In theCounter-Strikecommunity, there’s nothing that shows a player’s status better than a flashy cosmetic. There are a few different types of cosmetics inCounter-Strike 2, like stickers, weapon skins, account customizations, and Agents, most of which can be acquired via the same methods.
The best skins inCS2tend to be expensive to purchase outright, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to getCS2skins. Though the Operations game mode inCS:GOwas a good source for skins,it has yet to be added toCS2. But until then, these are the best ways to unlock new skins inCS2, as well as how to equip cosmetics in the new UI.
How To Unlock Skins In CS2
The Weekly Care Package
Counter-Strike 2has a feature that guarantees all players at least one new skin each week, as long as they play the game enough. Every player has an XP Rank associated with their account. Once every week (resetting Tuesday night in the U.S.) players who gain an XP Rank will be rewarded with a Weekly Care Package.
This Weekly Care Package will reveal four items, of which players can choose two. Three of the items revealed in a Weekly Care Package can be anything from stickers to sprays to weapon skins, but one of the four items will always be a Case. Cases can only be opened with a matching Key, which must be purchased from the Steam Marketplace. To afford the best skins inCS2, and to open cases earned this way, players will have to use their own money in the Steam Marketplace. As of release, there isno other way for players to unlock freeCounter-Strike 2skins.
The Steam Marketplace
Counter-Strike: Global Offensivelet players get new cosmetics by completing a variety of in-game modes, many of which were not included in the base release ofCS2. The only other way for players to acquire new skins inCS2aside from using the Weekly Care Package is to engage in the Steam Community Market and trading.
Here, players can find cosmetics for just about everything in the game, though it does require players to have funds in the Steam Wallet. It’s possible to amass enough credit on one’s Steam Account forCS2community items just by selling Steam Trading Cards and by re-sellingCS2skins that won’t be used.
How To Equip Skins in CS2
To equip skinsCounter-Strike 2players have acquired, head to the “INVENTORY” tab at the top of the screen. In the newCS2layout, players will see either the Counter-Terrorist or Terrorist loadout. To swap the side currently being customized, just click on the opposing team’s slightly faded model.
How To Change Weapon Skin in CS2
To change weapon skins inCS2, click on a slot in the appropriate column in the loadout menu in the center of the screen. Then, scroll to find the weapon skin and equip it in a slot. For example, to equip a new AWP skin, click on the bottom cell of the “RIFLES” column and scroll tofind your skin of choicelisted as a separate entry from the standard version.
Customizing Other CS2 Cosmetics
To equip an Agent skin, a grenade skin, a knife skin, a Soundtrack, an Account Badge, or Spray, look for the column next to the CT or T model, separated from the weapons loadout menu. Click each icon to see equippable items in the inventory – most of these player cosmetics are not restricted by side and can be equipped freely, except for Agents.
