Valve has just rolled out a new feature dubbed the Armory for Counter-Strike 2, introducing attractive items locked behind credits. Here’s how to earn Armory credits in CS2.
On October 3, 2024, Valve dropped a big battle pass-like update for CS2 introducing shiny new skins, charms, and a time-limited Desert Eagle skin. The update also targets in-game animations, but all eyes are on the new Armory skins, so how can players get them as soon as possible? For a change, Valve is now asking players to grind CS2 in addition to spending money if they want to break into the Armory.
The Armory has 100 new items with three new weapon collections, a new weapons case, stickers, and all-new weapon charms. All of this is locked behind in-game credits.
CS2 players with Prime status can get Armory credits by purchasing the pass for $15.99 and then playing the game as usual.
Players can purchase up to five Armory passes at a time, each providing 40 locked credits. On the main menu, each pass appears as a round bar that fills up as credits are unlocked by earning XP. Once a pass is fully loaded, the next pass will begin accumulating stars. These stars can be spent on Armory items at any time. Each weapon collection has 16 skins, and at any time, players can unlock one random item at the cost of four stars. That means players need at least 64 stars to unlock all items in a single collection if they get extremely lucky, which is equal to almost two passes worth $32.
Weapon cases can be purchased like regular skin in exchange for two Armory credits, but players will need to buy a key separately. Unlocking one star requires playing several deathmatches or competitive games, indicating significant grinding. Progress toward the next credit is earned through XP accumulation, so all game modes besides offline will count toward an active Armory pass.
It’s also worth noting that boosting or reducing XP has no impact on Armory credits earned. Pass progress is constant. Players will always make the same amount of Armory progress for the same amount of play.
While you’re collecting Armory credits, consider removing and reusing charms in CS2 to make the most of your customization options.
Players cannot buy CS2 charms with real-life money, and players must collect Armory credits to buy the new keychains
All items within the Armory update can only be acquired by purchasing the pass. Similar to the skin collection, charms, and stickers are unlocked at random as well. To unlock a single sausage man or tiny weapon charm, players will need to spend three hard-earned stars. Once all passes are fully spent, new ones can be purchased to continue shopping from the Armory.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.