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Best Weapons in CS2 – A Comprehensive CS2 Guns Tier List

Counter-Strike 2 offers no shortage of weapons to choose from, with the total count being 34 weapons. This large amount of weapons may be confusing for many new players or even returning players adjusting to the current meta, so we’ve developed a tier list, dividing weapons between five tiers: S-Tier, A-Tier, B-Tier, C-Tier, and finally, banished some weapons to the D-Tier. These weapons are in their respective categories for a multitude of reasons, not just for their pure power. Our holistic review factors many of the weapon’s features, including price, kill reward, damage, and much more. To learn more about which weapons you should actually equip in your CS2 article, check out our article titled “The Best CS2 Loadout to Use.”

The Tier List

S Tier

AWP | AK-47 | M4A4 | M4A1-S

A Tier

Desert Eagle | SSG 08 | FAMAS | Galil AR | MP9 | MAC-10 | AUG | SG 553 | P250

B Tier

Five-SeveN | Tec-9 | Dual Berettas | Mag-7 | XM1014 | MP7 | MP5-SD

C Tier

D Tier

Weapons Analysis

The weapons in the following weapons analysis are in order following the tier list.

AWP

Price: $4,750
Kill Reward: $100
Damage: 115
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 41 RPM
Magazine Size: 5
Ammo in Reserve: 30
Tagging Power: 65%

The AWP boasts the highest damage of all weapons, giving it the ability to kill enemies with a single shot to the torso or head, making it a game-changer in the hands of a mechanically skilled player. It’s absolutely essential in every game to have an AWPer in order to hold long sightlines and control key areas of the map. The AWP does come with many downsides, however, including its slow move speed, high price tag, low kill reward, and low fire rate. Missing a shot can mean instantly losing your hard-earned $4,750, but its benefits are well worth the risk. The AWP’s ability to instantly vaporize enemies easily places it in the S-Tier, and establishes it as one of the best weapons in CS2.

AK-47

Price: $2,700
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 36
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 600 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 60%

AK-47 is the absolute go-to weapon for T-side players. The AK-47’s high damage allows it to one-shot headshot enemies regardless of distance or helmet, making it an absolute powerhouse for all circumstances. The AK-47 does come with slight drawbacks, such as its unruly recoil, which can be hard to control. Despite this, the AK-47 is, without a doubt, one of the best weapons in CS2, placing it in the S-Tier.

M4A4

Price: $3,000
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 33
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 667 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 60%

The M4A4 is a staple for any CT side loadout, only rivaled by the M4A1-S. The M4A4 provides a higher rate of fire and a larger magazine at the cost of the silencer, a harder recoil pattern, and is $100 more expensive. Both rifles are great choices, given that they’re in the S-Tier. In the end, it’s up to personal choice, as even professional players are split between both.

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
Tagging Power: 60%

The M4A1-S is perhaps the CT best weapon for beginners and seasoned players alike, given its economic advantage over the M4A4, the addition of a silencer, and most noticeably, the almost nonexistent recoil pattern. The biggest downside is its smaller magazine compared to the large magazine of the M4A4 and a slightly lower fire rate. Both weapons do fall behind the AK47 in that they aren’t able to one-shot headshot enemies with helmets. These weapons make it to the S-Tier without a doubt.

Desert Eagle

Price: $700
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 53
Headshot Multiplier: 3.9x
Fire Rate: 267 RPM
Magazine Size: 7
Ammo in Reserve: 35
Tagging Power: 60%

The Desert Eagle, also known as the Deagle, offers a deadly hand cannon capable of one-shot headshots. This is an absolute favorite for eco rounds, and a few well-placed shots can turn the tide of any competitive game. The Desert Eagle does come with a few downsides, however, including its high recoil and sub-par first-shot accuracy. Even the most skilled players take a gamble with this weapon. Regardless, it’s still a solid choice for any eco rounds and definitely one of the best weapons in CS2, earning it a place in the S-Tier.

SSG 08

Price: $1,700
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 88
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 48 RPM
Magazine Size: 10
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 65%

The SSG08, commonly referred to as the Scout, is one of the more versatile weapons in the game. Offering a low-cost alternative to the AWP, the SSG 08 can do wonders in certain situations. The SSG 08 has incredibly high movement speed, even unaffected by the scope, and a much higher rate of fire compared to the AWP. The only downside is that it takes two shots in the torso to kill enemies. This is a good choice for any half-buy rounds, inserting it as a staple in the best loadouts.

FAMAS

Price: $2,050
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 30
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 667 RPM
Magazine Size: 25
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 60%

The FAMAS offers a low-cost alternative to the M4A4/M4A1-S, but the price dropoff also has downsides. The lower damage can make it extremely frustrating to play with at certain times, but it is certainly still a viable weapon to win some eco rounds. This rifle easily clears the A-Tier due to its economic advantage at times.

GALIL AR

Price: $1,800
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 30
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 667 RPM
Magazine Size: 35
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 60%

Similar to the FAMAS, the Galil AR provides a viable alternative to the AK47. With a magazine size of 35, an easy-to-control recoil pattern, and the AK47’s high cost avoided, it’s perhaps one of the best budget options in CS2.

MP9

Price: $1,250
Kill Reward: $600
Damage: 26
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 857 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 120
Tagging Power: 100%

The MP9 is an absolute beast of a gun. Boasting an insane fire rate, running accuracy, and relatively high kill reward, the MP9 shines through the rest of the mid-tier weapons. Though it provides low damage for long-distance fights, it excels in close-range combat, making it a must-have in your loadout.

MAC-10

Price: $1,050
Kill Reward: $600
Damage: 29
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 800 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 100
Tagging Power: 100%

Just as with the MP9, the T-side counterpart, the MAC-10, is one of the best mid-tier weapons. This mid-tier weapon similarly excels in close quarters, and its high rate of fire combined with its impressive running accuracy makes it one of the best guns in CS2.

AUG

Price: $3300
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 28
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 600 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 60%

The AUG is one of two rifles in CS2 with a scope, though the tradeoff of being $300 more expensive than the M4A4 and $400 more expensive than the M4A1-S makes it a preferred choice for some. Because of limited space in your loadout, it’s not recommended to add the AUG to your arsenal of rifles.

SG 553

Price: $3,000
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 30
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 545 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 60%

The SG 553, also called the Krieg, is a viable option for some. Being $300 higher than the AK47 at the advantage of having a scope, some players, even pros, prefer it over the AK47. The slower fire rate compensated by slightly higher damage puts this rifle at the B-Tier.

P250

Price: $300
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 38
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 400 RPM
Magazine Size: 13
Ammo in Reserve: 26
Tagging Power: 50%

The P250 presents a unique case, being one of two pistols living in B-Tier and above. The P250 has a lower damage drop-off than other pistols, allowing it to one-tap enemies at longer ranges. It can also be purchased for just $300, meaning a single kill will pay back the price of the weapon. It can no longer one-tap helmeted players, however, which was a key defining feature of its former glory.

Five-SeveN

Price: $500
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 32
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 400 RPM
Magazine Size: 20
Ammo in Reserve: 100
Tagging Power: 50%

The Five-Seven is the CT counterpart to the Tec-9, offering similar usage. It has very good armor penetration, and an impressive 20-round magazine, making it a viable pistol to use even outside of pistol rounds. It’s a tough choice whether or not to put this higher in the tier list along with the Tec-9, as it is one of the best pistols in CS2.

Tec-9

Price: $500
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 33
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 500 RPM
Magazine Size: 18
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 50%

The Tec-9 is one of the most powerful pistols to play with in CS2, outputting insane amounts of damage due to its high fire rate and good damage. With the large magazine size and enough ammo in reserve, this weapon is ideal to use in rushing any site. In pistol rounds, because the price is only $500, you can buy extra utility like a crucial smoke to execute a site take.

Dual Berettas

Price: $300
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 38
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 500 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 120
Tagging Power: 50%

The Dual Berettas is definitely one of the more fun guns to use in CS2. Whether you’re the one rushing or holding a site, the 30 bullets at your disposal can never hurt. Another bonus is its $300 kill bonus, meaning getting just one kill will make the weapon’s cost back. Its poor armor penetration and range make it far from a desirable gun to use outside of the pistol round. This is still one of the better pistols in CS2, and it can never hurt to have it in your loadout if it is preferred over more accurate guns like the P250.

MAG-7

Price: $1,300
Kill Reward: $900
Damage: 30
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 71 RPM
Magazine Size: 5
Ammo in Reserve: 32
Tagging Power: 60%

The Mag-7 is an absolute powerhouse when used properly and has the special bonus of a $900 kill bonus. This means that killing just two people, which can be easy when camping a corner, will make back the cost of the weapon. It is a shotgun at the end of the day, meaning the lower range forces it to a lower tier.

XM1014

Price: $2,000
Kill Reward: $600
Damage: 20
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 171 RPM
Magazine Size: 7
Ammo in Reserve: 32
Tagging Power: 60%

The XM1014, referred commonly to as the auto-shotty, can be good in some select cases. Because it is a shotgun, however, it’s extremely limited by its range. The special ability to output multiple slugs in a short period of time makes it not the worst but definitely not the best weapon in CS2.

MP7

Price: $1,500
Kill Reward: $600
Damage: 29
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 750 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 120
Tagging Power: 100%

The MP7 is more expensive compared to the superior MP9, yet it has a lower fire rate. There’s not a feature that makes this weapon shine through the rest of the guns, but it is a viable option to have in your loadout if it is personally preferred.

MP5-SD

Price: $1,500
Kill Reward: $600
Damage: 27
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 750 RPM
Magazine Size: 30
Ammo in Reserve: 120
Tagging Power: 100%

The MP5-SD doesn’t have a defining feature that makes it shine through the rest of the guns. Being more expensive than the MP9 yet having a lower fire rate, it’s better to just stick with the MP9. The only benefit is its slightly longer range due to its more straightforward spray pattern and better bullet spread, along with the addition of a silencer. There’s not really anything super bad, yet nothing good to use in any match.

Glock-18

Price: $200
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 30
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 400 RPM
Magazine Size: 20
Ammo in Reserve: 120
Tagging Power: 50%

The Glock-18, understandably nick-named the water gun, can be extremely frustrating to use at times. It deals close to no damage to players with Kevlar and cannot one-tap enemies regardless of the helmet. The only upside is its relatively large magazine size and infinite ammo in reserve. It does have fairly good running accuracy, making it fit for the T-side during pistol round site rushes. Outside of the pistol round however, nearly any other gun is better.

P2000

Price: $200
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 35
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 352 RPM
Magazine Size: 13
Ammo in Reserve: 52
Tagging Power: 50%

The P2000 is the default pistol equipped for all CT players, and it has the edge over the Glock-18 as it can one-tap players without helmets. It also features more bullets than the USP-S, allowing you to be more liberal with spray through smokes in the pistol round. If you prefer a more accurate playstyle, consider equipping the USP-S. Both options are equally good, but it is up to personal preference in the end.

USP-S

Price: $200
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 35
Headshot Multiplier: 5x
Fire Rate: 352 RPM
Magazine Size: 12
Ammo in Reserve: 24
Tagging Power: 50%

The USP-S is one of two default pistols available to the CT side. This gun can be extremely satisfying to use in pistol rounds, as it can one-tap enemies without helmets. As soon as the match advances from the pistol round, this gun provides very little use. For this reason, it lives lower on the tier list.

CZ75 Auto

Price: $500
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 31
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 600 RPM
Magazine Size: 12
Ammo in Reserve: 12
Tagging Power: 50%

The CZ75 Auto really has no spike to make it desirable to use in any circumstance. Given that the kill reward is only $300 while it costs $500, it’s almost never worth it. The limited ammunition of 24 total bullets and painfully long pull-out and reload time make it nearly worthless after missing a mag. The first-shot accuracy is one of the lowest of all pistols, and the unruly recoil pattern makes killing people past a very short distance near impossible. Try to avoid this weapon in your loadout.

Nova

Price: $1,050
Kill Reward: $900
Damage: 26
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 68 RPM
Magazine Size: 8
Ammo in Reserve: 32
Tagging Power: 60%

The Nova is one of the better shotguns in CS2. With a higher range than shotguns like the Sawed-Off, it can be useful at close ranges as well as mid-ranges. Because it’s a shotgun however, it does automatically come lower in the ranking.

Sawed-Off

Price: $1,100
Kill Reward: $900
Damage: 32
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 71 RPM
Magazine Size: 7
Ammo in Reserve: 32
Tagging Power: 60%

The Sawed-Off is only helpful in extremely limited situations. With one of the shortest ranges of all weapons in CS2 and nowhere near being accurate, the only feature saving this weapon from being banished to D-Tier is its ability to easily one-shot enemies in close ranges. Other shotguns easily outshine this weapon in nearly all regards, however.

P90

Price: $2,350
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 26
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 857 RPM
Magazine Size: 50
Ammo in Reserve: 100
Tagging Power: 100%

The P90 is one of the more fun weapons to use. It has one of the highest fire rates in all of CS2, and its 50-round magazine allows you to hold down the left mouse button while bum-rushing a site. In all other uses, however, it’s quite a piece of junk. Because of the unreliable bullet spread and recoil, along with its limited range, it lives with the lower tiers of weapons.

UMP-45

Price: $1,200
Kill Reward: $600
Damage: 35
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 667 RPM
Magazine Size: 25
Ammo in Reserve: 100
Tagging Power: 100%

Like the R8 revolver, the UMP-45 was once an absolute powerhouse, with some professional players even preferring it over the AK47. Now, it’s been nerfed to the ground. Being a weird mix of a rifle with the fire rate of an M4A4 but the usage of an SMG, it really has no special case where it’s preferred over other choices. Best to avoid this in your loadout.

R8 Revolver

Price: $600
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 86
Headshot Multiplier: 120x
Fire Rate: 120 RPM
Magazine Size: 8
Ammo in Reserve: 8
Tagging Power: 60%

The R8 Revolver had its time in the limelight but now lives in an absolute graveyard, far from the best weapon in CS2. The Deagle, one of the best weapons in CS2, outshines this revolver in nearly all aspects. The charged left click makes it hard to land a shot on somebody jiggle peaking, and the right click is far too inaccurate to use in any situation other than insanely close-range combat. Thankfully, the R8 did get a price reduction to $600, but it’s still an unreliable weapon to have in your loadout.

PP-Bizon

Price: $1,400
Kill Reward: $600
Damage: 27
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 750 RPM
Magazine Size: 64
Ammo in Reserve: 120
Tagging Power: 100%

The PP-Bizon is perhaps the definition of a water gun. Outputting just 27 damage, which is lower than the Glock-18, and having no wall bang ability or armor penetration, it’s nearly impossible to scratch anyone with this weapon. The only upside to this weapon is its impressive 64-round magazine, which can be fun to hold down during sprays. This is the worst-tier weapon for a reason.

M249

Price: $5,200
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 32
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 750 RPM
Magazine Size: 100
Ammo in Reserve: 200
Tagging Power: 60%

The M249 is perhaps the worst weapon in all of CS2. Coming in with the highest price tag of any weapon, it provides surprisingly little use. Outputting only 32 damage and an unreliable bullet spread, it’s almost impossible to use its 750 RPM fire rate as you’re forced to tap. It does move faster than the Negev, however, but this saving grace is far from saving it from the $5,200 price tag. It could be fun to troll around with this weapon, but other than that, it’ provides no other use’s far from the best weapon in CS2.

Negev

Price: $1,700
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 35
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 800 RPM
Magazine Size: 150
Ammo in Reserve: 300
Tagging Power: 60%

Though quite fun to troll other players or simply hold left click at a T-side B rush, the Negev really doesn’t provide that much use in competitive games. The movement speed of an absolute snail combined with the time needed for the bullet spread to stabilize means certain death when anyone swings you. Best to avoid this weapon.

G3SG1

Price: $5,000
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 80
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 240 RPM
Magazine Size: 20
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 50%

The G3SG1, often referred to simply as the auto-sniper, is one of two sniper rifles in CS2 but far from the best weapon in CS2. Professional players and regular players alike avoid this weapon like the plague due to its insane $5,000 price tag. The AWP can easily counter this weapon in nearly every situation, and losing this weapon when your team is not economically dominating the enemy almost certainly means you lose the next round.

SCAR-20

Price: $5,000
Kill Reward: $300
Damage: 80
Headshot Multiplier: 4x
Fire Rate: 240 RPM
Magazine Size: 20
Ammo in Reserve: 90
Tagging Power: 65%

Just like the G3SG1, this auto-sniper rifle is similarly worthless. The only upside to these weapons is their high range, accuracy, and fire rate, though they’re nowhere near worth the $5,000 price tag. Any good player can easily take care of anyone using auto-snipers. It’s also quite embedded in CS culture to flame anyone using autos. Just don’t buy this.

Wrapping Up!

This is the tier list for all 34 weapons in CS2, with an in-depth analysis of weapons’ stats, benefits, and downsides. Keep learning, and have fun out there!

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