How to Play Arms Race in CS2: Features, Tips & Tricks

On the 7th of February 2024, Valve finally released their first big update for Counter-Strike 2. “Call to Arms” offers a variety of changes, improvements, and new content. However, the most important part of the update is the return of the Arms Race mode.

Now, CS2 players can once again compete against each other while using a variety of weapons in dynamic matches. At the same time, the developers made some changes that will surprise the long-standing fans of the Arms Race mode from CS:GO. For instance, now players can lower their enemies' weapon level with a Zeus x27 taser as well as a knife. The standard maps for this mode were also significantly redesigned, rendering old strategies unviable.

So, you want to discover more about these changes and learn how to play Arms Race in CS2? Welcome to our guide!

CS2 Arms Race Features Compared to Other Modes

Although all the game modes in CS2 have some differences, this one truly stands out from the crowd! Without further delay, let’s delve into the main features of the CS2 Arms Race.

Maps

CS:GO included 7 maps designed specifically for the Arms Race mode. Two of those are available in “Call to Arms” — Baggage and Shoots. Nonetheless, there are some rumors that the developers are actively working on optimizing the old maps to re-introduce them at a later date.

Teams

Just like in other CS2 modes, there are two classic teams in Arms Race — Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. At the same time, the maximum player count is increased to 12 (from the usual 10).

Rounds

The Counter-Strike 2 Arms Race mode consists of only one round, which is limited to 10 minutes. As you might expect, the round ends when there is a winner or when the time ends.

Goal

The goal of each player is to get 16 points by eliminating enemies to receive a gold knife. After this, you can win by claiming a kill using this weapon. The catch is you’ll have to be the first player to do so. Note that while all the usual teamplay rules still apply, there can be only one victor, meaning you’ll have to outperform your own teammates!

Revival

In this mode, the respawn is instant. To prevent your opponents from abusing this feature to farm kills, the developers added a spawn shield protecting you from damage as long as you don’t move.

Weapons

Here’s the interesting part: in Arms Race, you can’t buy guns. Instead, you unlock new weapons by making frags. You start the round with a rifle and progress through shotguns and pistols to the coveted golden knife. Also, players can’t throw their guns, and as soon as someone dies, their equipped weapon disappears. All the guns in the mode have unlimited ammo, but you still have to reload them.

Interface

There are some UI changes in the Arms Race mode. You can see all the players, their points, and current weapons at the top of the screen. On the right side, you’ll see the gun progression for the match (i.e. what weapon you’ll receive after scoring a kill).

How to Play Arms Race Mode in CS2?

This part of our CS2 Arms Race gameplay guide is pretty straightforward. As we’ve mentioned previously, each round of this mode is a team-based competitive deathmatch. To win in such circumstances, you’ll have to show your proficiency with a huge variety of weapons (that’s the whole idea behind the Arms Race). Scoring knife kills to win may prove especially challenging, but hey, we never said it’s going to be easy!

You have to get two frags with each weapon to level up and receive the next one. As soon as you do it, the gun will be changed automatically. All in all, you have to score 33 frags to win, but considering you can also lose levels, it will likely take far, far more).

One more thing is that you can use a knife or Zeus x27 regardless of what weapon you currently have. If you manage to kill an enemy with one of these, you’ll immediately get a new weapon. Moreover, the poor guy you’ve eliminated will lose their current arm level. As a final thing to remember, Zeus x27 becomes unavailable when you get the gold knife.

When you are killed with any other weapon, you’ll respawn immediately with the gun you’ve been using prior to death. You’ll be covered with damage protection for a few seconds, or before you start moving, so you shouldn’t worry about the enemies firing at your spawn base.

Each round is limited to 10 minutes. The game ends when someone kills an enemy with a gold knife. After that, the lucky player becomes a winner, while second and third places go to those who have been the closest to winning the match. If no one has managed to achieve the main goal within the time limit, the player with the highest number of points wins.

Weapon Order in Arms Race

According to the rules for the Arms Race in CS2, the players have to go through a specific weapon sequence:

1. 1 automatic rifle (SCAR):

1. 1 sniper rifle (AWP):

1. 4 assault rifles:

1. 1 machine gun:

1. 3 submachine guns:

1. 1 heavy pistol (Desert Eagle or R8):

1. 3 usual pistols:

1. 2 shotguns:

1. Gold knife:

Are There Any Rewards?

Currently, the Arms Race mode in CS2 doesn’t have any specific rewards or achievements. However, considering that the developers are working on its improvement, it’s likely that some pleasant bonuses will arrive at some point. The fans are still waiting for the return of the Team leader mechanic, as well as for the opportunity to dominate their opponents with a killing spree.

For those who prefer more traditional CS gameplay, the Arms Race can be an interesting opportunity to practice shooting skills. Playing this mode will help you become more proficient with almost all weapons currently available in the game.

Does Playing CS2 Arms Race Increase Ratings or Ranks?

Yes, the players can earn experience in the Arms Race mode. The exact amount you’ll get is equal to 1.0 x Your Score. Considering that matches in the Arms Race are relatively short, it is an ideal place to earn XP.

Counter-Strike Arms Race Tips and Tricks

Any CS2 Arms Race mode guide won’t be complete without some advice. First things first, forget about the tactics you use in traditional Counter-Strike matches. For instance, camping isn’t the best option in this case due to how small the maps are and instant respawn. Here are some CS2 Arms Race tips on what to do instead:

1. Try to reach the third level of weapon progression as soon as possible. Getting assault rifles will provide you with a slight advantage over the enemies that still use SCAR or AWP. This way, you’ll be able to get frags faster.
2. Be active during the whole round until you get a gold knife. You should actively seek frags rather than wait for an enemy to come to you. This mode rewards fast and dynamic playstyle, so it’s a good idea to be proactive.
3. Never underestimate the power of a humble, ordinary knife. Early frags you get with a knife or Zeus x27 are extremely valuable, as they boost your weapon level while also slowing your enemies’ progress.
4. As soon as you get a gold knife, find a perfect place for your final trick. The best way to surprise an enemy is to jump out of the corner or similar ambush spot. Alternatively, you can hide somewhere in the middle of a map to kill an inattentive opponent.
5. Master the bunny hop. Although some players claim this movement mechanic isn’t available in the game anymore, that’s not true. The bunny hop will help you move quicker, which is extremely relevant for Arms Race. Don’t know how to do it? Check our guide on how to bunny hop in CS2.

That’s how to play Arms Race in Counter-Strike 2, or at least the version of it available in the recent update. The re-introduction of this mode has cheered up the whole CS2 community, as it gives the game some much-needed variety. It also gives the fans a reason to hope that we’ll see the return of other popular game modes.