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New record capitalization of skins at $4.277 billion. Are skins more reliable than Bitcoin? Let’s analyze what you can invest in in the near future.

- - — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 11:24:11 +0000

The skin market in Counter-Strike 2 continues to develop rapidly, confirming its attractiveness as an alternative investment instrument. According to Bloomberg, since the beginning of 2024, the value of digital items in CS2 has grown faster than the S&P 500 index, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. Recently, a new record was set – the total trading volume of skins reached $4.3 billion. If you’ve been following items on the marketplace for a long time, it’s not difficult to notice that they have been steadily growing in price not only this year but throughout the game’s history. This is especially noticed by people who return to their abandoned accounts after some time, check their inventory, and are surprised that some items are significantly more expensive than they remembered. If you’re one of these players, go to Steam to search for treasures.

The main price jump occurred during the transition to CS2, when all skins were transferred to the new version of the game, which marked a new chapter in the shooter’s history that will exist for a long time. There were also specific cases where some items began to look much more interesting with the transition to the improved Source 2 engine.

Currently, there are many different items in the in-game store, so we decided to reflect on their future value. Let’s try to think through several scenarios, based on the current situation and experience from past events.

Arsenal Operation Items

There are currently 66 new weapon finishes from the Arsenal update in the game. Three collections: Overpass 2024, “The Graphic Design Collection”, “The Sport & Field Collection” as well as the “Gallery Case.” While items from past collections showed serious growth some time after their completion, the current situation here is quite ambiguous.

First, VALVE does not reveal to us even approximate dates for the end of the event, which makes any forecasts merely hypothetical. Second, unlike past operations, this event has a modified item acquisition mechanic. Now you cannot purchase “stars” for real money, and developers, in addition to purchasing a pass, force you to play to earn in-game currency. At first, this worked well, but after almost half a year, audience interest has waned, and players have returned to FACEIT and other third-party servers. For this reason, far fewer items have been appearing in the game, and they are practically not dropping in price. So what will happen to them next?

Why the collection should increase in value:

Items still won’t appear in large quantities due to the lost interest of players. This means their already limited circulation will not change.
To bring back active users, developers will release new collections within the current Arsenal event, while the current ones will become limited.
Any other sudden termination of the event or closure of access to the collection.

What might prevent Arsenal event items from growing in value:

The implementation of a substantial discount on the pass, more specifically – how long this discount will be in effect and whether it will be able to restore player demand.
Infinite duration of the event. There are rumors that this is quite a realistic outcome.

Charms

Moving on to the newest type of items in the game. The community had been waiting for the appearance of charms for a very long time, but the reaction to the presented models was ambiguous. This item left no one indifferent, and made players either fall in love with or categorically reject the new accessory.

As for future prices, over time our vision has changed somewhat. Initially, it seemed that the ability to apply and remove a charm at any moment would completely kill all hopes for growth, but time has shown that their prices have not changed. At the moment, this can be attributed to the general trend of all skins from the Arsenal update, but we have a couple of additional arguments for why charms might become more expensive in the future:

Analogy with agents. They also cannot be used in crafts or somehow disappear from the game, which did not prevent them from significantly increasing in price. Although skeptics will say that a significant percentage of growth is associated with the general boost of all items after the transition to CS2.
The presence of rare patterns. It would seem that the collection is transparent, but almost every charm has at least four varieties that differ in color or other pattern change parameter. It turns out that there are even fewer items of a specific “type” than shown on the marketplace.

Stickers

Here everything is quite simple, and you can be guided by the experience of past stickers from operations. When a sticker is applied, it cannot be removed, so after each application, they rapidly disappear from the marketplace. Given the actively developing fashion for sticker crafts, demand for them is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. It is especially impossible to ignore the number of ideas implemented with stickers from the Arsenal collections, which makes their potential scarcity almost inevitable.

Shanghai Major Items

The tournament ended last year, but we can still purchase stickers and souvenir containers from any of the matches of the main VALVE tournament. In fact, everyone has already gotten used to such huge periods of access to tournament attributes, so this fact does not cause surprise.

The main question: what will happen to prices? Here, everything is extremely unpredictable, and it is worth delving more deeply into the number of purchased capsules and sets. But one thing can be said for sure – the design turned out to be completely unimpressive and barely distinguishable from the previous Major. Traditionally, it would hardly be a mistake to stock up on stickers of unpopular teams that are unlikely to ever make it to a Major again. However, you need to understand that the demand for these stickers is not so great, so don’t expect a huge profit from this investment. Many pay attentions to player autographs, considering that this time the developers made the signatures themselves more expressive.

As for souvenir packages, the best way to make money on them is to guess the map that will be next to be removed from the map pool. For example, the Vertigo container, after replacement with Train, has already increased in price by 30%.

What can you invest in on the marketplace?

Finally, let’s talk about items that have been in the game a little longer and which of them could become a good investment. To jump ahead, we’ll clarify that these items have already given their main boost, which is why they have already grown to far from small sums.

First of all, we’re talking about items from the latest operations: Riptide and Broken Fang cases, as well as collections: Train 2021, Mirage 2021, Dust 2 2021, Vertigo 2021, Ancient, Chaos, and Control. You can also pay attention to items from even older operations, but the main take should revolve around the fact that items have been removed from active drop. Thus, after numerous crafts, items from the collection will disappear, accordingly becoming more rare. The cost of such skins will definitely not decrease in any way, with the exception of potential risks that will affect absolutely the entire market.

IMPORTANT – all thoughts are subjective and not financial advice. Also, it is worth remembering that when withdrawing to real money, you should understand that the price may differ from Steam both in greater and lesser value. Therefore, with any manipulations with your items, be extremely careful, especially if you do not have enough experience and knowledge in this matter.

The post New record capitalization of skins at $4.277 billion. Are skins more reliable than Bitcoin? Let’s analyze what you can invest in in the near future. appeared first on Sih.app blog.

Setting up CS2 correctly and getting VAC in the comments. How to choose the resolution in CS2? What resolution do pro players use?

- - — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:46:12 +0000

Screen resolution and aspect ratio play a key role in the Counter-Strike gameplay, significantly affecting the field of view, perception of player models, and overall performance. Choosing optimal settings depends on personal preferences, playstyle, and your computer’s capabilities. Recently, a video appeared online where a guy plays at a 32:9 aspect ratio and sees twice as much as his opponents. Undoubtedly, this gives a huge advantage and from the screens of average users may look like cheats, for which they will instantly report you. Therefore, we don’t recommend experimenting, but instead choosing a default resolution, and in this article, we’ll help you understand their advantages.

Understanding Resolution and Aspect Ratio

Screen resolution determines the number of pixels horizontally and vertically, forming the clarity and detail of the image. Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width of the image and its height, defining the shape and coverage of the displayed area.

In Counter-Strike, the most common aspect ratios are 4:3 and 16:9. In short, the higher the width value, the more you see. Despite the obvious advantage, many choose 4:3 because they want to concentrate on fewer objects on the screen. Let’s look at each resolution in more detail and highlight the pros and cons.

16:9 Aspect Ratio

The 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard for most modern monitors and provides a wide field of view. Resolutions corresponding to this ratio include 1920×1080 and 1280×720.

Advantages of 16:9:

Wide field of view: The player gets a more extensive view of the environment, which helps to detect opponents on the periphery of the screen faster.
Natural picture: The image looks proportional and corresponds to the real proportions of objects.
Compatibility with modern displays: Most monitors and laptops support 16:9, providing optimal display without distortion.

Disadvantages of 16:9:

Smaller player models: Due to the wide field of view, enemy models may appear smaller, requiring more precise aiming.

4:3 Aspect Ratio

The 4:3 aspect ratio was popular in the era of CRT monitors and is still used by many professional Counter-Strike players. For this reason, there’s a common belief that such settings are used by “oldies” who experienced the times of CS1.6 or earlier versions of the game. Resolutions for this ratio include 1024×768 and 1280×960.

Advantages of 4:3:

Enlarged player models: When using stretched mode, enemy models appear wider, making it easier to aim and hit.
Focus on the center of the screen: The narrowed field of view helps to concentrate on the central part of the screen, reducing distractions at the edges.
Increased performance: Low resolution reduces system load, which can lead to increased frame rates (FPS).

Disadvantages of 4:3:

Narrow field of view: The player sees a smaller part of the environment, which can lead to missing opponents on the periphery.
Image distortion in stretched mode: Stretching the picture can lead to distortion of objects and disproportionate display.

Stretched Mode and Black Bars

When choosing a 4:3 ratio on widescreen monitors, there are two display options:

Stretched mode: The image is stretched across the entire screen, models become wider, which makes aiming easier. However, this leads to distortion of proportions and accelerated perception of movement.

Black bars: The image retains its original proportions, but black bars appear on the sides of the screen. This prevents distortion but reduces the usable area of the screen. It’s also commonly believed that black bars allow for faster movement of the crosshair from edge to edge of the screen. Many say this helps improve accuracy and increase reaction speed.

To set up stretched mode, you need to change the scaling parameters in your graphics card settings. For example, for NVIDIA graphics cards, this can be done through the “NVIDIA Control Panel” by selecting the “Full-screen” option in the “Adjust desktop size and position” section.

Professional Players' Preferences

Many professional players choose a 4:3 aspect ratio in stretched mode.

Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, the sniper for G2 Esports, uses a resolution of 1280×960 with a 4:3 aspect ratio in stretched mode. This allows him to enlarge enemy models on the screen, making aiming easier. His settings include:

Resolution: 1280×960
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Scaling mode: Stretched

Danil “donk” Kryshkovets, a player for Team Spirit, also prefers a resolution of 1280×960 with a 4:3 aspect ratio in stretched mode.

Resolution: 1280×960
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Scaling mode: Stretched

However, the captain of Team Spirit, Leonid “Chopper” Vishnyakov, prefers to play with black bars on the sides and at a different resolution:

Resolution: 1024×768
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Scaling mode: Black Bars

Now you know about all the advantages of different resolutions, but remember that no settings will improve your skill. Changing the resolution can help get new sensations from the game, but it won’t turn you into a new donk.

Complexity’s sniper, Håkon “hallzerk” Fjærli, went even further and disabled screen scaling, which also gives him a full black frame.

Resolution: 1024×768
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Scaling mode: No Scaling

However, some prefer 16:9 for a wider view. Robin “ropz” Kool, for example, plays at a resolution of 1920×1080, valuing a wide viewing angle and natural proportions.

Resolution: 1920×1080
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Scaling mode: Stretched

The post Setting up CS2 correctly and getting VAC in the comments. How to choose the resolution in CS2? What resolution do pro players use? appeared first on Sih.app blog.

Best Skins for AK-47, M4A4, M4A1-S, AWP, USP-S, and Glock-18 Under $10 Top 3 Picks for Each Weapon

- - — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:42:45 +0000

Choosing beautiful devices often comes down to financial considerations, as the rule of thumb is: the better the skin, the higher the price. A skin’s cost depends on its appearance, the rarity of its collection, and, of course, its quality. In this selection, we’ve compiled three of the best skins for the most popular and frequently used weapons in the game. Alongside their attractive designs, the main selection criterion was price—we ensured you could purchase a minimally worn item of at least Minimal Wear quality for under $10. Let’s dive into the review to see what’s available at this modest price point, so you can equip yourself with pride even if your inventory is worth hundreds of times more.

USP-S

USP-S | Ticket to Hell — $0.46 – $2.39
USP-S | Cortex — $2.79 – $12.32
USP-S | Black Lotus — $1.46 – $10.26

USP-S | Ticket to Hell stands out with its ultra-stylish black-and-white color scheme that complements almost any inventory. Designed in a modern, slightly chaotic style, the skin features numerous eye-catching elements. One unique feature is the QR code that directs you to the item’s Steam Workshop page.

USP-S | Cortex has been in the game since February 2018 and has become one of the most popular choices over seven years. The handle features a skeleton with a cracked skull, inspiring endless creative sticker combinations from players. The bright pink brain matter covering the slide and silencer forms the letters “USP-S,” adding a unique touch to this fan-favorite.

USP-S | Black Lotus is the choice for aesthetes. The pistol’s slide is adorned with a mysterious black lotus rendered in deep purple hues, exuding elegance and mysticism. The perforated silencer, with its distinct circular cutouts, perfectly complements the artistic and sophisticated design on the body.

Glock-18

Glock-18 | Vogue — $3.12 – $11.40
Glock-18 | Nuclear Garden — $1.43 – $5.83
Glock-18 | Block-18 — $1.20 – $3.18

Glock-18 | Vogue is a pop-art masterpiece that catches the attention of every player. Its focal point is a pair of striking blue eyes that seem to mesmerize you at an unexpected moment. The vibrant red and purple shades dominate the pattern, making it feel like a luxury item, often priced much higher than $10.

Glock-18 | Nuclear Garden is a worthy pick at its price, held back only by its 2018 Nuke collection origin. Its bright neon green paint drips across the body like radioactive fluid, complemented by scattered skull and bone motifs on the slide. This mix of neon vibrance and brutal elements creates an eye-catching design.

Glock-18 | Block-18 is a perfect example of creative ingenuity using a playful theme. Its Lego-inspired design feels like the realization of every child’s dream—to see their Lego pieces come to life as real toys. Despite its playful concept, the skin retains a sense of realism that keeps it appealing to all players.

AK-47

AK-47 | Phantom Disruptor — $4.88 – $7.47
AK-47 | Slate — $4.00 – $15.84
AK-47 | Ice Coaled — $5.57 – $20.03

The design of the AK-47 | Phantom Disruptor is a surreal masterpiece that brings a fantastic monster to life. Its ornament, composed of fragments of various body parts of this creature, immerses you in a world of strange and unsettling visions. At such a price, this is an incredible piece of work that rightly earns its spot in this top selection.

The AK-47 | Slate has become a community favorite in just 3.5 years, and it’s not hard to see why. Its fully black body with minimal decorative elements makes it a perfect canvas for all kinds of stickers. We recommend paying attention to stickers when purchasing this skin, as you can find many interesting pre-made crafts without having to create your own.

The AK-47 | Ice Coaled boasts a stunning cold gradient that is worth every penny, even at this modest price. But the design isn’t solely focused on its color scheme. The receiver and stock are adorned with abstract geometric symbols, while the upper part of the foregrip features a dotted pattern that creates an intriguing visual effect.

M4A4

M4A4 | Turbine — $1.26 – $7.68
M4A4 | Desolate Space — $6.07 – $27.78
M4A4 | Tooth Fairy — $3.22 – $10.60

The M4A4 | Turbine is part of the new Revolution Case, and it feels like its true potential hasn’t yet been realized. Perhaps it’s the somewhat dull brown color, but the texture is far from boring. Its standout feature is a glowing bulb above the trigger that lights up during firing and flashes when reloading. This small detail remains relatively unknown, and with new engine capabilities, it might gain even more appeal in future updates.

The M4A4 | Desolate Space, with its space-themed design, looks fantastic even in Well-Worn condition. Vibrant colors and an excellent artwork have been pleasing players for nearly nine years. The central part of the rifle’s body offers a window into another reality, showcasing a cosmic landscape featuring a beige skeleton in a spacesuit. The foregrip depicts a rocket immortalized in flight, surrounded by the tentacles of an alien monster.

The M4A4 | Tooth Fairy has a mysterious atmosphere that exudes an air of antiquity. The rifle’s body is adorned with a menacing depiction of the Tooth Fairy—not the whimsical heroine of bedtime tales, but rather a manifestation of dark nightmares. The design is packed with small details, each brimming with hidden meanings.

M4A1-S

M4A1-S | Night Terror — $0.69 – $2.01
M4A1-S | Emphorosaur-S — $0.69 – $4.05
M4A1-S | Control Panel — $6.25 – $42.63

The M4A1-S | Night Terror is a universal choice because wear levels don’t affect its artwork but rather its shade of purple. This skin exudes mystery and resembles a horror movie poster. A haunting portrait of a girl, numerous handwritten notes, and sketches seemingly drawn in blood give this weapon an inexplicable aura of enigma.

The M4A1-S | Emphorosaur-S plunges you into the world of Jurassic Park, as if this rifle were not just a weapon but a true artifact from the land of dinosaurs. You won’t find another rifle in such bright green and yellow hues, making this rarity an absolute bargain.

The M4A1-S | Control Panel is another example where the creator’s concept seamlessly blends into the item’s design, often unnoticed by players. The design gives the weapon a futuristic, industrial look, as if it’s not just a rifle but a high-tech device from a futuristic world. Various buttons, indicators, and switches appear to be part of a complex mechanism.

AWP

AWP | Atheris — $3.96 – $17.25
AWP | Mortis — $2.60 – $10.06
AWP | Duality — $2.34 – $14.31

The AWP | Atheris is one of the best skins in the game, featuring a snake in mesmerizing blue-green tones that seems ready to slither off the surface of the weapon, bringing its predatory charm to life. The scope is decorated with an elegant pattern resembling snake scales, as if the weapon carries the spirit of this graceful and dangerous predator, ready to take a life with a single bite.

The AWP | Duality nearly didn’t make it into the game, but due to a copyright issue with a previous version, it became a worthy replacement. This skin is underappreciated only because of the nostalgia for the earlier design. The rifle’s body becomes a piece of art with a detailed depiction of an elegant snake surrounded by intricate floral patterns, swirls, and wavy lines, giving the weapon a luxurious and majestic appearance.

The AWP | Mortis is almost intimidating to wield, as its design draws inspiration from the 13th card of the Tarot deck—Death. The buttstock features a depiction of Death holding a scythe, while the receiver is adorned with the skeleton of a horse standing against a checkerboard background, making for a beautiful allegory. With the transition to CS2, the golden elements gained new life, elevating the skin’s visual appeal to a new level.

The post Best Skins for AK-47, M4A4, M4A1-S, AWP, USP-S, and Glock-18 Under $10 Top 3 Picks for Each Weapon appeared first on Sih.app blog.

The Evolution of Train in Counter-Strike: Interesting Facts, Easter Eggs, and Iconic Matches

- - — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:40:22 +0000

The map Train holds a special place in the history of the Counter-Strike series, being one of the most recognizable and popular among players. From its appearance in CS 1.6 to CS:GO and its subsequent return in CS2, it has undergone significant changes, and in 2025, we will experience a completely different Train. In this article, you will learn about how the map looked in different eras, revisit iconic moments, discover interesting Easter eggs from past and current versions, and recall several legendary matches.

Train in CS 1.6

Train first appeared in Counter-Strike as a map set in an old railway depot. Its main feature was the abundance of trains that divided the space and influenced gameplay. Narrow passages, long sightlines, and a high level of vertical gameplay made Train one of the most challenging maps to master.

Key Gameplay Features in CS 1.6:

The legendary “B” bombsite on the upper warehouse with a train, where snipers often defended.
The “A” bombsite with tightly packed trains, providing a tactical advantage to players who knew how to utilize smoke grenades.
The Heaven position, offering a great view of the entire A-site.
The staircases, which were dangerous for both sides, allowing for ambushes or retakes.

Train's Overhaul in CS:GO (2014)

In December 2014, Train was completely redesigned to meet the more modern standards and requirements of the competitive scene. Valve took player feedback into account regarding the excessive complexity of the old design, making the map cleaner and more balanced.

Key Changes:

Object movement: Trains were lowered, improving visibility and reducing the influence of snipers on the round’s outcome.
Changes to A and B sites: Train cars were repositioned to create more cover and reduce attackers’ advantages.
Optimization: Unnecessary passages were removed, crawling under trains was forbidden, and the Heaven position was moved, making it less effective.
Graphical changes: The map adopted a more modern industrial style while retaining the Soviet atmosphere.

Train's Return in CS2 (2024)

Train returned in Counter-Strike 2 with a major update featuring improved lighting, textures, and new design elements. One of the key features was the addition of weather effects, such as rain, which enhanced the map’s atmosphere and improved the appearance of player models due to water droplets on weapons and hands.

Key Changes:

Graphical improvements: The use of the Source 2 engine made the map more realistic. Reflections and light effects were added, altering visibility and gameplay experience.
Weather effects: During rain, smoke grenades disperse differently, and footsteps become less audible.
Tactical changes: The size of the map was significantly reduced, and some positions were reworked (Heaven was completely removed, and the A-site was made more open. The upper/lower staircase was replaced with a long corridor, and the upper B-site entrance was blocked).

Iconic Matches on Train

SK Gaming vs Liquid – ESL One Cologne 2016 One of the most memorable matches on Train occurred in the grand final of ESL One Cologne 2016. SK Gaming defeated Liquid, and the Brazilian team won the Major title for the second consecutive time.
Virtus.pro vs Astralis – ELEAGUE Major 2017 This Major grand final marked the rise of Astralis as the best team in CS:GO history. The experienced Polish team Virtus.pro led 13-7 on Train, but gla1ve’s legendary round with a Tec-9 helped the Danes complete the comeback.
Gambit vs Immortals – PGL Major Krakow 2017 Gambit chose Train as their map pick after losing the first map in the grand final. Having previously defeated the legendary Astralis, the CIS team was expected to easily beat the Brazilians, but the match ended up being incredibly close.
Quantum Bellator Fire vs MOUZ – ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018 The underdog team QBF made a stunning comeback from a 13-2 deficit, winning the second half 14-1 and advancing to the Major playoffs. The star of the team was the young BoombI4, who captivated the arena’s fans.

Interesting Facts about Train in CS2

Train in CS2 is filled with various Easter eggs and references, here are a few:

Reference to Viktor Tsoi and the band “Kino”: On a train near the B site, there is a graffiti with a crossed-out “Kino” logo and the phrase “Wish me luck,” referencing the song “Blood Type.”
List of map developers: On one of the walls, there are the names of all the developers involved in creating the new version of Train as a tribute to their work.
Picture of the old Train version: In one of the rooms, there is a picture depicting the Train from the CS:GO era as a nostalgic reference for long-time fans of the game.
Real phone number: A phone number on one of the walls leads to a delivery service in the Voronezh region, and it turns out the number is real.
“Respect the pigeons” graffiti: On a trash bin, there is a graffiti that reads “Respect the pigeons,” referencing a bug in CS:GO where players could fly on birds for an unfair advantage.
Music in the counter-terrorist spawn vehicle: Now, music plays from a vehicle at the counter-terrorist spawn, adding atmosphere to the start of the round.
Old Train slideshow: Near the B site, there is a computer playing a slideshow of images from the old de_train from CS 1.6.
Missing chicken ads: On the terrorist side’s bulletin board, there are posters in Russian about missing chickens. While chickens aren’t on Train, they appear on other maps like Inferno and Anubis.
Station names as map references: Opposite the bulletin board is an information panel with names of railway stations, which reference existing and possibly future maps in the game.
QR code to CS2 Steam page: Next to the station list, there is a QR code that leads to the Counter-Strike 2 Steam page when scanned.

Easter Eggs from Previous Versions of Train

“Popdog” area: The area near the ladder connecting the A bombsite to the depot building (upper/lower) is called “Popdog.” This is a reference to the original creators of the map, who named the area the same.
“Do not step on the birds” sign: Near the terrorist spawn, there is a sign referring to a temporary bug when players could fly on birds.
Vladimir Lenin mosaic: In the updated version of the map, a mosaic featuring Vladimir Lenin has been added to a building near the terrorist spawn.
Geiger counter: A Geiger counter is located at the A bombsite, adding to the atmosphere.
Radio playing TF2 music: In a café near the terrorist base, music from Team Fortress 2 plays.
Depot name: The depot building on the map is named “LESGORAD-1 STATION.”

Statistics and Popularity

Train has remained one of the most popular maps in professional play for many years.

Win Rate on Train (CS:GO):

Terrorists: 45%
Counter-Terrorists: 55%

Last Tournament

The last major tournament where Train was featured before its removal from the competitive pool was ESL Pro League Season 13, which concluded on May 3, 2021. After that, Train was replaced by Ancient and was absent from the competitive pool until 2025.

Conclusion

The return of this map to the competitive pool is a true celebration for the community, eagerly awaiting new legendary matches and highlights on their beloved map. The only question left is: Is Train ready for its return to the pro scene?

The post The Evolution of Train in Counter-Strike: Interesting Facts, Easter Eggs, and Iconic Matches appeared first on Sih.app blog.

How Do Trade-Up Contracts Work in CS2? Why Are Crafting Contracts a Cornerstone of Skin Culture?

- - — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:21:31 +0000

In Counter-Strike 2, crafting new items is achieved through trade-up contracts, which allow players to exchange 10 items of the same quality for one item of a higher quality. This mechanic offers the chance to obtain rare and valuable skins. However, the outcome is always random, meaning you may not get the desired item. That said, it’s incorrect to assume the process is entirely luck-based—you can calculate the probability of obtaining specific skins based on the items you choose for the trade-up. This article delves into the mechanics of trade-up contracts, their purpose in the game, and who should consider utilizing this feature.

Mechanics of Trade-Up Contracts

Steps to Create a Trade-Up Contract:

Collect 10 skins of the same quality (e.g., 10 Military Grade or 10 Restricted items).
Open the trade-up contract menu in the game.
Place the selected skins into the contract.
Confirm the trade and receive a random skin of the next quality tier. For example:
- 10 Industrial Grade items will yield 1 Military Grade item.
- 10 Restricted items will produce 1 Classified skin.

How to Predict the Outcome

The chance of receiving a specific skin depends on the number of possible outcomes within the corresponding collection. For instance, if a collection contains five skins of a given quality, the probability of obtaining any specific skin is 20%.

Example: If you use 10 skins from the Dreams & Nightmares Case (all of the same quality, e.g., blue-grade skins), there are five purple-grade skins in the case. You will receive one of these purple-grade skins, each with an equal 20% chance.

Mixing Skins from Different Collections

If you combine skins from various collections, the probability splits accordingly.

Example: You create a trade-up contract for a Classified item using:

3 Restricted skins from the Dreams & Nightmares Case,
4 from the Killowatt Case,
3 from the Fracture Case.

The probability of receiving a Classified skin from each case is proportional to the input:

40% for Killowatt,
30% for Dreams & Nightmares,
30% for Fracture.

Since each case contains two Classified skins, divide these percentages by two to calculate the specific probabilities:

20% for each skin from the Killowatt Case,
15% for each skin from the other two cases.

Items Excluded from Trade-Ups

Souvenir items,
Knives,
Gloves,
Skins with the highest rarity in their collection (usually Classified or Restricted).

For StatTrak weapons, all skins used in the contract must also have the StatTrak feature.

Skin Wear and Float Values

The wear of the skins used in the contract affects the wear of the resulting item:

Using all Factory New items almost guarantees a Factory New outcome.
Mixing wear levels requires calculating the average float value, which determines the wear of the resulting skin.

Tip: Avoid mixing wear levels significantly, as one poorly-worn item can affect the appearance and value of the resulting skin.

Getting Rid of Low-Grade Items: Tips for Beginners

Trade-up contracts in Counter-Strike 2 not only allow players to acquire rarer skins but also serve as a convenient tool for clearing unwanted low-grade items from your inventory. Instead of selling cheap skins individually or letting them collect dust, you can bundle them into a contract to transform them into a more valuable item.

Advantages of Using Trade-Up Contracts for Low-Grade Items:

Inventory Organization: Declutter your inventory by trading multiple cheap items for a single, more valuable one.
Potential Profit: Even low-value skins can be traded for a skin that’s significantly more valuable.
Aesthetic Upgrade: If you don’t profit financially, you might still end up with a visually appealing item.
Convenience: Complete a trade-up with just a few clicks, avoiding the hassle of managing marketplace sales.

Strategies and Recommendations

Choose Skins from the Same Collection: This maximizes your chances of obtaining the desired item.
Market Analysis: Study skin prices beforehand to identify profitable combinations.
Evaluate Risks: Keep in mind that the outcome is random, and you might not receive the desired skin. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
Focus on Collection Rarity: Use multiple skins from the same rare collection to increase your chances of obtaining a high-value item.

Is Crafting Worth It? An Example of a Profitable Trade-Up

Achieving a 100% profitable trade-up is nearly impossible, as popular items for crafting are well-known and often expensive. These skins, known as “trade-up fodder,” are held specifically for crafting or investment purposes, often being older pink-grade skins from retired collections.

So why craft at all?

It’s one of the most efficient ways to clear low-value items.
Even a 5–10% chance of profit is better than the odds of unboxing a Restricted item from a case.

Example: To craft an AWP | Atheris, use:

10 Galil AR | War Horn skins (Field-Tested, $0.24 each).
The total cost is around $2.40, and the chance of obtaining the AWP (Field-Tested, $5–6 value) is approximately 16.6%.

While not guaranteed, this probability is significantly higher than unboxing a similar item at the same cost.

Why Are Trade-Up Contracts Essential in CS2 Skin Culture?

At first glance, trade-up contracts might seem like a revenue-generating feature for developers, but their real purpose lies in market balance. Without trade-ups, the supply of items would continuously grow, devaluing skins over time. By creating demand for lower-tier items, trade-ups introduce scarcity to certain collections, especially those no longer in active drops. Every trade-up not only gives players a shot at obtaining a rare skin but also helps maintain market stability.

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Crosshairs of donk, m0NESY, s1mple, and Other CS2 Stars: Why Choosing the Right Crosshair Matters and Unique In-Game Options

- - — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:36:26 +0000

The crosshairs of professional Counter-Strike players are a hot topic among fans. During a match, players focus heavily on their crosshairs, which serve as crucial visual guides. Crosshair size, color, and style influence how well players can see targets and control recoil. In this article, we’ll explore the popular crosshairs of top-tier players and help you choose one that fits your playstyle.

Danil "donk" Kryshkovets

DPI: 800
In-Game Sensitivity: 1.25
Crosshair Code: CSGO-hzZ5A-fCrzh-oM824-FZTQd-cV6uC

Starting with the youngest and most impactful shooter in recent years, many claim that donk fits perfectly into the CS2 meta and has been lucky. However, earning five MVP awards in his first season is far from luck. He broke multiple statistical records and became the first rifler in years to lead the race for the world’s top player with a significant margin. Danil uses a small green crosshair with minimal spacing between the lines. This balanced setup is great for beginners, making it easy to aim at enemy models while comfortably controlling sprays.

Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov

DPI: 400
In-Game Sensitivity: 2
Crosshair Code: CSGO-wAD3c-ykt5L-zvZ98-vBisR-6sWPA

Despite being an AWPer, Ilya’s skills with any weapon are undeniable. His incredible Desert Eagle highlight on Inferno, ranked second at the 2023 HLTV Awards, is unforgettable. His crosshair is similar to donk’s but features a turquoise color, which may blend with certain textures on maps like Nuke and Vertigo. However, this choice likely prioritizes aesthetics over universal visibility, emphasizing personal comfort.

Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev

DPI: 400
In-Game Sensitivity: 3.09
Crosshair Code: CSGO-QY6Hw-SkQGh-8Fvak-eUaLc-iL5mA

The greatest CS:GO player faced challenges finding a team in CS2 and even experimented with switching from AWPer to rifler. Though results were mixed, s1mple’s understanding of the game remains unmatched. His settings have always drawn attention, especially his high mouse sensitivity—double the average among pros. He uses a dot crosshair, ideal for headshot-focused play. If you struggle with spray control, consider testing this crosshair type.

Nikola "NiKo" Kovač

DPI: 400
In-Game Sensitivity: 1.51
Crosshair Code: CSGO-bGFmf-fNOH9-nAtkj-aNHOd-VE8nM

The most consistent aimer of the past decade plays with low sensitivity, relying on precise hand movements for aiming and spray control. His crosshair is a hybrid between donk’s and s1mple’s—not quite a dot but with no inner spacing. NiKo’s style involves quick aiming and short bursts, making his crosshair perfect for such techniques.

Dmitry "sh1ro" Sokolov

DPI: 800
In-Game Sensitivity: 1.04
Crosshair Code: CSGO-AZQd3-kDODr-psst2-hWv7L-TpNkO

The Team Spirit AWPer rarely plays without his signature weapon, so his crosshair is tailored for pistol rounds. Its rounded lines resemble a circle rather than a cross, providing comfort during both long- and short-range firefights.

Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut

DPI: 400
In-Game Sensitivity: 2
Crosshair Code: CSGO-2TPTe-6w6XF-H4ViG-aPxbP-aUeuB

Throughout his career at the tier-1 level, the French star has never ranked below the HLTV Top 2 and remains a contender in 2024. Although an AWPer, he frequently secures rifles from previous rounds, trusting his ability to create impact with any weapon. His crosshair is notably thicker than most but hasn’t hindered his stellar performance.

Ismailcan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş

DPI: 400
In-Game Sensitivity: 2
Crosshair Code: CSGO-xbpe2-E24RJ-YXNuO-pQvt8-ppNAK

XANTARES, a veteran player, found a second wind in CS2. Known for his aggressive play and uncontrollable aim, he uses a massive crosshair reminiscent of the CS 1.6 era, where large crosshairs were common due to less precise shooting mechanics. His setup supports rapid aim adjustments and fast entry frags.

Unusual Crosshairs Found on Servers

Occasionally, you may encounter bizarre crosshairs on public servers. Some pros have strange settings too. For example, Vitality’s mezii uses the right mouse button for forward movement, and a former Virtus.pro captain switched WASD to RDFG for better access to extra keys.

T-Style Crosshair

Crosshair Code: CSGO-2NHup-EESE9-TPk6A-nZEup-PcbJD

Though not entirely unusual, this crosshair changes your shooting style. You must aim lower than the enemy’s head to land headshots.

#-Shaped Crosshair

Crosshair Code: CSGO-zuoP2-RdGB3-X6HtE-ruj34-HG8nM

While hard to take seriously, this crosshair floods your screen with extra elements. Perhaps inspired by PUBG’s holographic sights, players should consider buying an AUG or SG 553 instead.

Smiley Face Crosshair

Crosshair Code: CSGO-2Tx6O-maohx-sFSDw-XihBP-7oKoD

Originally a server joke, this crosshair is now usable in standard matches. It looks fun and works surprisingly well with weapons like the Negev when holding key positions.

No crosshair will instantly improve your aim, but exploring the choices of top players can be helpful. Avoid switching crosshairs too frequently—stick with one and practice consistently.

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Counter-Strike 2: A Classic Reborn with Modern Innovations

Kovach — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:30:06 +0000

Counter-Strike 2: A Classic Reborn with Modern Innovations

Counter-Strike 2, or CS2, is the latest chapter in the Counter-Strike legacy, a game that has defined tactical shooters for over two decades. Valve’s new installment retains the familiar, adrenaline-pumping gameplay fans know while introducing impressive visual and mechanical upgrades. In CS2, the core premise remains: two teams, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, engage in objective-based battles that test aim, reflexes, and teamwork. But this time, it’s reimagined with the latest in game technology to elevate the experience.

Stunning Visuals with Source 2

CS2’s visual transformation is powered by the Source 2 engine, which brings iconic maps like Mirage, Dust2, and Overpass to life in stunning detail. Textures are sharper, lighting is realistic, and environments feel more immersive, creating a more engaging backdrop for gameplay. Smoke grenades, now rendered with dynamic volumetrics, interact with surroundings like never before, responding to gunfire and changing the flow of a match. These upgrades make CS2 both a tactical and visual feast, enhancing the immersion in every round.

Gameplay Enhancements for Precision and Skill

CS2’s refined weapon mechanics offer players more control, with reworked recoil and spray patterns that reward practice and precision. A revamped matchmaking system has been introduced, making it easier for players to find fair and balanced matches that reflect their skill level. Valve has also integrated a robust anti-cheat system, ensuring that every match is secure and competitive—a significant improvement that builds player confidence in the game’s integrity.

Community-Driven Content and Professional Esports

CS2 has reinvigorated both the casual and competitive scenes, with players contributing custom maps, mods, and skins that extend the game’s life and variety. The professional esports scene has quickly adopted CS2, showcasing its upgraded mechanics on the world stage, with top players and teams embracing the new possibilities. This community involvement enriches CS2, creating a thriving ecosystem of players, creators, and fans.

Final Thoughts

Counter-Strike 2 combines the best elements of the Counter-Strike series with modern innovation, creating an experience that feels fresh while honoring its roots. With advanced visuals, precise mechanics, and a supportive community, CS2 is set to define a new era for tactical shooters. It’s a must-play for anyone seeking intense, skill-driven gameplay, proving that Counter-Strike’s legacy is stronger than ever.

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Counter-Strike 2: Redefining Tactical FPS for a New Generation

Kovach — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:29:30 +0000

Counter-Strike 2: Redefining Tactical FPS for a New Generation

Counter-Strike 2, or CS2, brings the classic Counter-Strike experience into a new era, building on the legendary gameplay that has defined the tactical FPS genre for decades. With CS2, Valve has reinvented everything fans love about Counter-Strike while introducing cutting-edge features, sharper visuals, and an upgraded game engine. Maintaining its core mechanics, CS2 pits two teams—Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists—against each other in strategic, objective-based rounds. Each match is a test of skill, precision, and teamwork, with every decision potentially shifting the tide of battle.

Enhanced Graphics with Source 2

A major draw of CS2 is its visual overhaul, made possible by the Source 2 engine. This upgrade breathes new life into classic maps like Dust2, Nuke, and Inferno, which are reimagined with higher-fidelity textures, realistic lighting, and enhanced environmental details that add depth to the gaming experience. Even small details, like the behavior of smoke grenades, have been refined—smoke now reacts dynamically to gunfire and explosions, allowing players to use it tactically in ways that weren’t possible before.

Fine-Tuned Gameplay Mechanics

CS2 takes weapon handling to the next level with improved recoil and spray patterns that reward accuracy and skill. This tweak to gun mechanics means that players have even more control over firefights, emphasizing skillful play. The new matchmaking system also plays a significant role, creating a better experience for players of all skill levels by matching them more accurately with similarly skilled opponents. Furthermore, CS2 includes a powerful anti-cheat system to ensure that competitive play is fair and secure.

A Growing Community and Esports Scene

CS2 has revitalized the Counter-Strike community, inspiring players to create new maps, skins, and mods that keep the game fresh and exciting. The esports scene has also swiftly adopted CS2, with major tournaments and leagues now featuring the updated mechanics, which adds excitement and depth to professional play. With both amateur and professional players embracing CS2, the game has positioned itself to be a major influence on the FPS genre for years to come.

Conclusion

Counter-Strike 2 is more than just an upgrade; it’s a reimagining of a gaming classic, bringing the best of Counter-Strike’s history into a new era with innovations that enhance gameplay, visuals, and community involvement. CS2 combines everything that made the series iconic with new technology and features, delivering an experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly modern. For anyone who loves high-stakes, tactical FPS gameplay, CS2 sets the bar high, proving that the Counter-Strike franchise remains as relevant and thrilling as ever.

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Counter-Strike 2: A Bold Leap for the Legendary Tactical Shooter

Kovach — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:28:22 +0000

Counter-Strike 2: A Bold Leap for the Legendary Tactical Shooter

Counter-Strike 2, commonly known as CS2, is the highly anticipated follow-up to one of the most iconic games in the FPS genre. Valve has taken the classic Counter-Strike experience and infused it with modern technology and gameplay enhancements, bringing new excitement to the familiar tension and strategy fans have come to love. CS2 keeps the core mechanics intact—two teams, the Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, clashing across rounds to complete objectives—but introduces a range of upgrades that add greater realism and depth.

Visual Upgrades and Realism

A significant part of CS2’s transformation lies in its graphics. Built on the Source 2 engine, CS2 reimagines classic maps like Mirage, Dust2, and Overpass with more detailed textures, lifelike lighting, and intricate environmental effects. Smoke grenades, for example, have been overhauled with volumetric behavior, creating plumes that fill spaces naturally and react to shots and explosions, adding strategic layers to gameplay and making each match feel dynamic and visually stunning.

Gameplay and Matchmaking Improvements

CS2 also rebalances core gameplay mechanics, making skill and strategy more important than ever. Revised recoil and spray patterns give players more precise control, rewarding practice and mastery. The upgraded matchmaking system makes finding fair and balanced matches easier, using enhanced skill-based ratings that better reflect player performance. Additionally, CS2 introduces a more advanced anti-cheat system, which contributes to a secure and enjoyable competitive environment across all levels of play.

Revitalizing Community and Competitive Play

Counter-Strike 2 has invigorated both the community and professional scenes. The game encourages creativity, allowing players to create and share custom maps, skins, and mods. The professional circuit has also swiftly embraced CS2, and fans can expect intense, skillful displays of CS2’s mechanics in tournaments around the globe. This engagement helps cement CS2’s place as a staple in esports, fostering a new generation of players and creators.

The Future of Counter-Strike

Counter-Strike 2 sets a new standard for tactical shooters, blending legacy gameplay with fresh visuals, refined mechanics, and a strong community-centered approach. For both veterans and newcomers, CS2 offers a thrilling and skill-intensive experience that embodies the best of what the Counter-Strike series represents. As the franchise enters this new era, CS2 is poised to captivate players for years to come, keeping Counter-Strike at the forefront of the FPS world.

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Counter-Strike 2: The Iconic FPS Transformed

Kovach — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:27:28 +0000

Counter-Strike 2: The Iconic FPS Transformed

Counter-Strike 2, or CS2, represents the latest evolution in the Counter-Strike franchise, building on years of tactical gameplay and competitive action that made its predecessor, CS

, a global phenomenon. CS2 maintains the core Counter-Strike experience—two teams, Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, competing in intense, objective-based rounds—but with significant upgrades that bring new depth to the game. Whether defusing bombs, rescuing hostages, or dominating control points, CS2 elevates every scenario with fresh realism and strategy.

Visual and Technical Enhancements

One of the biggest transformations in CS2 is the shift to Valve’s advanced Source 2 engine, giving the game a striking visual and technical facelift. Classic maps like Dust2 and Inferno are familiar yet noticeably enhanced, with better textures, dynamic lighting, and more detailed environments that add to the immersion. Smoke grenades now have a more realistic behavior, spreading dynamically through spaces, dissipating with gunfire, and interacting with the surroundings in ways that can be strategically exploited.

New Gameplay Features and Balance

CS2 brings with it revamped recoil and spray patterns, making gunplay feel even more skill-based and rewarding. Other enhancements include a streamlined matchmaking system, making it easier for players to find fair and competitive games. The new anti-cheat technology also plays a pivotal role, offering a more secure and balanced environment for casual and professional players alike, fostering trust and enjoyment in every match.

Community-Centric Updates

The strong Counter-Strike community remains at the heart of CS2, with Valve encouraging the development of user-generated content like maps, skins, and mods. CS2’s improved tools empower creators to add unique touches to the game, bringing a continuous flow of fresh content to players. The professional scene has also transitioned to CS2, showcasing its refined mechanics and drawing a new generation of players into the competitive esports scene.

Final Thoughts

Counter-Strike 2 revitalizes the franchise, retaining its legendary tactical focus while introducing new features and enhancements that keep it relevant and exciting. The game’s improved visuals, refined gameplay, and robust community support mark a new chapter for Counter-Strike, ensuring its continued influence and popularity. For seasoned fans and newcomers alike, CS2 offers an exceptional, action-packed experience that solidifies its place as a top-tier FPS game.

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