How to Get Cases in CS2: Free and Paid Methods

In Counter-Strike 2, cases play a crucial role, offering players the opportunity to unlock valuable skins, stickers, and other items. This guide covers both free and paid methods on how to get CS2 cases, including in-game drops, purchasing options, and additional methods like Twitch rewards. Whether you're a casual player or an avid collector, understanding these options will help you efficiently gather cases.

Weekly Care Package

One of the most straightforward ways on how to get free CS2 cases is through weekly care packages. Every player can earn free CS2 skins or cases simply by playing the game. Thus, by gaining XP in matches and increasing your account level, you can receive two out of four items as a reward for your achievements. These items can include skins, graffiti, or containers, allowing you to choose between two rewards.

However, while it’s the simplest method for how to earn cases in CS2, you won’t be able to get just any case. At any given time, only five containers are available for drop, selected by Valve. It's also worth noting that these cases may not necessarily contain the highest-quality skins. Fortunately, the collections available in Weekly Packages rotate periodically, so you might have a chance to snag a specific case at some point.

Keep in mind that even this method isn’t entirely free. You’ll still need to pay for Prime status if you don’t already have it, and a CS2 key is required to open dropped cases. The good news, though, is that Prime status offers several additional benefits:

1. Access to Premier Mode: Play in Premier mode with other Prime players, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable gaming experience.
2. Improved Ranking System: Instead of the usual CS:GO ranks, you’ll benefit from a more precise ELO system that better matches you with players of your skill level.
3. Enhanced Anti-Cheat Protection: Prime accounts require a verified Steam profile with a real phone number, adding an extra layer of security against hackers and smurfs.

Twitch Drops

Another method on how to get free cases in CS2 is through Twitch drops. Occasionally, Valve and Twitch collaborate on special events, allowing players to earn in-game items, including cases, simply by watching official CS2 streams. How to get CS2 cases for free on Twitch?

To participate in Twitch drops and get free CS2 cases, follow these steps:

1. Create or log in to a Twitch account: If you don’t have one, sign up on Twitch.

2. Connect your Steam account: Ensure that your Steam account is linked to your Twitch profile to receive rewards.

   1. Click on your profile picture on Twitch in the top right corner and select Settings.

      

   2. Go to the Connections tab, find Steam, and click Connect.

      

   3. Sign in using your Steam login info.

      

3. Watch streams: Follow and tune into streams that have Twitch drops enabled. These are often major tournaments or Valve-sponsored events.

By watching for a specified time, you can earn in-game drops, which may include cases. Once earned, these drops will be automatically added to your CS2 inventory.

Purchase on the Official Store

If you don't have enough time for active gameplay and leveling up but still want to get cases in CS2, you can opt for a much simpler path of how to get cases in CS2 — buying them directly from Steam. While this option skips the chance of container drops, you'll still need to purchase keys. Note that buying from Steam ensures the transaction security, but be aware that due to the high Valve commissions, prices for all items, including cases, will be higher.

Buy on Third-Party Platforms

Alternatively, you can purchase cases and their corresponding keys from other players on specialized platforms for real cash. While this doesn’t increase your chances of rare item drops, it can be a cheaper way to obtain a CS2 case compared to Steam prices.

Also, if you prefer not to leave it to chance but still have your eye on a particular skin, you can also buy it directly from other players. Although it may seem like a relatively expensive option, it’s significantly more cost-effective than opening a hypothetical 1,000 containers (with an equivalent number of keys).

Armory Update

Another way on how to get cases in CS2 for free is the recent Armory update in CS2, which introduced new ways to acquire real collectible items, similar to past Operations or Major Passes in CS:GO. For $15, players can purchase the Armory Pass, which allows them to earn credits for victories in matchmaking, with a maximum of 40 credits per pass. For those looking to maximize their rewards, multiple passes can be bought simultaneously (up to 5).

Earned credits can be exchanged for various items, such as the Gallery Case for 2 credits or items from the Overpass 2024 Collection, Graphic Collection, and Sport & Field Collection for 4 credits each. While collections aren't technically cases, purchasing one randomly grants you one out of 16 skins from this collection, which functions similarly to how cases operate.

This system provides an alternative way to earning and collecting valuable in-game items without relying solely on random case drops or spending real money. The variety of new rewards adds over 100 unique visual items, offering players more customization options for their CS2 inventory.

The Role of Keys for Cases in CS2

Keys are essential for unlocking CS2 cases. However, neither Prime nor Non-Prime players can obtain free case keys in the game. They are purchased from Steam for $2.50, or you can buy them from third-party marketplaces at a higher price. Still, you can earn money by selling cases you already own to fund a key purchase, effectively making it free since you won’t have to invest any additional funds.