TOP-10 Best Ranked Weapons in CS2

Since the release of Counter-Strike 2, the game's meta has constantly changed, but things have settled by the end of 2024. In this article, the xplay.gg team will tell you which weapons are now the strongest.

In Counter-Strike 2, choosing the right weapon plays a key role and is highly dependent on the specific circumstances of the game. For beginners, figuring out which weapon is effective in a given situation can be challenging. To make this task easier, we have developed this article.

Highlights

• Explanation of what the weapon meta is
• Details on what the current CS2 meta is like in 2024

In the game very recent update that corrected the various bugs:

Weapons Tier List in CS2

In CS2, we've categorized the weapons into five tiers, considering their performance in modern game conditions. Here's what they look like:

S-Tier: These weapons have the best performance. They are powerful and valued for their unique qualities.

A-Tier: These weapons are effective but are slightly inferior to S-Tier weapons in some respects.

B-Tier: B-tier weapons are less powerful than S- and A-tier, but they can still be a good choice.

C-Tier: This is where we put the mid-tier weapons - they can be effective in certain situations if used correctly.

D-Tier: This is the weakest of the weapons, with low damage and limited functions.

Here's what the distribution of weapons by tiers looks like in CS2.

TOP-10 Best Ranked Weapons in CS2

Our Top 10 best guns include: 

• AK-47
• AWP
• M4A1-S
• M4A4
• Desert Eagle
• AUG
• FAMAS
• MP9
• Galil
• MAC-10

For newbies, there are also helpful tips on Reddit.

AK-47

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

First up is none other than the trusty AK-47 rifle. The AK-47 is the best weapon because of its ability to kill enemies with a single click at any distance. It offers one of the highest base damage in the game and is more economical than other rifle counterparts.

The AK-47 has a good rate of fire, a large magazine capacity, and a fast reload speed. The only problem is recoil, which you can learn to control. To help you understand recoil control, we have an article titled "How to Control Recoil in CS2."

We also have a selection of Best AK-47 Skins in CS2 for this weapon. 

AWP

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

The AWP is such an iconic weapon that you immediately think of CS when it comes to it. Despite being a somewhat expensive weapon, the AWP can single-handedly take over a game if it falls into the hands of the right player.

In CS2, the AWP meta has lost momentum. While it is still a powerful weapon and remains S-level, it is now noticeably easier to counter, and the economic consequences of failing with the AWP are more severe. Nevertheless, it remains the best choice for ranged combat.

This legendary rifle has a bunch of awesome skins. The best ones were discussed in the Best AWP Skins article in CS2. By the way, on xplay.gg servers, you can play with any skins for free and without violating the rules of Valve. Read more in the article How to Get Free CS2 Skins.

M4A1-S

• Cost: $2,900 (M4A1-S) 
• Damage: 38 (M4A1-S) 
• Fire Rate: 600 (M4A1-S) 
• Magazine Size: 20 (M4A1-S) 
• Kill Reward: $300

The silent sibling of the M4A4 enters CS2 with a massive lead over the competition. This weapon was already widely used on the professional scene, even in CS:GO, but casual players didn't. This trend has finally caught on, and players have learned that the M4A1-S is a superior rifle for Special Forces.

It offers a lighter recoil in control, making it very effective in mid to long-range combat. However, what makes the M4A1-s stand out is its economical price. In addition to the gun, a comfortable proper crosshair is essential. The Ultimate Guide to CS2 Crosshair and Codes will help you with its selection.

M4A4

• Cost: $3,100
• Damage: 33 
• Fire Rate: 666.67 
• Magazine Size: 30 
• Kill Reward: $300

It is one of the special forces' two main rifles. Its fast spray control and accuracy make it a reliable choice in various situations. The MA4A4 is more expensive than the AK-47, meaning that not all Special Forces may have the funds to purchase it. 

Because of its higher rate of fire, you will be able to do more damage at close ranges. The M4A4 has ten more rounds than its silenced counterpart, the M4A1-S. When it comes to drawbacks, the M4A4 features a powerful recoil pattern that can be challenging to manage, particularly during prolonged bursts.

Desert Eagle

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

Often referred to as a powerful "pistol-cased rifle", the Desert Eagle is considered a top choice for a secondary weapon. Known for its massive 53 damage per shot, this gun can inflict lethal results in just a few rounds. 

However, the Deagle can be pretty difficult to master. If you miss, you will probably die. But its low price, significant damage, excellent penetration, and long-range effectiveness can lead you to victory (or not). To master the weapon to its fullest, train on the xplay.gg servers. Our selection of cosmetic colorings for this weapon is Best Deagle Skins in CS2.

AUG

• Price: $3,150
• Damage: 28 (5 shots to the chest at close range, 6 at long range)
• Fire Rate: 600 
• Magazine Size: 30 
• Kill Reward: $300

AUG in Counter-Strike 2 is a semi-automatic rifle used by counter-terrorist forces. It is distinguished by a crosshair, which improves accuracy at long distances.

The AUG has a medium rate of fire - on par with the AK-47 and M4A1-S - and does moderate damage. The AUG has good accuracy and moderately strong recoil. It has the highest first-shot accuracy of any assault rifle when aiming. The recoil is high when fired in automatic mode (no crosshair), but the first few shots have controlled recoil, so firing short bursts of 1-3 rounds is viable.

Skins help express individuality. We have made a valuable selection of the Best CS2 AUG Skins (TOP-15).

FAMAS

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

The exclusive FAMAS rifle is often considered a budget alternative to M4 rifles. At $2,050, it has a decent rate of fire and solid damage. Although it falls short of S-level rifles in power, an experienced player can use the FAMAS effectively, especially against well-armed opponents. The Galil is a similar option for the T-side, fulfilling a comparable role.

MP9

• Price: $1250
• Damage: 26
• Fire Rate: 857
• Magazine Size: 30
• Kill Reward: $600

The MP9 excels in close combat, helping you make a quick kill or two to end the round. This versatile weapon is often preferred for its affordability, making it a popular choice in various game scenarios, especially during eco-rounds or when players prioritize maneuverability. 

The MP9 is less effective at long range. Players may need to fire multiple shots to remove opponents, especially those wearing armor. 

Galil

• Price: $1,800
• Damage: 30 (5 shots to the chest at close range, 6 at long range)
• Fire Rate: 666 
• Magazine Size: 35
• Kill Reward: $300

A reliable and economical assault rifle known for its affordability, versatility, and rapid-fire rate, the Galil is a popular choice for players looking for a balance between firepower and economy.

It has a higher rate of fire than the AK-47, as well as more ammo, allowing you to keep up with those pesky submachine guns.

The Galil AR is perfect for those half-buy rounds, giving you a fighting chance against more powerful rifles. It's also the best choice for beginners due to its simple recoil control that just about anyone can follow. 

MAC-10

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

The rise of the run-and-gun style is evident in CS2; nothing reflects this more than the prevalence of submachine guns. These weapons are popular for their maneuverability, making them popular for players who value fast movement and aggressive melee combat.

Cheap and fast-firing, the MAC-10 can easily outperform more expensive rifles in close-quarters combat. However, the MAC-10 has drawbacks as well. An entire clip can be fired in a few rounds, so you'll run out of ammo when facing multiple enemies. Compared to rifles, the MAC-10 has less damage per shot. 

Other Good Weapon Options

You may be surprised, but the XM1014 would also be a good choice. Having an automatic shotgun can be a worthy ally on certain maps. It's handy for special forces when you're low on funds but don't want to do a full save. 

Available only to Team T players, the Tec-9 is a semi-automatic pistol that pairs well with aggressive strategies. For just $500, it offers impressive accuracy and rapid-fire speed, making it ideal for fast attacks and close-quarters combat. 

With its rapid-fire rate and large magazine, the P90 is the perfect weapon for high-mobility play. It can be devastating in eco-rounds or quick attacks, allowing players to crush opponents with a huge volume of bullets. 

Note also the USP-S, an alternate P2000 pistol for SWAT. Headshots automatically kill enemies without armor but make them go limp if armor is present. The USP-S is ideal if you are looking for a reliable weapon for long ranges.