Prime Status in CS2: what it is and how to get it

<p>Prime Status is an upgraded account status in Counter-Strike 2 that grants access to higher-quality matchmaking and additional in-game features. It helps&nbsp;<a href="/en/players" target="_self">CS2 players</a>&nbsp;receive fairer matches and reduces the chance of encountering cheaters.</p><h2>What Prime Status gives</h2><p>Matches only with Prime players — improves fairness and decreases the number of rule-breakers.<br>Exclusive items — some cases and rewards are available only to Prime owners.<br>More accurate skill-based matchmaking — improved ranking and MMR system.</p><h3>How much Prime Status costs</h3><p>Prime Status is available on Steam as the “Prime Status Upgrade” DLC and usually costs around $14.99, depending on the region.</p><h2>How to get Prime Status in CS2</h2><p>There are two ways:<br>Buy the Prime Status Upgrade on Steam — instant access.<br>Use your old CS:GO Prime — if it was linked to your account, it automatically transferred to CS2.</p><h3>Is Prime Status worth buying?</h3><p>Yes, if you want a fairer competitive environment and access to exclusive&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins" target="_self">CS2 skins</a>. For active play in competitive modes, Prime has essentially become mandatory.</p>

Sticker Slab in CS2: Purpose and Features

<p>The Sticker Slab is a new feature introduced in a 2025 CS2 update. It allows players to turn regular stickers into decorative items—similar to charms—and attach them to their weapons.</p><h2>How the Sticker Slab works in CS2</h2><p>A player, using their&nbsp;<a href="/en/configs" target="_self">CS2 config</a>, selects a sticker from their inventory and “seals” it into a special plate. This transforms it into a separate item that can be used as a charm-like attachment for a&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins" target="_self">CS2 skin</a>.<br>If the sticker is removed, the plate is destroyed, and the sticker returns to the inventory.</p><h4>Purpose</h4><p>Safe use of rare stickers: The Sticker Slab lets players showcase rare or expensive stickers without permanently applying them.</p><p>Extra customization: It allows combining favorite stickers with any weapon.</p><p>Flexibility: The plate can be moved between items, letting players refresh their inventory’s appearance.</p><p>Features</p><p>The Sticker Slab doesn’t affect gameplay — it’s a purely visual addition designed for collectors and players who value the aesthetics of their weapons.<br>This feature was introduced alongside a major 2025 tournament update and quickly became a popular part of CS2’s customization system.</p>

Charms in CS2: What They Are and Why You Need Them

<p>Charms in Counter-Strike 2 are cosmetic accessories attached to weapons, serving as a form of personal customization. They don’t affect shooting, damage, or weapon stats but let players make their inventory more unique.</p><h2>What charms in CS2 are</h2><p>A charm is a small decorative item attached to a weapon model. It’s visible both in-game and when inspecting the item. Each charm can only be equipped on one weapon at a time but can be freely removed or swapped.</p><p>Valve introduced the charm system in one of the major CS2 updates in 2025. Since then, charms have become part of the game’s customization ecosystem alongside stickers and&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins" target="_self">CS2 skins</a>.</p><h3>Types and features</h3><p>Rarity and collections: Charms are divided by rarity levels, from standard to exclusive collectible models.</p><p>Compatibility: A charm can be applied to almost any weapon.</p><p>Visual effects: Some rare charms feature light animations or a unique shine.</p><p>Why charms matter<br>Charms in CS2 are a way for&nbsp;<a href="/en/players" target="_self">CS2 players</a>&nbsp;to express their individual style. They often become collectible items, especially when released during major tournaments or events. Combining a rare weapon, skin, and charm creates a distinct and personal visual look.</p>

Weapon Pickup and Auto Switch in Counter-Strike 2

<p>Weapon pickup in Counter-Strike 2 is a basic yet crucial mechanic that can decide the outcome of a round. It allows players to quickly replace lost weapons or grab an opponent’s gear.</p><h2>How Weapon Pickup and Auto Switch Work in CS2</h2><p>To pick up a weapon or item, press E. If the slot is occupied, the new weapon replaces the current one. Thanks to the Source 2 engine, the pickup system is more accurate — weapons, whether with or without a&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins" target="_self">CS2 skin</a>, are easier to collect even at an angle or while moving.</p><p>Automatic Switching<br>By default, CS2 enables auto switch, meaning the player automatically equips the picked-up weapon. This can be disruptive in fights when a random pistol replaces your rifle.</p><p>To disable automatic weapon switching:<br>Settings → Gameplay → “Switch to weapon on pickup” → No<br>or use the console command:</p><p><code>cl_autowepswitch 0&nbsp;</code></p><p>Tips</p><p>In competitive matches, it’s best to disable auto switch.</p><p>In casual modes, it can help with quick loot collection.</p><p>Experienced&nbsp;<a href="/en/players" target="_self">CS2 players</a>&nbsp;often use binds to instantly drop or exchange weapons with teammates.</p><p>Conclusion<br>CS2 makes weapon pickup smoother and more precise, while allowing players to customize auto switch to fit any playstyle — from casual matches to pro-level competition.</p>

Hostage Rescue Mode in Counter-Strike 2

<p>Hostage Rescue is one of the traditional modes in Counter-Strike 2. The Counter-Terrorists’ goal is to free the hostages held by the Terrorists and bring them to a safe zone. The Terrorists must prevent this until the round ends or eliminate the opposing team.</p><h2>Main Rules Hostage Rescue</h2><p>Counter-Terrorists win if they rescue at least one hostage or eliminate all Terrorists.</p><p>Terrorists win if time runs out without a rescue, or if the CT team is completely eliminated.</p><p>A CT player can carry one hostage, but their movement speed is reduced. If the&nbsp;<a href="/en/players" target="_self">CS2 player</a>&nbsp;dies, the hostage remains on the spot.</p><h3>Mode Features in CS2</h3><p>In Counter-Strike 2, the mode received major visual upgrades thanks to the Source 2 engine — realistic lighting, improved physics, and more responsive hostage AI. However, the mode is still rarely used in pro tournaments due to balance issues and a limited map pool.</p><p>Popular Maps</p><p>cs_office — an office building with multiple entry routes.</p><p>cs_italy — narrow Italian streets and courtyards.</p><p>Hostage Rescue remains a part of Counter-Strike’s legacy. Though not popular in esports, it’s valued by players for its teamwork and tactical depth.</p>

How to Fix the Secure Boot Error on FACEIT in CS2

<p>The “Secure Boot needs to be enabled to launch FACEIT AC” error appears when Secure Boot is disabled or your PC runs in Legacy BIOS mode.&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/what-is-faceit" target="_self">FACEIT Anti-Cheat</a>&nbsp;requires UEFI mode with Secure Boot enabled.</p><p>Check the current state<br>Press Win + R → msinfo32.<br>Make sure:</p><p>BIOS Mode = UEFI</p><p>Secure Boot State = On<br>If it’s set to Legacy, switch to UEFI and enable Secure Boot.</p><p>Enable Secure Boot<br>Enter BIOS (Del, F2, or Esc).<br>In the Boot / Security section, set Secure Boot = Enabled.<br>If the option is grayed out, disable CSM.<br>Save changes (F10) and restart the system.</p><h2>If Secure Boot can’t be toggled</h2><p>In BIOS, choose Factory Keys or Reset to default keys.</p><p>Verification<br>After restarting, open msinfo32 again — the Secure Boot state should be On. FACEIT AC should now launch without issues.</p><p>Conclusion:<br>To fix this problem, enable UEFI mode, turn on Secure Boot, and reinstall the anti-cheat if needed. This FACEIT requirement helps protect CS2 from cheats and ensures proper anti-cheat functionality.</p>

Why Your Spawn Position Matters at the Start of a Round in CS2

<p>In Counter-Strike 2, your spawn (the position where a&nbsp;<a href="/en/players" target="_self">CS2 player</a>&nbsp;starts each round) plays a much bigger role than it may seem at first glance. This is especially true in competitive play, where fractions of a second can determine the result of a round.</p><h2>Why spawn positions matter in CS2</h2><p>Each map in CS2 has specific timing points — key moments when both teams reach important areas simultaneously. Your spawn determines how quickly you can reach crucial positions, take the first peek, or prepare for defense. For example, on&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-mirage" target="_self">Mirage</a>, a player spawning closer to mid can peek through the window earlier, while on&nbsp;<a href="/en/wiki/overview-map-inferno" target="_self">Inferno</a>, a fast spawn toward Banana allows you to take early control and throw&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins/grenades" target="_self">CS2 grenades</a>&nbsp;first.</p><h3>Advantages of using your spawn correctly</h3><p>Faster peeks. A player with a better spawn can take the first shot on critical positions.</p><p>Map control. Smart use of your spawn helps you take control of corners and bombsites before the enemy arrives.</p><p>Team synergy. Understanding who has the best spawn allows your team to build effective round strategies — for example, deciding who goes for the first duel.</p><h3>How to use your spawn effectively</h3><p>Quickly identify your position at the start of the round and choose the optimal path.</p><p>If you have the best spawn, take initiative — go for the first peek or take on the entry role.</p><p>Communicate with teammates: coordinating roles based on spawn improves overall team efficiency.</p><p>Mastering your spawn awareness gives a tangible advantage even in public matches, and in professional play — it’s one of the key details separating top-tier players from the rest.</p>

How to Craft a Karambit in CS2

<p>The Karambit is one of the most expensive&nbsp;<a href="/en/knives" target="_self">CS2 knives</a>. Obtaining it is very difficult: even using 5&nbsp;<a href="/en/skins" target="_self">CS2 skins</a>&nbsp;from the same collection, the chance rarely exceeds 3%.</p><h2>Key recommendations</h2><p>Gamma / Gamma 2 collections: best chance (~3%).</p><p>Mixed collections: around 1%.</p><p>Chrome collections: up to 1.5% under ideal conditions.</p><p>Helpful tips</p><p>Use 5 secret skins from the same collection.</p><p>Be prepared for the result not to be guaranteed.</p><p>Conclusion: Crafting a Karambit is an expensive and risky process. Using 5 skins from a single collection gives the highest chance; other methods are less effective.</p>

How to Craft a Butterfly Knife in CS2

<p>The Butterfly Knife is one of the rarest and most desired&nbsp;<a href="/en/knives" target="_self">knives in CS2</a>. You can get it through the trade-up system, where 5 Classified skins are exchanged for one rare item, or by opening&nbsp;<a href="/en/cases" target="_self">CS2 cases</a>.</p><h2>How to Increase Your Chance</h2><p>Breakout Collection: 5 CS2 skins from this collection guarantee a Butterfly Knife (e.g.,&nbsp;<a href="/en/skin/p90-asiimov" target="_self">P90 Asiimov</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/skin/m4a1-s-cyrex" target="_self">M4A1-S Cyrex</a>).</p><p>Other Collections (<a href="/en/cases/dreams-nightmare" target="_self">Dreams &amp; Nightmares</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/cases/spectrum" target="_self">Spectrum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/en/cases/spectrum-2" target="_self">Spectrum 2</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="/en/cases/riptide" target="_self">Riptide</a>): chances drop significantly — from 0.16% to 3.33%, especially when mixing skins from different collections. Rare knives here tend to be more expensive.</p><p>Tips</p><p>Use identical StatTrak skins to maintain your chance.</p><p>Mixing collections lowers the probability of getting the knife you want.</p><p>Conclusion: For the best success, use 5 skins from a single collection, preferably&nbsp;<a href="/en/cases/breakout" target="_self">Breakout</a>. Other options are riskier.</p>

How to Get a Green Trust Factor in CS2

<p>Trust Factor is crucial for matchmaking in CS2. A green Trust Factor means the system considers you a reliable CS2 player. Here’s how to get or restore it.</p><h2>What Is the Green Trust Factor?</h2><p>The Trust Factor reflects how fair and consistent your gameplay is: no cheating, no toxic behavior, stable win rate, and active play on a single account. If your Trust Factor turns gray or red, you can fix it.</p><h3>Main Steps to Get the Green Trust Factor:</h3><p>Play fairly. Don’t use cheats, don’t leave matches early, and don’t intentionally lose rounds.</p><p>Maintain a balanced win rate. Too many losses can lower your Trust Factor.</p><p>Avoid toxic behavior. Reports and bans negatively affect your rating.</p><p>Use one account. The system tracks linked accounts.</p><p>Verify your Steam account. A confirmed profile increases trust.</p><p>A green Trust Factor ensures fair matchmaking with decent&nbsp;<a href="/en/players" target="_self">CS2 players</a>, improves match quality, and reduces the number of cheaters.</p><p>If your Trust Factor isn’t green, adjust your playstyle, avoid violations and toxicity, and after a few matches, the system will restore your “green” status and improve your overall experience.</p>