Best Loadouts in CS2

In CS2, the loadout is a customizable set of weapons that players select for competitive matches. With different guns for Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists, picking the best loadout for CS2 can be tough, even for seasoned players. However, CS2 best weapons can be used most effectively in different situations, providing players with a strategic advantage over their opponents, so you need to know what to choose.

First, let’s deal with how to change your starting pistol in CS2. Access the loadout in the upper menu after launching the game. Select the side you want to equip, then drag weapons from your inventory into the designated slots. CS2 offers three weapon tiers: Pistols, Mid-tier (SMGs, Machine guns, and Shotguns), and Rifles. If you need advice on the best CS2 loadout, the following sections will help.

Learning more about the detailed confrontation between AK-47 vs M4A4 in CS2, and CS2 M4A4 vs M4A1 will help to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of weapon.

CT Pistols

Here are the guns that have the upper hand if choosing the best CT loadout in CS2:

USP-S (Changeable Default)

Earlier, we explained how to change loadouts in CS2, but CTs can also pick the default pistol between USP-S and P2000. You should know that about 90% of professional and high-level players use USP-S because of its accuracy and a better ability to tap headshots. Sure, it’s OK to pick P2000, but you should plan to develop your aim and transition to USP-S sooner or later.

P2000 (Changeable Default)

As an alternative to USP-S, P2000 can well be a part of the best loadouts for CS2, especially for new players. It has one extra bullet in the magazine, as well as more magazines, making it a good choice if you like to spam through smokes. However, it is louder and not so precise on long distances, which makes it undesirable for pro players.

Five-Seven

That is an absolute beast in the world of CS pistols because of the unique set of options it delivers to its owner, with only the firing speed being slightly low. Thus, Five-Seven is pretty cheap ($500), has 20 bullets in the magazine to allow smoke spamming, and is also a one-shot weapon at close distances. It can somewhat replace Deagle/Revolver in terms of damage it delivers and CZ75/Dual Berettas if you pick a back option when playing with AWP.

Desert Eagle

A one-shot weapon is a nightmare for every opponent on all levels, and having the ability to return a $700 investment in just two bullets (ideally) should be used. Even if you hate the Deagle pistol, there is always the chance that one of your teammates can ask for it on the eco or force-buy rounds. So, that is one of the basic pistols of every best loadout in CS2, and therefore, you should know how to shoot a Desert Eagle in CS2 to be able to kill players even with rifles.

CZ75-Auto

CZ75-Auto is the ideal close-range pistol, having insane shooting speed and solid damage; that is why it is sometimes compared with rifles on short distances. However, only 24 bullets in total (12 in a magazine), a slow reload, and a $100 reward per kill transform it into a specific gun that requires a kill and grabbing the weapon. Also, it can be a good choice as a safe, close-range option in combination with a sniper rifle.

CT Mid-Tier Weapons

MP9

The cheapest and the best CS2 CT loadout SMG is a must-have for the defensive team, especially with its pretty good accuracy both while running and standing. Two bullets in the head will finish every enemy, and MP9 is able to deliver them on the long range, although it requires some training.

XM1014

If choosing a Shotgun for close-distance fights, the XM1014 has an advantage over its rivals because of its shooting speed. Yes, it’s almost twice as pricey, but it opens many more opportunities to its owner.

Negev

Actually, it's not the most needed weapon in your loadout, but since you have plenty of free spots in the Mid-Tier, having the holding gun with pretty good spraying accuracy and 150 bullets in the magazine is a must. The new smokes and their interaction with tracing bullets allow you to hold a position from a pretty safe spot until 150 bullets end — sounds like a $1,700 best CS2 weapon loadout alternative in some cases.

CT Rifles

FAMAS

When you choose your best weapon loadout in CS2, it’s hard to ignore the rifle that has pretty good accuracy and damage and costs only $2,050. A cheaper alternative to the M4s looks much more balanced than the XM1014 or P90 for a similar price, and even if you don’t like it, most of your teammates will be happy if you drop it to them.

M4A1-S

It is always a matter of discussion which M4 is better, but the recent meta is closer to the variant with the silencer. Thus, it has only 20 bullets in the magazine, which can be a drawback when the opposing team is rushing you, but that happens too rarely in the game. Instead, M4A1-S has better accuracy on the long-distance and heavier damage, while an extra $200 can be spent on the flashbang.

AWP

Are there any CS players who don’t love a one-shot gun? Maybe, but there is definitely a sniper in your team, and dropping him an AWP can win plenty of rounds, making it a must in the best gun loadout for CS2. CS2 remains the team game, after all. However, choosing between SSG-08 vs AWP sniper rifles, it is important to consider the characteristics of each weapon.

T Pistols

P250

Unlike CTs, P250 is a must-have option for Terrorists, and for a few reasons. Firstly, it costs only $300 and can be a good option even for pistol rounds, as it delivers a one-bullet headshot if the opponent is without a helmet. Secondly, its helmet penetration is great, so only two precise bullets on eco can also deliver the goods and return investments with just one kill.

Tec-9

Tec-9 is another must-have option in the best T loadout for CS2 as it has great power (one shot for opponents without a helmet), armor penetration, and 18 bullets in the magazine. It is also a perfect option for $2,000 force-buys and fast tactics as it has a low firing inaccuracy on the go, especially at close distances.

Desert Eagle

The Deagle is a proven CS classic, described in detail in the respective CT section.

Don’t forget to learn about all the worst CS2 weapons that you shouldn't add to your loadout.

T Mid-Tier Weapons

MAC-10

With only a $350 higher price than the Desert Eagle, Ts can rush almost any position with the SMG with good accuracy, even for distant shooting. It makes MAC-10 one of the best options for low-buys or $2,000 force-buys, while a $600 reward per kill can be easily returned if your teammates know a few good flashes for fast play.

MP7

Many can confuse MP7 and MAC-10 because of their visual similarity, but the latter is an upgraded version of the run-and-shoot gun. Thus, MP7 has even better accuracy and armor penetration, making it indispensable in the best mid-tier loadout for CS2. However, a $1,500 cost sometimes forces one to think about purchasing a Galil, which is only 300 bucks more expensive but a much more powerful weapon.

Look at the interesting comparison between MP7 vs MP9 in CS2 and which SMG performs better.

P90

The perfect weapon for inexperienced players who love to spray a lot is P90. It has a predictable spray pattern, while 50 bullets in a magazine can make the difference between kill and injury. With pretty good damage and accuracy, the P90 is a costly gun with a price tag of $2,350, and many players simply prefer a cheaper Galil or are ready to have armor without a helmet but own an AK. Still, some players like it more than Galil or FAMAS, and it has definite advantages on the lower levels or during rushes.

T Rifles

Galil AR

If you want to have CS2 pro loadouts, look no further than Galil AR. Many compare it with M4s, as it has the same damage power and affordable accuracy to be actively used on the T side. With the $900 positive difference compared to the AK-47, many players choose Galil and a wider set of grenades if money is limited. A more detailed comparison of the Galil vs AK-47 in CS2 will help you choose the best weapon for your needs.

AK-47

An absolute leader in terms of weapon usage frequency in Counter-Strike is the AK-47 — any list of the best CS2 loadouts will have it among their ranks, and it has remained so since the 1.6 game version. Of course, the main feature is a one-shot power, even for opponents with helmets, while the price and overall damage are also great. A true legend in all meanings. To maximize its effectiveness, check our AK-47 guide in Counter-Strike 2.

AWP

Deagle and AWP are a combo that serves the same purpose on both sides, so look at the CT-side description for this sniper rifle. Both terrorists and counter-terrorists will benefit from tips on how to be a pro with AWP in CS2 and successfully eliminate enemies with one shot.