Picking the right guns as a CT in CS2 can make or break your performance. The weapons you choose decide how well you can hold bomb sites, win duels, and clutch key rounds. To help you decide, here’s a list of the top 5 CT guns in CS2, with a focus on why they’re so effective and when to use them.
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5 Best CS2 CT Guns You Must Use
Winning rounds in CS2 often comes down to having the right weapons, armor, and utilities. A full buy gives you the highest chances of success, but which guns should you prioritize? These five weapons are the top choices players go after, and if you can hold onto the top three for most rounds with armor and utilities, your chances of victory skyrocket:
- M4A1-S: The best CT rifle with low recoil and a suppressor. Great for holding angles and the go-to for full-buy rounds.
- AWP: The ultimate sniper, perfect for locking down long angles and stopping pushes. Usually, only one player per team picks it.
- M4A4: A solid alternative to the M4A1-S with more bullets. Great for dealing with eco rushes but less popular overall.
- FAMAS: The best rifle for force buys when you’re short on cash. Reliable enough to hold your ground until you can full-buy.
- Desert Eagle: The go-to for eco rounds or soft buys. High damage and one-tap potential make it dangerous even when cash is tight.
Using these guns in the right situations can make all the difference in your CT rounds. Let’s break down how and when to use them for maximum impact.
M4A1-S
The M4A1-S is the top rifle for Counter-Terrorists who prioritize precision and stealth. Its suppressed fire makes it perfect for staying hidden while shooting through smoke or holding angles. With its simple spray pattern and solid damage, the M4A1-S is a must-have in most CT 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
Despite its small magazine size, which requires precise shooting, the M4A1-S remains a favorite for its quiet, suppressed shots that leave no tracers. This makes it harder for enemies to locate your position, especially when shooting through smokes
Pros:
- Silent Shots: Suppressed fire with no tracers keeps your location hidden.
- Easy to Control: One of the easiest rifles to spray with, making it reliable for all players.
- High Damage: Consistent kills, especially in close-range fights.
Cons:
- No One-Tap Headshots: Takes two headshots to kill an armored enemy due to a lower headshot multiplier.
- Small Magazine: Limited to 20 bullets per clip, so you must make each shot count.
- Gun Length: The silencer can give away your position in tight spots
Spray Pattern and Recoil Compensation:
The M4A1-S has one of the easiest spray patterns to learn. The first 8-10 bullets move straight up, followed by a slight curve to the left.
M4A1-S Spray Pattern
How to Control It:
- Pull your crosshair straight down for the first 6-7 bullets.
- Adjust slightly to the left for the rest of the spray.
M4A1-S Recoil Control
The M4A1-S stands out as the best CT rifle due to its accuracy, suppressed fire, and ease of use. Its ability to stay undetected while delivering consistent damage makes it an essential choice for most players in any situation. Despite its smaller magazine size, its reliability and versatility are unmatched, making it the go-to weapon for Counter-Terrorists.
AWP
The AWP (Arctic Warfare Police) is the go-to sniper rifle in CS2 for delivering deadly long-range shots. Known for its ability to kill with a single shot to the head, chest, or stomach (except legs), the AWP is perfect for holding key angles or taking down opponents from afar. Teams often rely on one skilled AWP player to control the map and deny enemy movement.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $4,750
- Damage: 115 (1-shot kill to the body or head, even with armor; legs require 2 hits)
- 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
While its high cost makes it a significant investment, the AWP can turn the tide of a match when used correctly. It’s a powerful tool for controlling bomb sites and shutting down enemy rushes.
Pros:
- Instant Kills: Takes out enemies in one hit to the body or head, even through armor.
- Great for Holding Angles: The scope allows precise aim, making it perfect for defending key positions.
- Pinpoint Accuracy: Minimal inaccuracy lets you land clean shots.
Cons:
- Slow Movement When Scoped: Limits repositioning speed, making you vulnerable in tight situations.
- Small Magazine: Only 5 bullets per mag, requiring careful shot selection.
- Expensive: At $4,750, it’s a big investment that demands strong economy management.
- Long Reload Time: Reloading leaves you exposed, especially during aggressive plays.
The AWP is designed for single-shot precision and to maximize its effectiveness:
- Reset your aim after each shot to maintain accuracy.
- Practice quick-scoping to hit targets faster and reduce exposure.
The AWP is a weapon that rewards patience, accuracy, and smart positioning. It’s not for every situation, but when used effectively, it can dominate rounds and force opponents to rethink their strategy.
M4A4
The M4A4 is a solid choice for Counter-Terrorists who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. It offers a higher fire rate and a larger magazine compared to the M4A1-S, making it great for close-range fights and situations where you might face multiple enemies.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $3,100
- Damage: 33 (5 chest shots at close range, 6 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 2 headshots to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 70%
- Firerate: 666 RPM (fastest CT rifle)
- 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.
- Long Range (30m): ~0.36 seconds.
While the M4A4 doesn’t match the M4A1-S in precision or stealth, it’s better for players who want more bullets and quicker follow-up shots. However, like the M4A1-S, it can’t kill an armored opponent with one headshot.
Pros:
- Fast Fire Rate: Perfect for close-range fights and quick trades.
- Larger Magazine: 30 bullets give you more room to spray.
- Versatile: Works well in most situations.
Cons:
- No One-Tap Potential: Two headshots are needed to kill armored enemies.
- Lower Damage: Hits to the body are weaker than the M4A1-S.
- Pricey: Costs $3,100, which is $200 more than the M4A1-S
Spray Pattern and Recoil Control:
The M4A4’s spray pattern starts by moving upward, then curves left before swinging right. Its higher fire rate means you’ll need more control during sustained sprays.
M4A4 Spray Pattern
How to Control It:
- Pull your aim down for the first 8-10 bullets.
- Adjust left, then right as the spray progresses.
M4A4 Recoil Control
The M4A4 is a solid alternative to the M4A1-S, offering a larger magazine and faster fire rate, making it ideal for aggressive players and dealing with multiple enemies. While it lacks the stealth of its counterpart, its versatility and damage output make it a great choice for CT players who favor close-range combat and faster-paced gameplay.
FAMAS
The FAMAS is the go-to rifle for Counter-Terrorists when money is tight, particularly in the second round after winning the pistol round. Instead of going for an M4A1-S or M4A4, most players buy the FAMAS + armor + utilities to ensure a solid defense while managing their economy. At $2,050, it’s an affordable option that bridges the gap between SMGs and the higher-tier rifles, offering much better performance at long range.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $2,050
- Damage: 30 (5 shots to the chest at close range, 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 units/s
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.36 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.45 seconds
For $2,050, the FAMAS provides excellent value compared to SMGs, especially at long range. It delivers more damage and performance closer to M4 rifles in terms of quality, making it an ideal choice for force-buy rounds. While not on par with the M4s, it’s far superior to SMGs when you need to compete with opponents using rifles.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: A great option for force buys when M4s are out of reach.
- Strong at Long Range: Outperforms SMGs in damage and accuracy over longer distances.
- Decent Armor Penetration: Capable of dealing with armored opponents effectively.
- Fast Deploy Time: Ready to shoot within 1 second after switching.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Spray: The recoil pattern is harder to manage than M4s.
- Significant Damage Falloff: Reduced damage at long distances compared to M4s.
- Smaller Magazine: Limited to 25 bullets, requiring frequent reloads
Spray Pattern and Recoil Compensation:
The FAMAS spray pattern starts with a straight upward movement for the first 8-10 bullets, followed by a curve to the right. While it’s trickier to control than M4 rifles, practicing full-auto can improve reliability.
Famas Spray Pattern
How to Control It:
- Pull your crosshair straight down for the first 6-8 bullets.
- Adjust slightly to the right for the rest of the spray and then left.
FAMAS Recoil Control
The FAMAS is a reliable choice when you need a budget-friendly rifle for force-buy rounds. Its effectiveness at long range and ability to deal with armored opponents make it far superior to SMGs. While it doesn’t replace the M4 rifles in a full-buy scenario, the FAMAS is often the smartest pick to maintain a strong defense while keeping your economy intact.
Desert Eagle
The Desert Eagle, often called the Deagle, is the weapon of choice for players running on an eco or low-buy round. Priced at just $700, it provides unparalleled value with its incredible damage and armor penetration. Capable of one-shot headshots, even against armored enemies, the Deagle can turn the tide of a round in skilled hands.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $700
- Damage: 53 (3 chest shots at close range, 6 at long range)
- Headshots:
- Armored: 1 headshot to kill
- Unarmored: 1 headshot to kill
- Armor Penetration: 93.2%
- Firerate: 266.67 RPM
- Magazine Size: 7 bullets (35 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 2.20 seconds
- Movement Speed: 230 units/s
- Kill Reward: $300
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.45 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.45 seconds
The Desert Eagle is a high-damage pistol capable of one-tap headshots, even at long range. Its heavy recoil and slow fire rate make it challenging, but in the hands of a skilled player, it can turn eco rounds or tight situations into unexpected wins.
Pros:
- Massive Damage: Capable of one-tap headshots, even against armor.
- Strong Armor Penetration: Deals significant damage to armored enemies.
- Affordable: At $700, it’s a budget-friendly weapon with high impact potential.
- Long-Range Effectiveness: Maintains lethality even at a distance.
Cons:
- High Recoil: Demands precise aim and controlled firing.
- Small Magazine: Limited to 7 shots before reloading.
- Slow Rate of Fire: Punishes missed shots in fast-paced fights.
- Loud Gunfire: Its distinct sound can give away your position
Spray Pattern and Recoil Compensation:
The Desert Eagle doesn’t have a typical spray pattern, as it’s meant for single, precise shots. Instead of spraying, players should focus on controlled and timed shots to maintain accuracy.
How to Control It:
- Avoid firing in quick succession to manage recoil.
- Aim for the head to maximize damage efficiency.
The Desert Eagle is the go-to pistol for eco rounds or when you need a cheap yet powerful option. Its ability to one-tap headshot enemies, even with armor, makes it a deadly weapon in the right hands. While it requires practice to learn, the Deagle can deliver game-changing plays that rival even the most expensive rifles.
[RELEVANT: CS2 Economy Guide]
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Conclusion
Winning CT rounds often comes down to smart spending and picking the right weapon for the situation. If you can consistently buy these guns with armor and utilities, your chances of securing rounds increase significantly. Whether it’s the precision of the M4A1-S, the overwhelming power of the AWP, or the budget efficiency of the Deagle, mastering these weapons will give you the edge you need in any match.
