Counter-Strike 2 is all about strategy, precision, and making the right choices in intense moments. As a Terrorist, picking the right weapons can mean the difference between taking a site or losing a crucial round. With a wide range of options in your buy menu, knowing which guns to rely on is key. To help you make the best decisions, here’s a breakdown of the top 5 CS2 T guns and why they’re essential for your loadout.
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5 Best CS2 Terrorists Guns You Must Use
In CS2, success on the T-side heavily relies on picking the right weapons for the job. A strong full-buy with armor and utilities increases your chances of victory, but which guns should you prioritize? Here are the five must-have weapons for the Terrorist side. Holding onto the top three for most rounds while fully equipped can give you a massive advantage:
- AK-47: The most powerful and versatile rifle in CS2. Its one-shot headshot capability makes it the top choice. Even CTs prefer it over their M4 when they get the chance.
- AWP: The ultimate sniper rifle, perfect for locking down long angles and securing high-value picks. Usually, only one player per team carries it.
- Galil AR: A budget-friendly alternative to the AK-47. Similar to the FAMAS on the CT side, it’s a reliable option for force buys when funds are low.
- Desert Eagle: The go-to pistol for eco rounds. Its one-shot headshot potential and high damage make it deadly in the right hands.
- Tec-9: The best pistol for rushing and aggressive plays. Its fast fire rate and mobility make it ideal for overwhelming opponents in close quarters.
Using these guns in the right situations can make all the difference in your T rounds. Let’s break down how and when to use them for maximum impact.
AK-47
The AK-47 is the ultimate rifle in CS2 and the top pick for most players, regardless of skill level. Its ability to one-shot headshot armored opponents makes it the best in terms of damage potential, even tempting CTs to drop their M4s for it whenever possible.
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
The AK-47 performs exceptionally well in both short and long-range scenarios. Its high damage allows for one-tap headshots or effective bursts. While moving reduces accuracy, staying still or crouching ensures you land impactful shots
Pros:
- One-Shot Kill: The only rifle with a one-tap headshot against armored opponents.
- Long-Range Accuracy: Maintains high effectiveness across distances.
- Cost-Effective: At $2,700, it’s cheaper than CT rifles with higher damage output.
- Quick Reload: Reloads in just 2.43 seconds, allowing for faster engagements.
Cons:
- Challenging Recoil Control: The spray pattern requires practice to learn it.
- Low Accuracy When Moving: Forces players to stay still for reliable shots.
- High Skill Requirement: Rewards precision but punishes inconsistency
Spray Pattern and Recoil Compensation:
The AK-47’s spray is one of the hardest to control in CS2. It starts with bullets going straight up, then curves to the right before moving back to the left. Learning this pattern is important for landing shots during full-auto sprays, especially at close or medium range.
How to Control It:
- Pull your crosshair straight down for the first 7-8 bullets.
- Gradually move right to counter the shift in the spray.
- Adjust slightly left to compensate for the final set of bullets.
AK-47 Recoil Control
The AK-47 dominates CS2 for its unmatched power and versatility. Its one-shot headshot capability, combined with a manageable price tag, makes it the preferred choice for Terrorists. While it requires time to learn, players who invest in learning its spray control gain an overwhelming advantage in most situations. This rifle isn’t just a weapon; it’s the cornerstone of CS2 gameplay, widely regarded as the best gun in the game.
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 requires 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.
Galil AR
The Galil AR is the go-to rifle for Terrorists when cash is tight, often being the first choice after pistol rounds. Priced at just $1,800, it’s the cheapest rifle in the game, offering solid performance compared to SMGs, especially at longer distances. While it can’t match the AK-47’s power, it’s a reliable option for low-economy rounds.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $1,800
- Damage: 30 (5 shots to the chest at close and 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
The Galil AR’s low price makes it a top choice for force buys. Its 35-bullet magazine is larger than the AK-47’s, which helps in extended engagements. The Galil AR’s advantage over SMGs is its range and ability to deal consistent damage in medium-range fights. Its recoil is easier to control than the AK-47, making it more beginner-friendly in prolonged sprays.
Pros:
- Affordable: Cheapest rifle in the game, great for early rounds.
- High Magazine Capacity: 35 rounds per clip offer more shots in fights.
- Stronger at Range: Outperforms SMGs in medium-range battles.
Cons:
- Lower Accuracy: Not as precise as the AK-47 at longer ranges.
Spray Pattern and Recoil Compensation:
The Galil AR has a spray pattern that moves upwards and then alternates left and right. Its recoil is easier to handle compared to the AK-47, making it suitable for players still refining their spray control.
Galil AR Spray Pattern
How to Control It:
- Pull your crosshair straight down for the first 10 bullets.
- Adjust slightly left, then right, for the remaining shots.
Galil AR Recoil Control
The Galil AR is the first choice for T-side force buys after pistol rounds. Its affordability, solid damage, and better performance at range compared to SMGs make it a smart pick when saving for the AK-47. Its easier recoil adds to its value, especially for players looking for a forgiving alternative to the AK-47.
Dessert 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:
- High 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: Requires precise aim and careful 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.
Tec-9
The Tec-9 is a favorite for eco rounds and rush strategies on the T-side. While its damage of 33 and a poor damage falloff of 21% might seem underwhelming, the Tec-9 shines in its high rate of fire and unmatched first-shot running accuracy.
Key Features and Stats:
- Price: $500
- Damage: 33
- Armor Penetration: 90%
- Firerate: 500 RPM
- Magazine Size: 18 bullets (90 in reserve)
- Reload Time: 2.50 seconds
- Kill Reward: $300
- Movement Speed: 240
Time to Kill (TTK):
- Close Range (2.5m): 0.36 seconds
- Mid Range (30m): 0.45 seconds
This pistol is deadly in close-range encounters. Its first shot is incredibly precise, even while sprinting, making it ideal for aggressive pushes. Once you’re in close range, you can fire rapidly like an automatic, overwhelming opponents with sheer speed.
The Tec-9’s strengths make it a go-to choice for T-side rushes. When all five players coordinate a push onto a bomb site, the high fire rate and running accuracy often overpower any CTs attempting to hold. It’s also an affordable option at just $500, allowing players to combine it with smoke even on first rounds.
Pros:
- Accurate First Shot: Lands the first bullet precisely, even while running.
- Fast Fire Rate: The quickest among semi-automatic pistols, great for close-range fights.
- Low Cost: Affordable at $500, leaving room for armor or utilities.
Cons:
- Damage Drop-off: Loses effectiveness at longer distances.
- Small Magazine: Limited to 18 bullets, requiring frequent reloads.
- Accuracy Drops: Accuracy decreases significantly when firing rapidly.
Spray Pattern and Recoil Compensation:
The Tec-9’s first few bullets are accurate, but rapid firing reduces precision quickly. Use single shots or controlled bursts for better results, especially in close-range fights
The Tec-9 is an excellent pistol for fast-paced rounds, particularly eco or force-buy rounds. Its running accuracy and rapid fire make it perfect for catching CTs off guard during bomb site rushes. While not ideal for every situation, the Tec-9 is a reliable pick when you’re on a budget but still need firepower for aggressive plays.
[RELEVANT: CS2 Economy Guide]
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Conclusion
CS2 is a game where tactics, decision-making, and weapon selection matter as much as aim. This guide has answered one of the most common questions among players: what weapons to prioritize on the T-side. While each weapon on this list serves a specific purpose, the AK-47 stands out as the cornerstone of any Terrorist loadout, offering unmatched versatility and power. Pairing it with the right pistols, utility, and strategies ensures you’re ready for any situation the game throws at you.
