Best CS2 cases to open in 2024

Here are the best Counter-Strike 2 cases to open this year.

The Kilowatt Case in CS2 on a pallet held by a forklift.
Screenshot by Dot Esports

There are a lot of Counter-Strike 2 cases you can open, but some are better than others, and the best cases to open in CS2 contain some of the most fashionable skins in the game.

Recommended Videos

This year also saw the addition of several new and exciting cases, especially via the Armory Update, so here are our current picks.

The best CS2 cases to open in 2024

1) Dreams & Nightmares Case

The Dreams and Nightmares case in CS2
Dreams and Nightmares Case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

The Dreams & Nightmares Case in CS2 contains 17 community designs and was released on Jan. 20, 2022. It features many colorful and exciting skins, with even its lower rarity ones carrying striking looks, such as the MAC-10 Ensnared. The crown jewel of the case is certainly the AK-47 Nightwish (well, apart from all the knives you can get), and the skin carries its own legendary tale as it was unboxed live during a CS:GO Major in the summer of 2022 with the crowd going understandably wild.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
Five-SeveN | ScrawlMil-Spec Pistol
MAC-10 | EnsnaredMil-Spec SMG
MAG-7 | ForesightMil-Spec Shotgun
MP5-SD | Necro Jr.Mil-Spec SMG
P2000 | Lifted SpiritsMil-Spec Pistol
SCAR-20 | PoultrygeistMil-Spec Sniper Rifle
Sawed-Off | Spirit BoardMil-Spec Shotgun
PP-Bizon | Space CatRestricted SMG
G3SG1 | Dream GladeRestricted Sniper Rifle
M4A1-S | Night TerrorRestricted Rifle
XM1014 | Zombie OffensiveRestricted Shotgun
USP-S | Ticket to HellRestricted Pistol
Dual Berettas | MelondramaClassified Pistol
FAMAS | Rapid Eye MovementClassified Rifle
MP7 | Abyssal ApparitionClassified SMG
AK-47 | NightwishCovert Rifle
MP9 | Starlight ProtectorCovert SMG
Dreams & Nightmares Case KnivesRare Special Item30 possible knives
All items in the Dreams & Nightmares Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

2) Recoil Case

The Recoil Case in CS2.
Recoil Case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

The Recoil Case was released on July 1, 2022. This loot box contains 17 community-designed weapon finishes and is currently one of the most popular cases in all of Counter-Strike. It’s cheap and has fantastic skins, most notably the USP-S Prinstream, of which even in the Minimal Wear form can net you a few dozen dollars at the least, while its higher rarities and iterations can go into the hundreds.

Many players love buying the Recoil Case in bulk as it is very competitively priced compared to other cases on this list and otherwise. The release of CS2 didn’t help either as more and more cases keep rising in prices, with some eclipsing the price of keys altogether.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
FAMAS | Meow 36Mil-Spec Rifle
Galil AR | DestroyerMil-Spec Rifle
M4A4 | Poly MagMil-Spec Rifle
MAC-10 | MonkeyflageMil-Spec SMG
Negev | Drop MeMil-Spec Machine Gun
UMP-45 | RoadblockMil-Spec SMG
Glock-18 | WinterizedMil-Spec Pistol
R8 Revolver | Crazy 8Restricted Pistol
M249 | DowntownRestricted Machine Gun
SG 553 | Dragon TechRestricted Rifle
P90 | Vent RushRestricted SMG
Dual Berettas | Flora CarnivoraRestricted Pistol
AK-47 | Ice CoaledClassified Rifle
P250 | VisionsClassified Pistol
Sawed-Off | Kiss♥LoveClassified Shotgun
USP-S | PrintstreamCovert Pistol
AWP | Chromatic AberrationCovert Sniper Rifle
Recoil Case GlovesRare Special Item24 possible gloves
All skins in the Recoil Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

3) Operation Riptide Case

The Operation Riptide Case in CS2.
Operation Riptide Case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

Back when Valve was still doing Operations, they dropped one of the most exciting events in CS:GO in 2021, Operation Riptide, which, following the tradition of other events, had its own case to boot. It contains over a dozen skins, all featuring wild and colorful designs, though they’re all quite rare, and you won’t see many players sporting them in matches, which might be a draw for collectors. Having been released as part of an Operation event years ago, the case has slowly risen in price since then, fetching up to seven bucks on a good day with the potential to keep growing.

That being said, the rarer skins contained within are also quite pricey and rare, making this case quite lucrative and attractive.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
AUG | PlagueMil-Spec Rifle
G3SG1 | Keeping TabsMil-Spec Sniper Rifle
Dual Berettas | TreadMil-Spec Pistol
MP7 | GuerrillaMil-Spec SMG
PP-Bizon | LumenMil-Spec SMG
USP-S | Black LotusMil-Spec Pistol
XM1014 | WatchdogMil-Spec Shotgun
MAG-7 | BI83 SpectrumRestricted Shotgun
FAMAS | ZX SpectronRestricted Rifle
Five-SeveN | Boost ProtocolRestricted Pistol
MP9 | Mount FujiRestricted SMG
M4A4 | Spider LilyRestricted Rifle
MAC-10 | ToyboxClassified SMG
Glock-18 | Snack AttackClassified Pistol
SSG 08 | Turbo PeekClassified Sniper Rifle
AK-47 | Leet MuseoCovert Rifle
Desert Eagle | Ocean DriveCovert Pistol
Riptide Case KnivesRare Special Item30 possible knives
All skins in the Riptide Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

4) Chroma 3 Case

The Chroma 3 Case in CS2.
Chroma 3 Case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

The Chroma 3 Case in CS2 was added to the franchise in April 2016. All of the skins are bright and colorful, with Chantico’s Fire certainly standing out as one of the best M4A1-S skins in the entire game.

While the Legend of Anubis skin is for an incredibly underused gun, the skin had some legs on the market. As far as red skins go, the price pales in comparison to AK or AWP cosmetics, but it’s still relatively expensive.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
Dual Berettas | VentilatorsMil-Spec Pistol
G3SG1 | Orange CrashMil-Spec Sniper Rifle
M249 | SpectreMil-Spec Machine Gun
MP9 | BioleakMil-Spec SMG
P2000 | OceanicMil-Spec Pistol
Sawed-Off | FubarMil-Spec Shotgun
SG 553 | AtlasMil-Spec Rifle
CZ75-Auto | Red AstorRestricted Pistol
Galil AR | FirefightRestricted Rifle
SSG 08 | Ghost CrusaderRestricted Sniper Rifle
Tec-9 | Re-EntryRestricted Pistol
XM1014 | Black TieRestricted Shotgun
AUG | Fleet FlockClassified Rifle
P250 | AsiimovClassified Pistol
UMP-45 | Primal SaberClassified SMG
PP-Bizon | Judgement of AnubisCovert SMG
M4A1-S | Chantico’s FireCovert Rifle
Chroma 3 Case KnivesRare Special Item30 possible knives
All skins in the Chroma 3 Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

5) Operation Broken Fang Case

The Operation Broken Fang Case in CS2.
Operation Broken Fang case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

Each operation introduces unique skins that rival the previous releases. Operation Broken Fang was no different, and its case added a bunch of colorful skins to CS2. In addition to multiple valuable drops with excellent looks, it’s the Gloves that separate this case from the rest.

As one of the best CS2 cases, it features both a high-level USP-S and Glock-18 skin, which are rare finds to begin with. The Broken Fang case also hosts an incredibly clean M4A1-S skin. I personally can’t go past a Printstream skin, and if you’re a fan of the USP-S Printstream, you’ll be able to add this to your collection if you seek out the Broken Fang case.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
CZ75-Auto | VendettaMil-Spec Pistol
P90 | Cocoa RampageMil-Spec SMG
G3SG1 | Digital MeshMil-Spec Sniper Rifle
Galil AR | VandalMil-Spec Rifle
P250 | ContaminantMil-Spec Pistol
M249 | Deep ReliefMil-Spec Machine Gun
MP5-SD | Condition ZeroMil-Spec SMG
AWP | ExoskeletonRestricted Sniper Rifle
Dual Berettas | DezastreRestricted Pistol
Nova | Clear PolymerRestricted Shotgun
SSG 08 | ParallaxRestricted Sniper Rifle
UMP-45 | Gold BismuthRestricted SMG
Five-SeveN | Fairy TaleClassified Pistol
M4A4 | Cyber SecurityClassified Rifle
USP-S | Monster MashupClassified Pistol
M4A1-S | PrintstreamCovert Rifle
Glock-18 | Neo-NoirCovert Pistol
Broken Fang Case GlovesRare Special Item24 possible gloves
All skins in the Broken Fang Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

6) Revolution Case

Revolution Case in CS2
Revolution Case – Image via Valve

The Revolution Case is a 2023 addition to CS2‘s skin library. It’s one of the best CS2 cases to open since it’s one of the rare ones that feature skins for all the most popular weapons in the game: The AK-47, M4A4, M4A1-S, and AWP.

While almost all cases in CS2 feature at least one skin for the big four, it’s a unique occurrence to have a case that has a skin for all of them. The Revolution Case also tops it off with a high return on investment rate since most of the skins inside it will be worth more than its unlocking costs, making it a solid choice for players who’d like to get their money’s worth from a case.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
MAG-7 | InsomniaMil-Spec ShotgunMAG 7 Insomnia in CS:GO
MP9 | FeatherweightMil-Spec SMGMP9 Featherweight in CS:GO
SCAR-20 | FragmentsMil-Spec Sniper RifleSCAR 20 Fragments in CS:GO.
P250 | Re.builtMil-Spec PistolP250 Rebuilt in CS:GO
MP5-SD | LiquidationMil-Spec SMGMP5 SD Liquidation in CS:GO.
SG 553 | CyberforceMil-Spec RifleSG 553 Cyberforce in CS:GO.
Tec-9 | RebelMil-Spec PistolTec 9 Rebel in CS:GO.
M4A1-S | Emphorosaur-SRestricted Rifle
Glock-18 | Umbral RabbitRestricted PistolGlock 18 Umbral Rabbit in CS:GO
MAC-10 | SakkakuRestricted SMGMAC 10 Sakkaku in CS:GO.
R8 Revolver | Banana CannonRestricted PistolR8 Revolver Banana Cannon in CS:GO.
P90 | NeoqueenRestricted PistolP90 Neoqueen in CS:GO
AWP | DualityClassified Sniper RifleAWP Duality in CS:GO.
UMP-45 | Wild ChildClassified SMGUMP 45 Wild Child in CS:GO.
P2000 | Wicked SickClassified PistolP2000 Wicked Sick in CS:GO.
M4A4 | TemukauCovert RifleM4A4 Temukau in CS:GO.
AK-47 | Head ShotCovert Rifle
Revolution Case GlovesRare Special Item24 possible gloves
All skins in the Revolution Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

7) Gamma Case

The Gamma Case in C2
Gamma Case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

The Gamma Case features detailed skins that laid the foundation of some of the most incredible skins to hit the Steam market. Some of the textures included in the case resemble professional street art and give you a gangsta look in the game.

The Mecha Industries sits alongside the Printstream as the cleanest skins in CS2. You can add the Wasteland Rebel skin to match your AK-47 Wasteland Rebel, making your T kit the sharpest on the server.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
Five-SeveN | Violent DaimyoMil-Spec Pistol
MAC-10 | CarnivoreMil-Spec SMG
Nova | ExoMil-Spec Shotgun
P250 | Iron CladMil-Spec Pistol
PP-Bizon | HarvesterMil-Spec SMG
SG 553 | AerialMil-Spec Rifle
Tec-9 | Ice CapMil-Spec Pistol
AUG | AristocratRestricted Rifle
AWP | PhobosRestricted Sniper Rifle
P90 | ChopperRestricted SMG
R8 Revolver | RebootRestricted Pistol
Sawed-Off | LimelightRestricted Shotgun
M4A4 | Desolate SpaceClassified Rifle
P2000 | Imperial DragonClassified Pistol
SCAR-20 | BloodsportClassified Sniper Rifle
Glock-18 | Wasteland RebelCovert Pistol
M4A1-S | Mecha IndustriesCovert Rifle
Gamma Case KnivesRare Special Item30 possible knives
All skins in the Gamma Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

8) Prisma Case

The Prisma Case in CS2
Prisma case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

Having launched in 2019, one would expect the skins in this to be a bit grittier, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Prisma Case contains some of the most well-designed skins in the game, and no matter what you get, you’ll be content with its looks (if you can get over the monetary losses, that is). With such good designs, it’s no wonder the Prisma Case has one of the most popular skins in the game, the M4A4 Emperor. Even on the lower end, there are a few highly popular Prisma skins, including the Uncharted AK-47 and AWP Atheris.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
FAMAS | CrypsisMil-Spec Rifle
AK-47 | UnchartedMil-Spec Rifle
MAC-10 | WhitefishMil-Spec SMG
Galil AR | AkobenMil-Spec Rifle
MP7 | MischiefMil-Spec SMG
P250 | VerdigrisMil-Spec Pistol
P90 | Off WorldMil-Spec SMG
AWP | AtherisRestricted Sniper Rifle
Tec-9 | BamboozleRestricted Pistol
Desert Eagle | Light RailRestricted Pistol
MP5-SD | GaussRestricted SMG
UMP-45 | MoonriseRestricted SMG
R8 Revolver | Skull CrusherClassified Pistol
AUG | MomentumClassified Rifle
XM1014 | IncinegatorClassified Shotgun
Five-SeveN | Angry MobCovert Pistol
M4A4 | The EmperorCovert Rifle
Prisma Case KnivesRare Special Item24 possible knives
All skins in the Prisma Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

9) Clutch Case

The Clutch Case in CS2.
Clutch case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

The Clutch Case includes some of the best skins with a darker color range. The pink USP-S skin is the only exception to its theme. It’s also one of the few cases that offer a pair of gloves instead of a knife skin.

The Neo-Noir sits atop the skins in the Clutch Case for good reason It’s an incredibly well-designed skin, providing several different patterns without being overwhelming on the eyes. I also tried to get the worst possible R8 Revolver Grip in CS2. I would advise against this, as you’ll never use the R8—unless you’re trolling.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
PP-Bizon | Night RiotMil-Spec SMG
Five-SeveN | Flame TestMil-Spec Pistol
MP9 | Black SandMil-Spec SMG
P2000 | Urban HazardMil-Spec Pistol
R8 Revolver | GripMil-Spec Pistol
SG 553 | AlohaMil-Spec Rifle
XM1014 | Oxide BlazeMil-Spec Shotgun
Glock-18 | MoonriseRestricted Pistol
Negev | LionfishRestricted Machine Gun
Nova | Wild SixRestricted Shotgun
MAG-7 | SWAG-7Restricted Shotgun
UMP-45 | Arctic WolfRestricted SMG
AUG | StymphalianClassified Rifle
AWP | MortisClassified Sniper Rifle
USP-S | CortexClassified Pistol
M4A4 | Neo-NoirCovert Rifle
MP7 | BloodsportCovert SMG
Clutch Case GlovesRare Special Item24 possible gloves
All skins in the Clutch Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

10) Gallery Case

A square orange case buckled with grey locks with a bright green logo at the front saying CS in stylized lettering denoting the Gallery Case for CS2.
The Gallery Case was introduced with the Armory Update. Image via Valve

The Gallery Case was added to Counter-Strike 2 with the massive (and controversial) Armory Update, which sought to expand the cosmetic side of the game, which Valve seems to care the most about. It contains 17 community-made skins, all of which are bright, visually appealing, highly stylized, and overall just well-made.

For those seeking high-quality skins for their main weapons, those being the two M4s and the AK, the Gallery Case has them all, especially in the M4A1-S and AK-47 departments with the downright amazing Vaporwave and The Outsiders respective skins. The Glock also stands out here with the Gold Toof, which is probably the best skin for it available at the moment.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
USP-S | 27Mil-Spec Pistol
Desert Eagle | CalligraffitiMil-Spec Pistol
MP5-SD | StaticsMil-Spec SMG
AUG | Luxe TrimMil-Spec Rifle
M249 | HypnosisMil-Spec Machine Gun
R8 Revolver | TangoMil-Spec Pistol
SCAR-20 | Trail BlazerMil-Spec Sniper Rifle
M4A4 | TurbineRestricted Rifle
Dual Berettas | Hydro StrikeRestricted Pistol
MAC-10 | Saibā OniRestricted SMGSteam Community Market :: Listings for MAC-10 | Saibā Oni (Factory New)
P90 | Randy RushRestricted SMGSteam Community Market :: Listings for P90 | Randy Rush (Field-Tested)
SSG 08 | Rapid TransitRestricted Sniper RifleSteam Community Market :: Listings for StatTrak™ SSG 08 | Rapid Transit  (Battle-Scarred)
AK-47 | The OutsidersClassified RifleSteam Community Market :: Listings for AK-47 | The Outsiders (Field-Tested)
P250 | EpicenterClassified PistolSteam Community Market :: Listings for StatTrak™ P250 | Epicenter  (Well-Worn)
UMP-45 | Neo-NoirClassified SMGSteam Community Market :: Listings for StatTrak™ UMP-45 | Neo-Noir  (Field-Tested)
Glock-18 | Gold ToofCovert PistolSteam Community Market :: Listings for Glock-18 | Gold Toof (Field-Tested)
M4A1-S | VaporwaveCovert RifleSteam Community Market :: Listings for M4A1-S | Vaporwave (Factory New)
Kukri KnifeRare Special Item13 possible knives
All skins in the Gallery Case. Images via Valve

11) CS20 Case

The CS20 case in CS2.
CS20 case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

As the twentieth birthday of the immensely influential and popular Counter-Strike franchise grew nearer, so did the players grow more excited, with many holding their breaths for whatever Valve was planning to do. And then the developers just dropped a case and called it a day, which didn’t sit well with most players. However, even with its controversial nature, this 2019 case still contains some of the best skins in the game, particularly the AWP Wildfire, which stands the test of time as one of the most unique and best-looking skins in Counter-Strike. Even a case is leagues above the single tweet we got for the 25th anniversary.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
Dual Berettas | Elite 1.6Mil-Spec Pistol
Tec-9 | Flash OutMil-Spec Pistol
MAC-10 | Classic CrateMil-Spec SMG
MAG-7 | PopdogMil-Spec Shotgun
SCAR-20 | AssaultMil-Spec Sniper Rifle
FAMAS | DecommissionedMil-Spec Rifle
Glock-18 | SacrificeMil-Spec Pistol
M249 | AztecRestricted Machine Gun
MP5-SD | AgentRestricted SMG
Five-SeveN | BuddyRestricted Pistol
P250 | InfernoRestricted Pistol
UMP-45 | PlastiqueRestricted SMG
MP9 | HydraClassified SMG
P90 | NostalgiaClassified SMG
AUG | Death by PuppyClassified Rifle
AWP | WildfireCovert Sniper Rifle
FAMAS | CommemorationCovert Rifle
CS20 Case KnivesRare Special Item13 possible knives
All skins in the CS20 Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

12) Danger Zone Case

The Danger Zone case in CS2.
The Danger Zone case – Screenshot by Dot Esports

Danger Zone was one of the most impactful patches in CS:GO history. Alongside introducing a unique Battle Royale mode, it also came with awesome skins. The AK-47 joined the Asiimov family while the AWP got another futuristic skin. And, though the Danger Zone game mode was removed from CS2 and is unlikely to return, we still have these amazing skins to keep us content at least to some degree.

The Asiimov might be one of the best AK skins alongside the Vulcan. You can add the Asiimov to your collection for a lovely pairing with the AWP Asiimov. The Deagle in the Danger Zone case is one of my favorite pistol skins, and if I could have all of them, I would.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
MP9 | Modest ThreatMil-Spec SMG
Glock-18 | Oxide BlazeMil-Spec Pistol
Nova | Wood FiredMil-Spec Shotgun
M4A4 | MagnesiumMil-Spec Rifle
Sawed-Off | Black SandMil-Spec Shotgun
SG 553 | Danger CloseMil-Spec Rifle
Tec-9 | FubarMil-Spec Pistol
G3SG1 | ScavengerRestricted Sniper Rifle
Galil AR | SignalRestricted Rifle
MAC-10 | Pipe DownRestricted SMG
P250 | NevermoreRestricted Pistol
USP-S | FlashbackRestricted Pistol
UMP-45 | MomentumClassified SMG
Desert Eagle | Mecha IndustriesClassified Pistol
MP5-SD | PhosphorClassified Pistol
AK-47 | AsiimovCovert Rifle
AWP | Neo-NoirCovert Sniper Rifle
Danger Zone KnivesRare Special Item52 possible knives
All skins in the Danger Zone Case. Screenshots by Dot Esports

13) The Winter Offensive Weapon Case

Winter Offensive Weapon Case in CS2.
The Winter Offensive Weapon Case – Image via Valve

The Winter Offensive Weapon Case is an older one and more expensive due to its rarity. If you’re looking to unbox some of the most fantastic skins in the game, such as the M4A4 Asiimov, then this is the case for you.

This case also contains another popular skin, the AWP Redline, as well as a very good Sawed-Off skin. Like most cases of the era, this one has the potential to drop a knife. You may also want to consider reselling the case if you were to receive it in the weekly drop, since it’s worth two full keys and then some.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
Galil AR | SandstormMil-Spec RifleGalil Sandstorm skin in Cs2.
Five-SeveN | KamiMil-Spec PistolFive-Seven Kami skin in CS2.
M249 | MagmaMil-Spec RifleM249 Magma skin in CS2.
PP-Bizon | Cobalt HalftoneMil-Spec SMGPP Bizon Cobalt skin in CS2.
FAMAS | PulseRestricted RifleFamas Pulse skin in CS2.
Dual Berettas | MarinaRestricted PistolDual Berettas Marina skin in CS2.
MP9 | Rose IronRestricted SMGMP-9 Rose Iron skin in CS2.
Nova | Rising SkullRestricted ShotgunNova rising skull skin in CS2.
M4A1-S | GuardianClassified RifleM4A1-S Guardian Skin in CS2.
P250 | MehndiClassified PistolP250 Mehndi skin in CS2.
AWP | RedlineClassified RifleAWP Redline Cs2 skin.
M4A4 | AsiimovCovert RifleM4A4 Asiimov skin CS2.
Sawed-Off | The KrakenCovert ShotgunSawed off the Kraken skin CS2.
Winter Offensive Weapon Case KnivesRare Special Item65 possible knives
All skins in the Winter Offensive Weapon. Images via Valve

14) Huntsman Weapon Case

Huntsman weapon case in CS2.
The Hunstman Weapon case – Image via Valve

The Huntsman Case contains some of the most beautiful community-made skins in all of Counter-Strike. Its high price is justified by the quality and rarity of the skins. For example, you can unlock the fantastic AK-47 Vulcan or the M4A4 Desert Strike, both of which are very valuable, but also the M4A1-S Atomic Alloy or the UPS-S Caiman.

This case is also exceptional with its, well, exceptionally rare items—Huntsman knives—which are both valuable and good-looking. Though its roster of skins is not too big compared to other cases, the Huntsman is a good choice. Its high value may also eventually warrant a resell if you grab it for free at the end of the week.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
Tec-9 | IsaacMil-Spec PistolTec-9 Isaac skin in CS2.
SSG 08 | SlashedMil-Spec SMGSSG 08 Slashed skin in CS2.
Galil AR | KamiMil-Spec RifleGalil AR Kami skin in CS2.
CZ75-Auto | TwistMil-Spec PistolCZ75-Auto skin in Cs2.
P90 | ModuleMil-Spec SMGP90 Module skin in Cs2.
P2000 | PulseMil-Spec PistolP2000 Pulse Skin in CS2.
AUG | TorqueRestricted RifleAug Torque Skin in CS2.
PP-Bizon | AntiqueRestricted SMGPP-Bizon Antique skin in CS2.
XM1014 | Heaven GuardRestricted ShotgunXM1014 Heaven Guard skin in Cs2.
MAC-10 | TatterRestricted SMGMac-10 Tatter skin in CS2.
M4A1-S | Atomic AlloyClassified RifleAtomic Alloy skin for the M4A1-s in Cs2.
SCAR-20 | CyrexClassified RifleScar-20 Cyrex skin in CS2.
USP-S | CaimanClassified PistolUSP-S Caiman skin in CS2.
AK-47 | VulcanCovert RifleOne of the rarest and most expensive CS2 skins, the AK-47 Vulcan.
M4A4 | Desert-StrikeCovert RifleThe M4A4 desert strike skin in CS2.
Hutnsman KnivesRare Special Item15 possible knives
All skins in the Huntsman Weapon case. Images via Valve

With these cases, you will have the opportunity to expand your CS2 inventory or even make a quick buck or two. If Valve ever decides to expand its skin renting functionality beyond the Kilowatt case, which is currently the only one with the feature, players may even get the chance to experience some of the best and rarest skins in the game for a very low price. Until then, we’ll have to open them and hope for the best.

15) Kilowatt Case

A square orange box buckled with locks with a black sticker on the front side saying CS in white stylized lettering denoting the Kilowatt case in Counter-Strike 2.
The Kilowatt case is a unique one due to its skin rental feaature. Image via Valve

The Kilowatt case, apart from containing incredible and unique skins (especially for the AWP), stands apart as the case whose skins can be rented for a limited time and used as if you owned them. For the low, low price of two and a half bucks, you can open the case and rent out any skin you like for the duration, which, given how expensive some of these skins are, might be the more economical way to go, with the primary trade-off being, well, the lack of trading capabilities.

The AWP Chrome Canon contained within is also unique in the sense that it changes color based on the lighting of the location you’re in. It also has the first (and currently only) skin for the Zeus of all things, making this case full of uniqueness and special skins worth opening.

Skin nameSkin raritySkin image
Dual Berettas | HideoutMil-Spec PistolTwo Berretta M9s in Counter-Strike 2.
MAC-10 | Light BoxMil-Spec SMGA MAC-10 weapon painted in matte grey and purple in CS2.
Nova | Dark SigilMil-Spec ShotgunA simple pump shotgun in Counter-Strike 2 with wooden coloring and a metallic finish.
SSG 08 | DezastreMil-Spec Sniper RifleThe SSG-08 Sniper Rifle in Counter-Strike 2 painted grey and black, it has a scope and a bipod is attached and raised below the muzzle.
Tec-9 | SlagMil-Spec PistolA tec-9 semi-automatic pistol in CS2 painted grey with a military green-gold magazine with a 9 stamped on it.
UMP-45 | MotorizedMil-Spec SMGThe UMP-45 weapon in Counter-Strike with a mechanical paintjob and theme.
XM1014 | IrezumiMil-Spec ShotgunThe XM automatic shotgun from Counter-Strike with a paintjob seemingly inspired by Aztec art, it has an engraved snake on its side.
Glock-18 | Block-18Restricted PistolThe Glock-18 weapon in CS2 repainted as to look like it was assembled out of Lego blocks.
M4A4 | Etch LordRestricted RifleThe M4A4 Etch Lord skin in CS2 giving the weapon a grey-black theme and several engravings on the side.
Five-SeveN | HybridRestricted PistolThe Five-Seven pistol from Counter-Strike 2 with a purple and grey metallic paint.
MP7 | Just SmileRestricted SMGThe MP7 weapon from CS2 painted light blue and given a large yellow smiley face on the side which has two Xs for eyes.
Sawed-Off | Analog InputRestricted ShotgunA sawed off shotgun in CS2 with a yellow, , green, blue, and red stripe painted on its side resembling the analog input cables of old televisions.
M4A1-S | Black LotusClassified RifleM4A1-s from CS2 painted in a metallic purple with flowers and lotuses drawn on its sides.
Zeus x27 | OlympusClassified EquipmentThe Zeus x27 taser from CS2 with Zeus, the God of Olympus, drawn on the side. He is muscular and has no shirt and holds a lightning bolt in his extended hand.
USP-S | JawbreakerClassified PistolThe USP-S silenced pistol from CS2 painted in various colors with a massive crocodile with open jaws drawn on its side.
AWP | Chrome CannonCovert Sniper RifleThe AWP Chrome Cannon skin from CS2 which has a metallic paintjob that changes color based on its environment.
AK-47 | InheritanceCovert RifleThe AK-47 automatic rifle in CS2 painted in snow white with blue streaks all throughout. The magazine is also dark blue with a golden accent.
Kukri KnifeRare Special Item13 possible knives
All the skins in the CS2 Kilowatt case. Images via Valve

How to get cases in CS2

If you’re looking to go on a case-opening rampage in CS2, you should have everything ready in your inventory to avoid any downtime. There are two ways to get cases in CS2, and I recommend combining the two in the long run to reduce costs.

1) Play CS2 to get free case drops

Case drops reward CS2 players for their efforts in the game. Whenever you rank up for the first time in a week, you’ll get a free case drop in CS2. In addition to this guaranteed chest, CS2 players will also have a chance to get a case drop after each match played.

The case drops in CS2 are random, and the cases you’ll get from these drops will be on a rotation that changes when Valve adds a new chest to the game.

2) Buy CS2 cases from Steam Community Market

Buying CS2 cases is the fastest way to get them. The cases have ranging prices that depend on their contents, and you’ll also need to purchase their respective keys to open them inside the game.

Before buying a ton of CS2 cases, I recommend checking their contents to ensure that you want at least a few skins inside them.

Deciding on which cases to open may be a struggle because Valve has been creating CS2 skins and cases since CS:GO. To save you time, we came up with a list of the best CS2 cases to open both in terms of value and popularity in 2024.

Which CS2 case should you open based on odds?

Every time I purchase a CS2 case, I cross my fingers and hope to get a valuable skin to make a profit. The odds of this happening won’t be the same for all cases. If you’re looking to increase your profits from your case-opening adventures, you should prioritize opening the best CS2 cases with the highest return on investment rates.

The following calculations were made by Daniel Morris of esports.net.

Case nameCase costKey costAverage monetary return of one caseReturn on investment (ROI)
Gallery Case$1.07$2.49$4.02112.8 percent
CS:GO Weapon Case Two$11.50$2.49$11.2080.06 percent
CS:GO Weapon Case Three$6.55$2.49$777.43 percent
Kilowatt Case$0.93$2.49$2.4772.43 percent
Huntsman Weapon Case$8.10$2.49$7.4069.88 percent

How much money does Valve make from CS2 cases?

Valve reportedly raked in nearly a billion dollars from CS2 cases in 2023. Though Valve never shares its official figures, cases easily make CS2 one of the most lucrative online games and it’s unlikely to be dethroned anytime soon.

What are the chances of getting a knife in CS2?

Based on case odds from Valve in 2017, players have a 0.26 percent chance of getting a knife from CS2 cases. If you open 400 CS2 cases, you should at least get one knife or one glove.

build up those coffers

Collecting as many AK skins as possible is an excellent way to bolster the value of your inventory. I typically aim for cases featuring skins on AKs, AWPs, and either M4. This makes the Dreams & Nightmares Case one of my favorites.

Author
Image of Andrej Barovic
Andrej Barovic
Strategic Content Writer, English Major. Been in writing for 3 years. Focused mostly on the world of gaming as a whole, with particular interest in RPGs, MOBAs, FPS, and Grand Strategies. Favorite titles include Counter-Strike, The Witcher 3, Bloodborne, Sekrio, and Kenshi. Cormac McCarthy apologetic.