Counter-Strike 2has brought many revolutionary changes fromCSGOand has offered players a fresh taste of the franchise with better skins, more appealing graphics, and better-optimized mechanics. Among all the other changes, one change that significantly improved the quality-of-life of this popularmultiplayer FPS gameis the ability to set Loadouts.
This update has changed the game in many ways. It allows players to have the guns they are most comfortable with in their buy menu at all times and has also added an extra layer to the strategic part ofCounter-Strike. So, let’s take a look at the best Loadouts you can pick forCounter-Strike 2competitive play.
How to Change Loadout in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
BeforeCS2, there were certain weapons that you had to pick beforehand to be available in the buy menu during the competitive matches. The best example is the M4A4 and the M4A1-S on the CT side. Both of the guns are primary assault rifles for the CT players, and each has its pros and cons. However, you could equip only one of the guns for your loadout, which would significantly limit your options and playstyles in the earlier titles of the franchise.
With the addition of this feature inCounter-Strike 2, players can now customize their load-outs the way they want. That means you may have the M4A4 and the A1-S in your loadout and buy whichever you want throughout the game.
This update allows players to be more diverse and make the most effective loadouts to squeeze the maximum positive result from any scenario. you’re able to change your loadout inCounter-Strike 2easily by following these steps:
To change the loadout in the middle of a match, press ‘Esc,’ select loadout from the top of the screen, and then follow the same step.
Best CT-Side Loadout in CS2
Pistols
The pistols start with the USP-S, now considered the go-to pistol for most professional players inCS2, mainly because of its ability to kill players with a single headshot. If the target has armor, then two shots to the head will surely take them down. The silencer attached to the weapon is also very handy and makes spamming easier.
The P250 is another great option to go for during the pistol rounds and can be used against stronger automatic guns in eco-rounds. It has a higher firepower and is suitable for taking down weakened enemies. For that reason, AWPers tend to pick it up as it can safely finish off a damaged player. However, it is a bit more expensive because of its stronger damage.
The Dual Berettas, more commonly known as the “Dualies”, are very strong guns for eco and even half-buy rounds. Due to their large magazines and high fire rates, they can take down multiple targets even if they are fully armored. These guns are typically used in situations that involve quickly rushing or exploding onto a site.
The Five-seveN is slower and methodical compared to the Dualies and more suited for long-range fights. If you want to play with your aim more than your movement, the Five-seveN is perfect for tapping heads and can do some severe damage at close ranges. This also works as a great alternative to the P250 as a secondary weapon for AWPers, as it comes in pretty handy if you get rushed while wielding the big green.
Last but certainly not least is the Desert Eagle, also known as the “Deagle”. It is quite deadly as it is the only weapon that can one-shot-headshot a target across any range, regardless of armor.
Half-Buy Weapons
The half-buy or mid-tier weapons are the same for both sides except for one weapon, which is the firstSMG, the MP9. The MP9 is a low-cost machine with excellent mobility and high fire rates, making it useful in eco and half-buy rounds.
The other two SMGs play similar roles but have different levels of price and effectiveness. The next SMG, the UMP-45, is great at close-range fights and is slightly better than the MP9. However, because of its cost and lower effectiveness, players tend to either stick with the MP9 for a lower price or go for the P90. The P90 is the most expensive SMG in the game, but it is definitely worth it. With a massive magazine and crazy-high fire rate, the P90 can exploit the battleground by running and gunning.
Next, we have our two shotguns, the Nova and XM1014. The Nova is the more basicshotgunwith a lower price and high effectiveness at closer ranges. The main downside here is its fire rate. But that’s where the XM1014 comes in. It has a higher damage and fire rate but is more pricey. Both are great options for the CT side if you attempt to sit in a corner waiting for the T-side players to walk into your crosshairs.
Primary/Rifles
These are the weapons considered the best in the game, and you need to attempt to get and hold on to them as long as possible. One key difference between the T and the CT sides in this category is that the CTs have two primary rifles, the M4A4 and the M4A1-S. Both are great rifles, and each has its unique quirks and minor drawbacks.
The AWP and the Scout are the onlysnipers in the gamethat are worth trying, with the AWP being the heaviest-hitting gun. It can, in one shot, kill any target. Meanwhile, the scout has higher mobility but lesser damage. It needs two shots to the body to land a kill but only one to the head, making it useful in eco-rounds.
Then we have the FAMAS, the rifle with the lowest cost, which can be used in half-buy rounds but is also effective in full-buys. It is a low-budget version of the M4 that should be bought when your team needs the firepower but doesn’t have enough bucks lying around.
Best T-Side Loadout in CS2
The Glock-19 is the default startingpistol inCS2and isn’t as strong as the USP. However, it has two firing modes, burst and single fire, which can be pretty helpful based on your situation. Regardless, most pro players advise getting the P250 for the first rounds, as its higher damage can give T-players an extra edge.
The other pistol to discuss is the Tec-9, which is great for eco-rounds because of its first-shot accuracy. It is also quite effective while running around, making anyone using it a menace on the field.
The T-sides have an exclusive SMG in this category, the MAC-10, which is, in some cases, very similar to the MP9. They are both low-cost, have high fire rates, and allow the player to be mobile and run around the battlefield.
The T-side has oneprimary rifle, the AK47, which can one-shot kill targets with a headshot and also boasts high damage. The one downside to the AK47 is it’s tough to master recoil.
Meanwhile, the Galil AR is a younger brother to the AK47 and is cheaper but has less damage and an easier recoil pattern.
The SG 553 is another alternative to the AK-47, as it is quite effective in longer ranges and even has a scope that helps the player to aim. Despite all that, because of its high price, most players stick to the AK-47, which has better damage and hits much harder.
