Best CS2 Loadout – Weapons to Equip for the CT and T Sides

In Counter-Strike 2, there are countless factors that determine whether you will emerge victorious in your competitive matches. From mastering the fundamentals of aiming, mastering the economy, and adopting the best CS2 settings, finding the best CS2 loadout is arguably just as important. The weapons you bring into each game determine what advantages or disadvantages you have, and selecting the ideal weapons to bring to each match is critical for competitive play. To help you find your best loadouts, we have comprised loadouts for both CTs and Ts, as well as identified some weapons that are must-haves and others that are up to personal preference.

CT Side Loadout

Here is the best CS2 loadout for the CT side, preparing you for nearly all situations. The weapons in bold are weapons that we highly recommend.

Pistol Loudout

Default Pistol

Other Pistols

Mid Tier Loadout

Rifle Loadout

T Side Loadout

The following is the absolute best CS2 loadout for the T-side. Once again, the bold are weapons that are highly recommended.

Pistol Loudout

Default Pistol

Other Pistols

Mid Tier Loadout

Rifle Loadout

The Best Weapons Chosen in our CS2 Loadout

Desert Eagle

• Price: $700
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 53
• Headshot Multiplier: 3.9x
• Fire Rate: 267 RPM
• Magazine Size: 7
• Ammo in Reserve: 35

The Desert Eagle, often referred to as the Deagle, is the heart of every pistol loadout. At $700, it may not be the best choice for a pistol round, but it is more useful in eco rounds. The Desert Eagle can one-shot players with Kevlar and a helmet, making it one of the best weapons to buy during a half-buy or eco. One downside of this powerhouse is its first-shot accuracy, which can deter some players.

AWP

• Price: $4,750
• Kill Reward: $100
• Damage: 115
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 41 RPM
• Magazine Size: 5
• Ammo in Reserve: 30

The notorious AWP is the only weapon that can one-shot kill enemies in the torso, regardless of distance. This is a must-have in counter-strike, even if you don’t intend to use it, as you can drop it to other players. A single good AWPer holding mid can change the trajectory of the game.

AK-47

• Price: $2,700
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 36
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 600 RPM
• Magazine Size: 30
• Ammo in Reserve: 90

The infamous AK-47 is the undisputed king of all rifles. One of three primary rifles in the game, it’s the only weapon capable of one-shot killing enemies with helmets. This is a must-have for all T-side players.

M4A4

• Price: $3,000
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 33
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 667 RPM
• Magazine Size: 30
• Ammo in Reserve: 90

With Counter-Strike 2’s new weapon loadout system, there’s no more debating which primary rifle to equip, the M4A1-S or M4A4. Just equip both! The M4A4 offers a higher rate of fire and magazine size at the tradeoff of the silencer, easier recoil, and price. Learn both primary assault rifles, and feel free to use one weapon or the other.

M4A1-S

• Price: $2,900
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 38
• Headshot Multiplier: 3.475x
• Fire Rate: 600 RPM
• Magazine Size: 20
• Ammo in Reserve: 80

The M4A1-S is the other of the two primary rifles available to the CT side. It’s a must-have in your loadout. The easier recoil pattern is great for new or even seasoned players, and even professional players use it in tournaments due to its many benefits. It’s ultimately up to your personal preference whether to use the M4A1-S or M4A4, but it never hurts to equip both.

Galil AR

• Price: $1,800
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 30
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 667 RPM
• Magazine Size: 30
• Ammo in Reserve: 90

The Galil AR provides a great alternative to the high cost of the AK-47 and is often even used in pro play during eco rounds. Though it does not provide the high damage offered by the AK, it still remains a key part of any rifle loadout.

SSG 08

• Price: $1,700
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 88
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 48 RPM
• Magazine Size: 10
• Ammo in Reserve: 90

The SSG 08, also known as the Scout, is a great low-cost alternative to the AWP. As there are only two sniper rifles in Counter-Strike 2, the Scout, with its high movement speed and low cost, remains an extremely viable option for the CT and T sides alike.

MP9

• Price: $1,250
• Kill Reward: $600
• Damage: 26
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 857 RPM
• Magazine Size: 30
• Ammo in Reserve: 120

The MP9 is an absolute must-have for any CT Side. This is undisputedly one of, if not the best, out of all the Mid-Tier weapons. As you have a lot of choices with your Mid-Tier loadouts, you can explore other SMGs as long as you have this best equipped. The high fire rate allows it to excel at close range, the low price point allows you to buy it in half-buy rounds, and the easy recoil pattern/running accuracy allows most players to fully utilize this.

MAC-10

• Price: $1,050
• Kill Reward: $600
• Damage: 29
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 800 RPM
• Magazine Size: 30
• Ammo in Reserve: 100

Like its CT MP9 counterpart, the MAC-10 is a staple for any mid-tier weapon loadout. Its fire rate and running accuracy are unmatched by any other mid-tier weapons. It is also a great option for anti-eco rounds.

Five-Seven

• Price: $500
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 32
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 400 RPM
• Magazine Size: 20
• Ammo in Reserve: 100

The Five-Seven is a well-rounded CT side pistol overall, being able to output decent damage. It’s always a good option to upgrade from the starting pistol, as you can buy a grenade or other powerful utility alongside it.

Tec-9

• Price: $500
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 33
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 500 RPM
• Magazine Size: 18
• Ammo in Reserve: 90

Similar to the Five-Seven, the Tec-9 is a powerful T-side alternative in the current meta. Highlighted by its large magazine and high fire rate, this pistol is a solid choice for close quarters and eco-site rushes.

P250

• Price: $300
• Kill Reward: $300
• Damage: 38
• Headshot Multiplier: 4.0x
• Fire Rate: 400 RPM
• Magazine Size: 13
• Ammo in Reserve: 26

Just like the Deagle, the P250 is a crucial component of any eco round, including pistol rounds. Its low cost and high kill reward make it a great option for upgrading from the USP-S or your choice of starting pistol without breaking your economy.

Wrapping Up!

This article has provided a general overview of the best loadouts for the CT and T sides, along with a list of must-have weapons in CS2. To learn more in-depth about each weapon or about in-depth economy strategies, check out our other articles on SkinLords! Keep learning, and have fun out there!