Skins and cases are among the most notable features of CS2, and here’s how players can get them either in-game or externally.
While CS2 skins aren’t essential to playing and enjoying Counter-Strike 2, they do add an extra layer to the game both in terms of pleasant aesthetics and collectible value. Players have two main options for getting weapons skins: directly purchasing them, or opening cases. Those who like to take risks may prefer getting cases and taking a chance on what’s in them.
There are a number of ways for players to get cases in CS2. These methods range from limited free options to those that cost real-world money on external marketplaces. Whatever your budget or skill level, there’s a method to getting more new cases for everyone.
The easiest way by far to get cases in CS2 is by regularly playing the game. Those who win around four matches per week or level up will get the option to choose two out of four random reward options. Usually, players can find at least one case in their set of rewards. Gaining further XP or levels offers the chance to earn the other two rewards not initially chosen.
While free, the weekly level-up cases usually contain low-level skins. This can be useful for players who are just starting out or enjoy the process of the case opening more than the rewards themselves, but it’s necessarily as helpful for people looking for rare and expensive Counter-Strike skins.
Although CS2 is free to play, many of its most useful features are locked behind paywalls. One such feature is Prime, a one-time $14.99 purchase that grants players weekly care packages that include cases, weapon skins, and graffiti sprays. Players additionally get a chance for item drops after each and every match they play. All of these rewards are exclusive to Prime and are automatically rarer than the weekly reward system by virtue of that exclusivity.
Outside of cases, CS2 Prime boasts a number of other beneficial features. These include exclusive matchmaking with other Prime members and competitive skill groups. Those interested can subscribe either through the in-game client itself or via the Steam store.
Players who have the money and the desire to spend on an uncertain gamble can directly purchase CS2 cases, either through Steam or via an outside, third-party marketplace. Both options have benefits.
On Steam, buyers usually won’t get any discounts, but they have the assurance that they aren’t being scammed. By comparison, those who hunt around on third-party platforms can usually find a better deal than those available directly on the Steam marketplace, but they risk losing their money and not actually getting the purchased case if they peruse a less reputable platform.
To get CS2 cases through Steam, players can go to the website or app and navigate to the Steam Community Market. From there, they can search for any cases they’re interested in buying, or even for specific CS2 skins they may want.
In addition to these main ways to get CS2 cases, players have a few other options available to them. Some Twitch streams will offer item drops after a certain amount of time spent watching the stream, though many find this to be tedious and an inconsistent way to get the cases they want. During majors, players also can purchase a Viewer Pass to get souvenir cases. Finally, past operations in CSGO have rewarded cases. But the last operation ended in February 2022, and Valve has not given any indication of a new operation happening anytime soon.
Importantly, players still need to purchase or find keys to open any CS2 cases they have. The most direct way to get a key is to purchase it when prompted in-game. Collector’s keys are also available on Steam or via other online stores, but these are more for trading than they are for actually opening cases.
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