Counter-Strike 2 has an arsenal of weapons for players to pick from, but not all guns are created equal.
If you’re new to CS2, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of weapons that the competitive shooter by Valve has to offer. From SMGs that excel in taking down unarmored opponents to rifles that are capable of taking down anyone with a single bullet, there’s something for everyone to explore.
While it’s generally important for players who are interested in climbing up the competitive ladder of CS2 to get familiar with all the weapons in the game, there are certain weapons that you can master to cruise your way through the ranking spectrum of the title.
Top 5 Best Weapons To Use in CS2
It’s undeniable that running and gunning with your P90 and taking down anyone in your path is one of the most enjoyable things to do as a CS2 player. Unfortunately, that strategy isn’t very useful outside of the lower ranks.
To get to the high ranks of CS2, you’ll have to master a few specific weapons that are effective across all ranks in the game. Some guns in the list are exceptional during the initial rounds when your enemy might not be properly armored, while others with high armor penetration find more use in full-buy rounds.
With that being said, let’s check out the best weapons to use in CS2 to rank up faster:
Desert Eagle
Despite being a $700 pistol, the Desert Eagle or Deagle is one of the strongest weapons in CS2. Capable of taking down fully armored opponents with a single headshot, the Deagle finds heavy use in pro play and high elo lobbies.
AK-47
The AK-47 is one of the few rifles in CS2 that can take down enemies with a single headshot. It’s a rapid-fire AR that’s just as lethal in long-range battles as it is in close-quarters combat. It is exclusively available to purchase on the T-side.
The only downside to the AK is that it has a lower rate of fire than its CT counterpart, the M4A4.
M4A4 / M4A1-S
Back in the CS:GO era, mastering one of these rifles was enough for any casual player to be able to rank up consistently. However, with the CS2 upgrade, players can now equip both the M4A4 and the M4A1-S in their loadouts. This makes it essential for players to learn to use both these rifles individually.
The two big advantages that the M4A1-S has over the M4A4 are its hidden bullet tracers and a lower price tag. However, it suffers from a lower rate of fire and a lower magazine, which makes M4A4 the preferred choice for many players.
AWP
While it’s possible to climb up the CS2 leaderboard while sticking to the assault rifles, it’s highly recommended that players learn the AWP since it can single-handedly turn the tides of battle if used correctly. Whether you’re holding mid-doors on Dust 2 or window on Mirage, having an AWP in your team not only gives you a ton of map control, but it can also tear through teams that don’t use proper utility to secure crucial choke points.
USP-S / Glock
The USP-S and the Glock-18 are starting pistols for the CT-side and T-side respectively. Mastering both these weapons is crucial to give your team a head start by winning the pistol round. Additionally, knowing how to use these pistols can also help you win eco rounds that should otherwise be unwinnable.
Note that having a good aim is key to using all the aforementioned weapons in CS2. Be sure to regularly refine your gunplay in practice maps and take a moment to learn the sprays for the rifles in community-made ‘spray control maps’. At the end of the day, overpowered weapons can only take you so far if your aim can’t keep up with your enemies.
