Valve has finally done it! They’ve released what can be considered the biggest update since the release of Counter-Strike 2. The game now features over a hundred cosmetic items and a new case! Today, the CS.MONEY Blog will cover everything that came with the Armory Pass update.
As usual, the new skins will be available on CS.MONEY as soon as Valve lifts the restrictions, so it won’t be long until you’re able to get them without overpaying.
The Main Addition: Armory Pass
Valve has released something similar to an operation, though calling the Armory Pass an operation would be somewhat inaccurate. After all, the Armory Pass is entirely focused on skins, and there are no new modes or maps. However, the reward system is similar: you play CS2, earn stars, and exchange stars for skins. Now, let’s go into detail.
The Armory Pass costs $17, and for that, you get the opportunity to earn 40 stars. Stars are earned relatively quickly by gaining experience in the game. The daily limit is capped at five stars per day, which can be obtained in 4-5 hours of gameplay. There are no missions or challenges—it’s essentially just a grind.
Interestingly, a player can have five active passes at the same time and level them up simultaneously. Essentially, this becomes a question for the players: do they believe they can convert their investment in the pass into future profit with skins? Each player will find their own answer, so let’s move on to what you can get with these stars.
Desert Eagle Heat Treated, a limited reimagining of Case Hardened
The main prize of the battle pass is the limited Desert Eagle Heat Treated, available for 25 stars. Valve is fully activating the FOMO machine, stating that this skin will only be available for 100 days.
Visually, the Heat Treated strongly resembles Case Hardened, featuring a variety of interesting patterns. Even though only a few hours have passed since the update, collectors are already hunting for the coolest patterns with the highest concentration of blue color. It has already been discovered that this Desert Eagle has 37 Blue Gem patterns, where blue covers 80% or more. This means the likelihood of the community chasing just one pattern will be lower.
Charms: a new item category in CS2
Weapon charms have become a staple in many shooters, and now they’ve made their way to Counter-Strike 2. A charm capsule can be purchased for three stars. Two capsules are available: in the Small Arms capsule, charms are shaped like weapons, while in the Missing Link capsule, the charms are sausage-shaped with various designs. Check them by the link below!
Interestingly, not all charms are the same: each charm has certain parts that can, for example, be differently colored, adding rarity. Charms can be attached to any part of a weapon, but it’s important to remember that they physically interact with the player’s model. So, if you don’t want the charm to wobble during gameplay, you should attach it away from the grips. The ability to attach it anywhere opens up many creative possibilities — just don’t be shy with your imagination.
Important: if you’ve attached a charm and want to remove it, you can’t do so for free — Valve has released a special tool that costs $1. Use it, and the charm returns to your inventory.
New Gallery Case
Along with the Armory Pass, Valve has released the Gallery Case. Seventeen skins, each referring to different styles in visual art, are included. You can get it for two stars. You can read more about it in a separate article.
In short, we’ll highlight the magnificent M4A1-S Vaporwave, UMP-45 Neo-Noir, SSG 08 Rapid Transit, and the Kukri Knife as a rare drop. Notably, as with the Kilowatt Case, Gallery collection skins can also be rented for a week. The principle is the same.
Three new collections: Graphic, Overpass 2024, and Sport & Field
Besides the Gallery Case, pass holders will have access to three more collections. The Graphic Collection is dedicated to various styles and techniques in print media. The skins in this collection feature geometric patterns and bright colors. We’ll highlight the AWP CMYK (CMYK is a printer color scheme), M4A4 Polysoup, and AK-47 Crossfade, which, while not of the highest quality, looks interesting.
Overpass 2024 contains skins inspired by the map of the same name. You can see how the map literally comes to life on the skins in this collection. Here, we’ll note the Zeus x27 Dragon Snore, MAC-10 Pipsqueak, and Desert Eagle Tilted. Most skins are done in graffiti style, so street art fans will love this collection.
Finally, Sport & Field is a paradise for minimalism lovers. The star of the collection is undoubtedly the M4A1-S Fade, but we’re sure that the UMP-45 Crimson Foil and Five-seveN Heat Treated will also be popular.
The container with each collection is available for four stars. No key is required to open it, but keep in mind that the chances of dropping a red skin (such as the M4A1-S Fade) are extremely low: about 0.13%.
New stickers, a scrap slider, and a preview tool
Finally, you can purchase one of two sticker capsules for one star. The Character Craft Stickers capsule contains stickers with various face designs, while the Elemental Craft Stickers capsule features basic stickers with different effects. While these may not hold much artistic value on their own, they will shine in craft projects, complementing other stickers nicely.
Another important addition is the update to the preview tool in CS2. Now, you can look at a sticker and try it on your skin without buying it. Moreover, when erasing a sticker in the game, a slider appears that allows you to select the desired scrap level precisely. However, you can’t restore a worn sticker with this slider.
Not just about skins
This update also brought some fixes. As they say, there aren’t many, but it’s honest work. First, character model animations have been improved, so they now move more naturally. Secondly, netcode changes have been made, so the game should run smoother even with less-than-ideal internet connections.
Various changes and bug fixes were also implemented on all competitive maps except Vertigo, and Italy is now available in competitive mode, where you can earn Global Elite.
Unfortunately, the update didn’t come without downsides. Players report that FPS has dropped by 10-15% after the update. Additionally, various visual bugs have started popping up in the game, but we hope Valve fixes them promptly. No need to panic just yet.
Is it worth buying The Armory Battle Pass in CS2?
Whether it is worth buying The Armory BP in CS2 depends on what goal you set for yourself. Is The Armory profitable enough to invest? Can you get the 70 dollars spent back worth of skins? The risks are high, because it’s still just a battle pass with skins, which is similar to a regular case system: if you are lucky, it will pay off, if you’re not that lucky, you will be left with just skins.
Another thing to note is that if you are going to play constantly and for a long time, then it is probably worth it. And although the official end of The Armory Battle Pass has not yet been announced, having bought five BPs, you can calmly play MM and get points without the need for a crazy nonstop grind. So decide at your own discretion!
The Armory update is the biggest in Counter-Strike 2 history. Not everyone liked the heavy focus on in-game items, but it’s possible that this is exactly what many players want to see. After all, without skins, Counter-Strike would be a completely different game. To get the most out of the game, you’ll want awesome skins, and CS.MONEY will help you get those skins without overpaying!
