How to Get Pins in CS2?
Counter-Strike is a game with a rich history, and the number of items and features Valve has rolled out over the years is truly astounding. Take pins, for example. In CS2, pins are decorations for your in-game profile that highlight your achievements. In this article, we’re going to discuss how to get pins in CS2 to make your Counter-Strike profile look less boring.
Purchase from Valve
Curious about how to get genuine pins in CS2 without any hassle at all? Well, you can buy pins directly from the Steam Community Store:
Log in to your Steam account and navigate to the Market under the "Community" tab.
In the market menu, use the search bar to find the specific pin you want.
You can also choose “Show advanced options”, select Counter-Strike 2, and find all collectibles available on the market.
Browse the listings to find individual pins or capsules, and select the one you want to buy.
Confirm your purchase using your Steam Wallet funds.
After the purchase, the item will not be tradable for one week, but after this period you’re free to sell it on the Steam Community Market.
Valve frequently releases exclusive pins during top Counter-Strike events, such as Majors. These are usually available for purchase at the event venue and often include a virtual version that can be displayed in your profile.
Event-exclusive pins are highly sought after due to their limited availability and unique designs. For instance, Katowice 2015 collectible pins have become rare and quite valuable over time. Valve decided to stop selling them after the Starladder Berlin Major in 2019, making them exclusive and desirable.
Collectible Series
Pin Capsules in Counter-Strike 2 are collectible items that players can unbox to obtain various pins.
Initially, pins were exclusively physical items from major events, each coming with a code for its virtual version (with no other way to obtain one). Fully digital capsules have made them far more accessible, with hundreds of offers on Steam and various third-party websites.
Pins can even have CS2 maps on them! So if you want to know how to get map pins in CS2, wonder no longer: you just need to buy certain collections. Valve releases them in collectible series, such as Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, each featuring unique sets themed around maps, operations, and special designs.
For example, Series 1 includes pins designed after popular maps from 2015, while Series 2 introduces pins based on operations and new maps. Series 3 continues with diverse designs, including some highly coveted rare ones like the Howl.
Also, Valve released a set of 12 pins for the launch of Half-Life: Alyx instead of the usual 11. Did you manage to get one for your personal collection?
Promotional Events
Valve also use pins as viewer rewards on major events, such as LAN tournaments and community competitions. Note that you must be a broadcast member to receive this kind of gift. Sometimes, all viewers get a pin, but they are just as likely to be distributed randomly.
Additionally, Valve collaborates with other companies and brands to offer pins as part of promotional campaigns. These collaborations are typically tied to special events or marketing campaigns, where pins are given as rewards or incentives for participating in specific activities or purchasing the promoted products. For instance, the Half-Life: Alyx pin collection was released as part of a promotion for the game, offering players unique pins that could be redeemed in CS2.
Third-Party Sellers
Wondering how to get genuine pins in Counter-Strike without using Steam? Third-party sites like DMarket and CS.MONEY are always ready to welcome you into the fold. These platforms offer more payment options, including real money and cryptocurrencies, and features like instant buying/selling and trading bots. Third-party websites also support community trades, allowing players to negotiate a deal without using Steam as a mediator, which leads to lower fees.
Attending Events
Attending live tournaments and gaming conferences is the easiest method of how to get pins in Counter-Strike. At large tournaments like the Copenhagen Major 2024, all ticket holders receive exclusive memorabilia pins, with a different set distributed each day of the event. These pins are not just keepsakes, but also tokens of appreciation from Valve and partner companies for your dedication.
Pins can also be earned through sweepstakes and contests hosted by Valve and community influencers. These giveaways are announced on social media, gaming forums, and live streams, offering players a chance to win pins by engaging with the community, completing challenges, or participating in random draws.
