Counter Strike 2 Weapons Tier List (CS2 Best Guns)

In Counter-Strike 2, success depends on much more than just aiming and firing. As a tactical shooter, the game requires players to understand various dynamics that impact every match. Factors like team and enemy economies, strategic utility usage, and the selection of the most effective weapon for each situation are essential elements that shape the gameplay.

To consistently gain an edge over opponents, it’s crucial to know which weapons perform best across different rounds and maps. Selecting the right weapon can make the difference between a well-executed play and a critical misstep in a pivotal moment. To simplify this decision-making process, we’ve created a comprehensive tier list ranking the best weapons in CS2, providing insights into their strengths and when to use them effectively.

CS2 Weapons Tier List

In Counter-Strike 2, players have a variety of weapons to choose from, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a tier list from S-Tier to D-Tier to guide you in selecting the most effective weapons for various scenarios:
• S-Tier:
• AK-47
• M4A4
• M4A1-S
• AWP
• A-Tier:
• Desert Eagle
• TEC-9
• P90
• Galil
• FAMAS
• AUG
• SG553
• B-Tier:
• Glock-18
• USP-S
• P250
• MAC-10
• MAG-7
• MP5
• UMP-45
• C-Tier:
• CZ75
• Five-SeveN
• P2000
• Scout
• XM1014
• Nova
• D-Tier:
• Dual Berettas
• Bizon
• R8 Revolver
• Sawed-Off

S-Tier weapons are highly versatile and effective in nearly every scenario, making them top choices. A-Tier guns are also reliable, excelling in specific situations and offering strong alternatives to the S-Tier. B-Tier weapons provide decent utility and can be effective depending on the situation. C-Tier guns generally underperform, while D-Tier weapons typically provide limited effectiveness and are best avoided in competitive play. This list helps you make informed decisions and avoid being caught with less advantageous weapons in crucial rounds.

Best Weapons in Counter Strike 2 (S Tier)

S-Tier weapons in Counter-Strike 2 offer a powerful advantage in combat, making them essential for players who want to excel in high-stakes matches. While they may come with higher costs and challenging recoil patterns, mastering these weapons—and managing your in-game economy effectively—can significantly elevate your gameplay.

AK-47
• Cost: $2,700
• Damage: 36 per hit
• Fire Rate: 600
• Magazine Size: 30
• Kill Reward: $300

The AK-47 is one of the most iconic rifles in gaming history and remains a staple for Terrorist-side players. With its $2,700 price, this rifle delivers high impact at 36 damage per hit. Although it has a demanding recoil pattern, skilled players who can control it gain a substantial advantage over opponents, as it deals greater damage than the M4A4 and M4A1-S, the Counter-Terrorist counterparts.

M4A1-S & M4A4
• Cost: $2,900 (M4A1-S) / $3,100 (M4A4)
• Damage: 38 (M4A1-S) / 33 (M4A4)
• Fire Rate: 600 (M4A1-S) / 666.67 (M4A4)
• Magazine Size: 20 (M4A1-S) / 30 (M4A4)
• Kill Reward: $300

The M4A1-S and M4A4 are the preferred rifles for Counter-Terrorists. While the M4A1-S offers superior accuracy and reduced recoil, it has a smaller magazine size and slightly lower fire rate compared to the M4A4. Both rifles cost a bit more than the AK-47, yet are valuable for their accuracy and ease of use. Despite dealing slightly less damage than the AK, both rifles are versatile choices for players on the CT side.

AWP
• Cost: $4,750
• Damage: 115 per hit
• Fire Rate: 41.24
• Magazine Size: 5
• Kill Reward: $100

Known for its immense firepower, the AWP is a staple sniper rifle for those who excel in high-precision shots. With a price tag of $4,750, it’s one of the priciest weapons in CS2, but its ability to kill opponents with a single shot above the waist makes it an incredibly potent weapon in skilled hands. Though the reward per kill is only $100, the AWP’s damage potential makes it a powerful tool for holding down crucial areas and securing game-changing kills.

These S-Tier weapons each bring unique strengths to the battlefield, from the raw firepower of the AK-47 to the precision and impact of the AWP, making them essential for players looking to dominate in CS2.

A-Tier

A-tier weapons are solid choices in Counter-Strike 2, especially in eco-rounds. While they might not reach the potency of S-tier guns, they can serve as highly effective secondary weapons or budget-friendly alternatives when your funds are limited.

Desert Eagle
• Cost: $700
• Damage: 53 per hit
• Fire Rate: 266.67
• Magazine Size: 7
• Kill Reward: $300

The Desert Eagle, often referred to as a powerful “rifle in a pistol’s frame,” is considered the top choice for a secondary weapon. Known for its massive 53 damage per shot, the Deagle can deliver lethal results in just a couple of shots. With a lower fire rate, it requires precise aim, but when handled well, it can be a game-changer even in low-buy rounds.

Tec-9
• Cost: $500
• Damage: 33 per hit
• Fire Rate: 500
• Magazine Size: 18
• Kill Reward: $300

Only available to T-side players, the Tec-9 is a semi-automatic pistol that pairs well with aggressive strategies. For just $500, it delivers impressive accuracy and fire rate, making it ideal for quick pushes and close-quarters engagements. Its high kill reward and cost-effectiveness make it a go-to option during low-economy rounds.

FAMAS
• Cost: $2,050
• Damage: 30 per hit
• Fire Rate: 666.67
• Magazine Size: 25
• Kill Reward: $300

Exclusive to the CT-side, the FAMAS is often seen as a budget-friendly alternative to the M4 rifles. Priced at $2,050, it offers a decent fire rate and solid damage output. While it doesn’t quite reach the power of S-tier rifles, a skilled player can leverage the FAMAS effectively, especially against well-armed opponents. The Galil serves as a similar option for the T-side, fulfilling a comparable role.

P90
• Cost: $2,350
• Damage: 26 per hit
• Fire Rate: 857.14
• Magazine Size: 50
• Kill Reward: $300

With its rapid fire rate and large magazine, the P90 is the ultimate “spray and pray” weapon, perfect for players who prefer high-mobility and aggressive playstyles. Costing $2,350, it can be devastating in eco-rounds or fast pushes, allowing players to overwhelm opponents with sheer bullet volume. The P90’s high fire rate makes it highly effective in tight spaces, adding extra punch to rush strategies.

These A-tier weapons serve as reliable, affordable options, offering flexibility and value across a variety of scenarios, particularly when paired with more powerful S-tier selections.

B-Tier

B-tier weapons are the go-to choices when you’re in a tight economic situation and aiming for a half-buy round. While S-tier and A-tier options might be out of reach due to their higher costs, B-tier weapons still offer solid utility without breaking the bank.

USP-S
• Cost: $200
• Damage: 35 per shot
• Fire Rate: 352.94
• Magazine Size: 12
• Kill Reward: $300

The USP-S is a staple for every CT player in the pistol round. Although it might seem modest at first, this pistol is lethal with precise aim. Its 35 damage per hit makes it highly effective for headshots, providing great bang for your buck in the opening rounds. With each kill, you’ll earn $300, which helps boost your economy. Its high headshot multiplier makes it an excellent tool for eliminating enemies in one precise shot.

Glock-18
• Cost: $200
• Damage: 30 per shot
• Fire Rate: 400 (Single) & 1,200 (Burst)
• Magazine Size: 20
• Kill Reward: $300

The Glock-18, the default T-side pistol, is versatile and reliable, similar to the USP-S. Though it delivers slightly less damage per hit, its two firing modes—single and burst—give it flexibility for both close and mid-range encounters. Burst mode is useful for multiple targets in close quarters, while single fire is best for long-range accuracy, making it a dependable choice for pistol rounds.

UMP-45
• Cost: $1,200
• Damage: 35 per shot
• Fire Rate: 666.67
• Magazine Size: 25
• Kill Reward: $600

The UMP-45 is one of the most powerful SMGs, packing the highest damage per shot among all SMGs. Priced at $1,200, it’s a solid investment for players seeking a low-cost but potent weapon. Its fast fire rate and high kill reward of $600 per kill make it an economical option with substantial payoff. While pricier than some other SMGs, it more than compensates with its reliable damage output and efficiency in eco rounds.

MAC-10
• Cost: $1,050
• Damage: 29 per shot
• Fire Rate: 800
• Magazine Size: 30
• Kill Reward: $600

The MAC-10 is another budget-friendly SMG, comparable to the UMP but with unique advantages. While its per-hit damage is slightly lower, its higher fire rate and larger magazine size allow for sustained fire, which is beneficial in close-quarters rushes. Priced at $1,050, it’s even cheaper than the UMP, making it an appealing choice for aggressive plays. The MAC-10 also yields a $600 kill reward, helping you earn while making strategic plays.

In summary, B-tier weapons offer cost-effective firepower and flexibility, allowing you to stay competitive even when funds are tight. These weapons shine in half-buy rounds, keeping you in the fight without draining your economy.

Conclusion

In Counter-Strike 2, selecting the right weapon can be as crucial as mastering aim or strategy. This tier list offers a comprehensive breakdown of CS2’s best guns, from top-tier options that give a significant edge in combat to budget-friendly choices that still pack a punch in eco rounds. Whether you’re opting for the sheer power of S-tier rifles like the AK-47 and AWP or making the most of reliable B-tier SMGs like the UMP-45, knowing when and why to use each weapon can greatly influence your performance. By understanding each gun’s strengths, costs, and ideal situations, you can make strategic choices that elevate your gameplay, optimize your economy, and ultimately help lead your team to victory.