CS2 is all about strategy and picking the right tools to get the job done. With so many weapons to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones to rely on. To make things easier, here’s a simple guide to the ten best guns in CS2 and why they’re worth using.
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10 Best Counter-Strike 2 Guns to Use
CS2 features a massive variety of weapons, but not all of them are equally reliable when it comes to performance. Whether you’re holding down sites or going for a quick bomb plant, choosing the right gun can make all the difference. Ignoring factors like economy and round-specific needs, these ten weapons are the top picks for overall performance in the game:
- AK-47: The most powerful rifle with one-shot headshot potential. A must-have for Terrorists and even favored by CTs when available.
- M4A1-S: The CT rifle of choice with low recoil and a suppressor, perfect for staying undetected while holding angles.
- AWP: The most iconic sniper rifle, capable of one-shot kills at any range. Ideal for controlling long angles and locking down areas.
- M4A4: A reliable alternative to the M4A1-S with a larger magazine and higher fire rate. Great for aggressive plays.
- Galil AR: The go-to budget rifle for Terrorists, offering solid performance at a low price.
- FAMAS: The best CT rifle for force-buy rounds, providing decent firepower when you’re strapped for cash.
- Desert Eagle: A pistol with one-shot headshot potential. Perfect for eco rounds or soft buys when funds are limited.
- SG 553: A scoped rifle that excels at long-range precision for Terrorists. Often overlooked but deadly in the right hands.
- AUG: The CT counterpart to the SG553, with great accuracy and a scope for long-range engagements.
- P90: The best SMG with a high fire rate and great mobility. Perfect for rushing, clearing corners, and overwhelming opponents.
Each of these guns has unique strengths and situations where they shine. Whether you’re aiming for consistency or trying out different strategies, these weapons will always be solid choices.
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Let’s break down why these guns are the best and how to use them effectively
1. AK-47
The AK-47 is the best rifle in CS2, known as the go-to weapon for both T-side and CT-side. Its one-shot headshot power makes it unmatched by other rifles.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $2,700
- Damage: 36 (4 shots to the chest at close range, 5 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 1 headshot to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 77.5%
- Firerate: 600 RPM
- Magazine Size: 30 bullets (90 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 2.43 seconds
- Movement Speed: 215
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.3 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.3 seconds
Why #1?
The AK-47’s raw damage, affordability, and versatility make it unmatched. Even CTs drop their M4s to pick up an AK whenever they can. It’s the weapon every CS2 player must learn.
2. M4A1-S
The M4A1-S is the most reliable rifle for CT-side players. Its suppressed shots, easy spray control, and affordability make it the go-to choice in most full-buy rounds.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $2,900
- Damage: 38 (4 shots to the chest at close range, 6 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 2 headshots to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 70%
- Firerate: 600 RPM
- Magazine Size: 20 bullets (80 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.07 seconds
- Movement Speed: 225
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.30 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.40 seconds
Why #2?
The M4A1-S’s silencer helps CTs stay hidden while shooting through smoke or holding angles. Its accuracy, combined with reduced noise, makes it the preferred rifle for most CT players. Despite its smaller magazine, it remains the backbone of CT-side defense.
3. AWP
The AWP is the most iconic weapon in CS2 and the ultimate choice for long-range combat. Its one-shot kill capability makes it a game-changer in the hands of a skilled player.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $4,750
- Damage: 115 (1 shot to the chest or head to kill, leg shots deal reduced damage)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 1 headshot to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 97.5%
- Firerate: 41.24 RPM
- Magazine Size: 5 bullets (30 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.67 seconds
- Movement Speed: 200 (100 when scoped)
- Kill Reward: $100
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): Instant
- Mid Range (30m): Instant
Why #3?
The AWP’s unmatched one-shot kill power makes it a critical part of any team’s strategy. It’s ideal for locking down angles, stopping pushes, or holding key areas. While its high cost and slow reload may limit its use, a well-played AWP can dominate rounds and dictate the pace of the game.
4. M4A4
The M4A4 is the alternative rifle for Counter-Terrorists who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. Its larger magazine and higher fire rate make it ideal for close-range fights or holding off eco rushes.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $3,100
- Damage: 33 (5 shots to the chest at close range, 6 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 2 headshots to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 70%
- Firerate: 666 RPM
- Magazine Size: 30 bullets (90 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.07 seconds
- Movement Speed: 225
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.36 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.36 seconds
Why #4?
The M4A4 stands out for its versatility and ability to handle multiple opponents, thanks to its 30-round magazine and faster fire rate. While its recoil is harder to control than the M4A1-S, the M4A4 is a reliable option for players who favor aggressive positioning or find themselves up against eco rushes.
5. Galil AR
The Galil AR is the Terrorists’ budget-friendly rifle, perfect for rounds where the economy doesn’t allow for an AK-47. It provides a solid mix of damage, fire rate, and magazine capacity, making it a reliable choice when funds are tight.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $1,800
- Damage: 30 (5 shots to the chest at close range, 6 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 2 headshots to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 77.5%
- Firerate: 666 RPM
- Magazine Size: 35 bullets (90 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.03 seconds
- Movement Speed: 215
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.36 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.36 seconds
Why #5?
The Galil AR is the go-to rifle for Terrorists in force-buy rounds. Its low price gives Ts a huge advantage over CTs, who typically resort to SMGs in similar situations. While it’s not as powerful as the AK-47, the Galil AR’s reliability and larger magazine make it a solid choice for medium to long-range fights.
6. FAMAS
The FAMAS is a reliable option for Counter-Terrorists when cash is tight. It’s the best rifle for force-buy rounds, offering decent damage and accuracy at a low price.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $2,050
- Damage: 30 (5 shots to the chest at close range, 6-7 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 2 headshots to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 70%
- Firerate: 666 RPM
- Magazine Size: 25 bullets (90 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.30 seconds
- Movement Speed: 220
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.36 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.45 seconds
Why #6?
The FAMAS works best in rounds where you can’t afford an M4 but still need a rifle to compete. It outperforms SMGs at longer ranges and gives CTs a fighting chance against better-equipped opponents. It’s not as powerful as the M4s, but its price and effectiveness make it a strong pick in tough rounds.
7. Desert Eagle
The Deagle is a fan favorite due to its high damage and affordability. It rewards precise aim and a steady hand, often turning eco rounds into unexpected wins. As the king of pistols, it delivers unmatched impact, but its small magazine, slow fire rate, and dependence on perfect accuracy keep it behind rifles and the AWP in overall effectiveness.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $700
- Damage: 53 (3 shots to the chest at close range, 6 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 1 headshot to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 93.2%
- Firerate: 267 RPM
- Magazine Size: 7 bullets (35 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 2.20 seconds
- Movement Speed: 230
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.45 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.45 seconds
Why #7?
The Deagle is a favorite for its incredible damage and affordability. While it demands precise aim and a steady hand, its ability to turn an eco round into a win makes it a must-have for any T or CT player. It’s the king of pistols with unmatched impact, but its low magazine size, slow fire rate, and reliance on perfect accuracy put it below rifles and the AWP on this list.
8. SG 553
The SG 553 is the scoped rifle exclusive to Terrorists, offering unparalleled accuracy and damage at long range. It’s the only rifle in CS2 that combines a scope with high armor penetration, making it a powerful option for players who prefer holding angles or taking precise shots.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $3,000
- Damage: 30 (4 shots to the chest at close range, 5 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 1 headshot to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 100%
- Firerate: 545 RPM
- Magazine Size: 30 bullets (90 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.03 seconds
- Movement Speed: 210
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.33 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.36 seconds
Why #8?
The SG 553 is a solid rifle, particularly effective in long-range fights due to its scope. Its high armor penetration and one-tap headshot capability against armored opponents make it a strong alternative to the AK-47. However, its slower fire rate, higher cost, and reliance on scoped aiming hold it back from ranking higher.
9. AUG
The AUG is the scoped rifle available to Counter-Terrorists, combining high accuracy with significant stopping power. Its versatility makes it a solid choice for players who like holding angles and controlling mid-to-long-range fights.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $3,150
- Damage: 28 (5 shots to the chest at close range, 6 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 1 headshot to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 90%
- Firerate: 600 RPM
- Magazine Size: 30 bullets (90 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.67 seconds
- Movement Speed: 215
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.4 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.4 seconds
Why #9?
The AUG shines in defensive setups, where its scope allows CTs to hold tight angles with precision. Its high armor penetration and manageable recoil make it a strong pick, especially for newer players. However, its higher price compared to other rifles and reliance on scoped engagements keep it lower on the list.
10. P90
The P90 is a popular SMG for players looking for high mobility and a manageable spray pattern. Its large magazine and fast fire rate make it ideal for rushing and clearing tight spaces.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $2,350
- Damage: 26 (6 shots to the chest at close range, 8 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 2 headshots to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 69%
- Firerate: 857 RPM
- Magazine Size: 50 bullets (100 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 3.33 seconds
- Movement Speed: 230
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.28 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.33 seconds
Why #10?
The P90 stands out as the top SMG due to its fast fire rate and effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Its large magazine allows for more flexibility, making it a solid choice for rushing or eco-hunting. However, its low damage at long range and cost compared to rifles like the Galil place it lower on this list.
[RELEVANT: CS2 Economy Guide]
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Conclusion
Weapons in CS2 leave little room for debate when it comes to their effectiveness. The AK-47 remains the undisputed king for Terrorists, while Counter-Terrorists have a choice between the M4A1-S and M4A4, depending on playstyle. Other weapons like the AWP, Desert Eagle, and FAMAS fill their roles perfectly in specific scenarios. With this guide, you now have the knowledge to make informed decisions and adapt your loadout to dominate every round.
