Valve has added more than 100 new items in the new Armory update for Counter-Strike 2. Here’s how to unlock these items by earning Armory credits in CS2.
Each Counter-Strike operation brings a wave of new content, game modes, and skins to the game. For CS2, fans were expecting something similar, but Valve rolled out Armory, an update that’s not really an operation but includes a wealth of cosmetics.
For the first time ever, players will be able to attach Valorant-style charms to their CS2 skins. But there’s a small catch.
Unlike before, money is no longer enough. Valve now requires players to also put in playtime to earn Armory Credits, the sole currency for acquiring coveted Armory items.
How does the CS2 Armory Pass work?
Armory items can only be unlocked by purchasing a pass worth $16. Buying it turns all your XP into Armory Credits, an in-game currency used to purchase new skins.
At one time, players can buy five passes with 40 credits each. Each would cost $15.99 separately. After purchasing, players become eligible for Armory credits earned by playing CS2. Progress will be reflected on the round bar on each pass icon, but typically, 300 XP gives you one credit. That means you’ll earn only one star after winning ten rounds in competitive mode.
Since each weapon skin in the three collections costs four stars, you’ll need to win roughly three competitive games to unlock one random skin. This new method is even more reliant on chance than CS2 case opening, given that each collection contains 16 skins.
For instance, if you’re after the M4A1-S | Fade, there’s no guarantee of when it will unlock. You’ll have to keep purchasing passes and grinding the game for Armory credits until you get your desired skin. The same is true for CS2 charms, but they are slightly cheaper at three stars. But players will need 51 stars to unlock all sausage charms, which is more than one Pass.
Armory passes, and credits are non-transferable and cannot be sold on the Steam Community Market. It’s also worth noting that there’s no other way to purchase Armory credits. Players must play the game first-hand to earn this currency. As a result, skins obtained through this pass will become highly rare and sought after once it expires.
Valve has not announced an official expiry date for the Armory pass, but players will have ample time to earn rewards before the battle pass is discontinued.
How much does each Armory item cost in CS2?
Items in the Armory cast cost between one to 25 credits, depending on the rarity of the item.
Here’s how much each item costs:
- Weapon skin: Four credits
- Weapon Charms: Three credits
- Gallery Case: Two credits
- Stickers: One credit
- Limited Edition Item: 25 credits
Players will also be required to purchase a key worth $2.50 for the Gallery case.
How to earn Armory Credits quicker in CS2
Armory Credits can be earned quicker by winning most of your competitive games and playing Deathmatch in your free time. The only way to earn Armory Credits quicker is by earning XP with an active Armory Pass.
Each pass includes 40 credits. The first credit is earned immediately, and the remaining 39 can be earned through playtime. A rough estimate suggests that players will need to play at least 40 ranked games to earn enough credits to purchase all items in the Armory pass. Since the expiry date is known, we recommend starting the grind right away.
To speed up the process, play more fast-paced modes like Deathmatches, Arms Race, and more. Another way to earn more points is by purchasing all five Armory passes at once. Every time you gain XP, it contributes to the credits of every pass you own rather than just one. This means you’ll technically earn more points to spend on items.
However, be prepared to spend $80 upfront for five passes. The good news is that if you don’t land your dream skin after purchasing all five passes, you can buy additional passes after spending credits on the existing ones. It’s also worth noting that Armory Pass’s progress is constant. You will always make the same amount of progress for the same amount of play.
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