Ball on a budget with the best cases to rent in CS2

Valve now lets players rent all cases in Counter-Strike 2, and even rare ones from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. But what are the best cases for renting in CS2?

CS2’s new case rental feature is a game-changer for players who love collecting skins but want to avoid overspending. Instead of gambling or constantly chasing expensive drops, players can now try skins before committing. It’s a great way to explore case content without burning through one’s wallet, especially for those simply looking to experience the high of unboxing without the financial risk.

Previously, CS2’s rental feature was limited to the Kilowatt and Armory cases, but Valve has now lifted those restrictions. Players can rent the contents of almost any case for seven days, provided they have a few dollars to purchase the case and its key. However, rare items like knives and gloves remain exempt from the rental system.

The best CS2 cases to rent

8 – Kilowatt Case

The Kilowatt is one of the most popular cases in CS2 for all the right reasons. Besides storing eye-catching skins, it has a historical significance as being the first case specific to CS2. With Souce 2 varnish, Kilowatt skins quickly became highly coveted items in CS2.

Notable skins:

• AK-47 | Inheritance
• AWP | Chrome Cannon
• M4A1-S | Black Lotus
• USP-S | Jawbreaker
• Glock-18 | Block-18

7 – Prisma 2 Case

Released in 2020, the Prisma 2 case is famous for its two covert rarity skins in the M4A1-S | Player Two and Glock | Bullet Queen. However, the other items are equally sought after. One bonus point for renting a Prisma 2 case is that seasoned players won’t have to purchase the case, as it’s quite a common drop item in CS2.

Notable skins:

• M4A1-S | Player Two
• Glock-18 | Bullet Queen
• AK-47 | Phantom Disruptor
• P2000 | Acid Etched

6 – Winter Offensive Case

Players still pining after the iconic CSGO skins should rent the Winter Offensive case, which is one of the oldest cases in the game. Released in 2013, the Winter Offensive case has become a nostalgic favorite for many. Those looking to flex Asiimov in-game must rent this case at least once. It retails at $4.60, and players can purchase it off the Steam marketplace.

Notable skins:

• M4A4 | Asiimov
• AWP | Redline
• FAMAS | Pulse

5 – Operation Broken Fang Case

Broken Fang is a must-rent for its colorful skin items. The case has multiple red and purple skins for players who enjoy flashy, high-quality cosmetics. The highlight item in this case is the M4A1-S Printstream, but it’s certainly one case that offers great value overall, with a wide range of desirable skins.

Notable skins:

• M4A1-S | Printstream
• Glock-18 | Neo-Noir
• Five-SeveN | Fairy Tale
• USP-S | Monster Mashup
• M4A4 | Cyber Security

4 – Dreams and Nightmares Case

Dreams and Nightmares is one of the ideal cases to open in CS2 since most players already own it or can easily buy it from the market. It’s super cheap at $0.85 but is packed with mouthwatering items that would add a nice touch to game highlights and flashy reels.

Notable skins:

• AK-47 | Nightwish
• USP-S | Ticket to Hell
• MP9 | Starlight Protector

3 – Hydra Case

Players looking to pull out weapon skins from the CSGO archive and stand out from the crowd should opt for Hydra Case. It’s rare and slightly expensive compared to other cases on this list, but it’s worth the money. With some of the brightest and most colorful skins in CS2, Hydra Case will eventually become a popular rented case.

Notable skins:

• AWP | Oni Taiji
• Five-Seven | Hyper Beast
• M4A4 | Hellfire
• MAC-10 | Aloha

2 – Bravo Case

One of the oldest cases in CS2, Bravo is a rare drop, so if players already own one, it’s best to rent it now. It’s pretty expensive at $40, but it’s worth the investment to rock a guaranteed AK-47 | Fire Serpent.

The Desert Eagle | Golden Koi remains one of the rarest skins in CS2, not owned by many, making this case even more desirable. If players want to try their luck with these iconic skins before committing to a market purchase, renting the Bravo Case is a real option for any serious collector.

Notable skins:

• AK-47 | Fire Serpent
• Desert Eagle | Golden Koi
• AWP | Graphite

1 – CSGO Weapon Case

We only recommend the CSGO Weapon Case for players who don’t mind spending big bucks to flex the game’s rarest skins. Most players should avoid renting this case, as it’s extremely pricey and offers only two popular items in return.

At nearly $100, the CSGO Weapon Case gives players a chance to try the AK-47 | Case Hardened, but renters should be prepared for some disappointment if they unlock one of the rarest Case Hardened floats or patterns since renting means the item isn’t theirs to keep. It’s a high-risk, high-reward option that’s best for collectors willing to splurge.

Notable skins:

• M4A1-S | Dark Water
• AK-47 | Case Hardened
• Desert Eagle | Hypnotic
• AWP | Lightning Strike

So, these are the best cases to rent in CS2 in terms of popularity, price tag, and item worth. Do note that all of these items will leave a player’s inventory after a week. Economically, it’s best to avoid renting expensive cases unless they plan on buying a weapon out of that case and want to try it in-game once. Renting can be a fun way to experience rare skins, but make sure it fits the budget and what a player is hoping to get out of it.