308,963 recorded back in February. And while CS:GO has never truly ever entered an era of unpopularity ??in its near two decades of operation, the reason behind this sudden resurgence is quite clear.

//www.youtube.com/watch???v=ExZtISgOxEQ&ab_channel=Valve

Just five days ago, Valve finally confirmed the recent whispers that Counter-Strike was in line to receive a long-awaited upgrade, bringing technical improvements and mechanical overhauls to the tactical shooter's aging engine. Titled Counter-Strike 2, (though the project is more of an upgrade rather than an actual sequel), the free, Source 2-powered release will feature redesigned maps, a U.I.?? upgrade, improved ballistics, and new, further immersive effects for elements such as smoke, shadows, and light.

Valve has already confirmed that all statistics and gear from current CS:GO accounts will be carried over into the new edition. A release date was not announced, but the update is expected to roll out this summer, with limited testing windows made available to players in the meantime. You can check out the full details for Counter-Strike 2 over on the official website.

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