You must focus on your money management to win more matches in CS2, especially at the higher ranks. To help you with that, here is a complete CS2 money management guide that explains all the best strategies and highlights the common mistakes that affect your economy in CS2 matches.
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How Money in CS2 Works?
Unlike other first-person shooter games, you can’t select whatever loadout you like whenever during a match in CS2. Instead, CS2 has a complex economic system where players must earn money during a match to purchase weapons and other equipment during the buy phase at the start of each round which lasts 20 seconds.
To earn money in a match of CS2, players must kill enemies and win the round. The amount each player and the team receives depends on the weapon used for killing the enemies and how the round ended. You can check out our in-depth CS2 economy guide to learn more about all that. (Add the CS2 Economy Guide article link to “CS2 economy guide”)
Important Numbers to Remember
You might need to do a few calculations while making money management decisions in a match of CS2. While these calculations include only basic addition and subtraction, players can need help doing them, especially in the heat of the match.
To make those calculations much easier, you should remember some important numbers. These numbers can be used to calculate almost all economic strategies. Those numbers include:
- $3700: The price of armor, helmet, and AK-47.
- $4100: The price of an M4, helmet and armor.
- $3750: The price of an M4 and armor without a helmet.
- $1400: Guaranteed reward for the worst possible scenario.
- $500: Additional bonus for the second loss in a row.
Note: If the Terrorists lose by staying alive until the timer runs out without planting, they get 0$.
Deciding on an Economic Strategy
A team’s Economic strategies for the current round can be classified into Full Eco / Full Save, Eco / Save, Quasi Buy, Full Buy, and Force Buy. To learn more about them, check out our CS2 economy guide. The strategy best suited for your team depends on the current situation of the match. (Add the CS2 Economy Guide article link to “CS2 economy guide”)
For example, let’s say you just lost a round while on the CT side, and you know the enemy team has more than enough money for a Full Buy. If this is your second loss in a row, you’ll get $1400 + $500, which is $1900 in the next round.
You can quickly calculate that you need to save a minimum of $3750 – $1900 or $1850 to get an M4 and armor without a helmet next round. You don’t have to be accurate. You can round $3750 up to $3800 and stick with $1900 instead. Depending on your teammates’ money, your team can decide to do a Full Eco, Eco, or Quasi Buy.
On the other hand, let’s say it’s the final round before the switch, but you don’t have enough money for a Full Buy. Since whatever you save will get wasted after the switch, you have no choice but to Force Buy with whatever money you have.
Top Strategies for Better Money Management
Saving just $100 in a match of CS2 makes a huge difference for the team’s economy. Here are a couple of money management strategies that you can use to snag a few $100 here and there.
Buy Two Defuse Kits
Not all team members need a diffuse kit. Instead, designate two players to purchase a diffuse kit, each holding a different site. If they die, they can call out where the kit dropped so the remaining teammates can find and use it.
Get Kevlar Only
While on the CT side, if you know the Terrorists have enough for a Full Buy, don’t waste money on a helmet since if the enemy gets a headshot on you with the AK-47, you’ll die regardless of whether you have a helmet or not.
Don’t Waste Perfectly Good Kevlar
If your armor has some points remaining, you don’t need to waste money to rebuy it. Knowing when exactly to rebuy depends on a plethora of factors. As a rule of thumb, only rebuy the armor if it’s below 50 points.
Use The Bomb Plant Bonus
Planting the bomb provides the player a $300 bonus, even if the round has ended by enemy team elimination. Focus on planting the bomb after a team elimination round win to grab that extra $300.
Buy as a Team
Go with the team’s economic strategy even if you think it’s a bad decision since the disadvantages of a poor economic decision don’t outweigh the disadvantages of not buying with the team. For example, if you save when your team is buying, your team might lose the current round, with no guarantee of you winning the next. If you buy as well, you might win the current round.
Common Economic Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding careless money management mistakes can significantly improve your team’s economy and your chances of winning. Here are the common money management mistakes you should avoid in CS2 matches.
- Ignoring the Economy: Players’ biggest mistake is ignoring the economy and impulse force buying. You must keep track of your money to purchase a decent loadout for critical rounds.
- Throwing Away Eco Rounds: While winning them is very difficult, Eco rounds should not be wasted. A team can significantly impact the opponent team’s economy by giving their best effort in an Eco round.
- Being Selfish: If you have enough money, always drop for your teammate who doesn’t. If you don’t, it will only put your team at a disadvantage, lowering your chances of winning the round.
- Buying The Wrong Throwables: Players often purchase the wrong throwables for their roles. For example, supports need smoke grenades more than flashbangs. Similarly, Entry Fraggers should prefer flashbangs. (Add the CS2 Roles Overview article link to “roles”)
- Risking Weapon Saves: While on the CT side, saving a gun is always a good idea if you are outnumbered or can’t diffuse in time. Players often risk it, causing them to lose their guns for the next round.
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Conclusion
Getting better at money management in CS2 requires minor tweaks in your gameplay. However, it is also necessary that you start playing more attentively. Go through the money management strategies and the common careless mistakes highlighted above, and with a bit of practice, you’ll soon be a money management wiz in CS2.
FAQ
Why is money management important in CS2?
Effective money management is crucial in CS2 to ensure your team has the necessary resources for weapons and equipment, enhancing your chances of victory.
How does earning money work in CS2?
Players earn money by securing kills and winning rounds. The amount earned depends on the weapon used and the outcome of the round.
What are the key numbers to remember for calculations?
Remember essential numbers like weapon and armor costs, guaranteed loss rewards, bonuses, and bomb plant rewards to aid in making smart economic decisions.
How do I decide on an economic strategy for my team?
The suitable economic strategy depends on the match situation. Assess factors like previous losses, team funds, and opponents’ strengths to make informed choices.
What are some top money management strategies?
Implement tactics like buying defuse kits strategically, opting for Kevlar only when needed, conserving armor durability, using bomb plant bonuses, and coordinating team purchases.
What are common money management mistakes to avoid?
Avoid careless errors like ignoring the economy, wasting Eco rounds, being selfish with funds, selecting inappropriate throwables, and risking valuable weapons.
How can I improve my overall CS2 gameplay through money management?
Mastering money management not only strengthens your team’s economy but also leads to better decision-making and increased chances of winning matches.
Are there different economic strategies for different rounds?
Yes, strategies like Full Eco, Eco/Save, Quasi Buy, Full Buy, and Force Buy offer options based on your team’s financial situation during various rounds.
Why is teamwork important in CS2 money management?
Coordinated purchases based on the team’s economic strategy prevent imbalances and ensure everyone is on the same page for the best shot at success.
How can I practice and improve my money management skills?
Regularly review and apply the strategies outlined in the guide, learn from mistakes, and communicate effectively with your team to refine your money management skills over time.
