Since the release of Counter-Strike 2, the game's goal has continually evolved, but by 2024, it has largely stabilized. In this article, we'll explain what the weapon meta is, the current CS2 meta for 2024, and which weapons are the strongest and most powerful right now.

In Counter-Strike 2, choosing the right weapon is crucial and heavily depends on the specific circumstances of the game. It's not always easy for beginners to understand which weapon is effective in a given situation. To make this easier, we've developed the CS2 Best Weapons List. It will help you determine the most suitable arsenal for your gameplay.

Weapon class distribution

In CS2, we've categorized weapons into five different levels, considering their performance in the current game conditions. Here's how they look:

• S-Tier: These weapons have the best characteristics. They are powerful and valued for their unique qualities.
• A-Tier: This level's weapons are also versatile and effective but slightly inferior to S-Tier weapons in some aspects.
• B-Tier: B-Tier weapons are not as powerful as S and A-Tiers, but they can still be a good choice.
• C-Tier: Average-quality weapons fall into this category. They can be effective in certain situations with the right strategy.
• D-Tier: This level's weapons are the weakest, with low damage levels and limited unique features.

S-Tier Weapons 

• M4A1-S
• M4A4 
• AWP
• AK-47
• AUG

The difference between the M4A4 and M4A1-S rifles is not significant, but the M4A4 has 10 more rounds than its silenced counterpart. If you plan to take close positions, opt for the M4A4 as it has a higher rate of fire compared to the M4A1-S. However, for long-distance engagements, the M4A1-S is more convenient to use.

The AUG should be chosen for super long-range battles, as it has a scope. It's also very effective at close range, capable of killing a helmeted opponent with a single headshot. Your choice largely depends on your playstyle. With the AUG, you can't play fast due to its slower rate of fire.

A-Tier Weapons

• SG553
• TEC-9
• Galil
• SCAR-20 
• Desert Eagle
• FAMAS
• XM1014 
• MAC-10
• MP9

B-Tier Weapons

• Glock-18
• MP7
• MP5-SD
• P250
• USP-S
• MAG-7
• P90 
• G3SG1

C-Tier Weapons

• CZ75
• Negev
• SSG-08
• Five-SeveN
• P2000
• UMP-45
• Nova

D-Tier Weapons

• Sawed-Off
• PP-Bizon
• R8 Revolver
• Dual Berettas
• M249

CS2 Weapon Meta in 2024

It's important to note that different types of weapons suit different tasks, playstyles, and round economies. 

In a full-buy round, using S-Tier weapons is the most logical choice. It's advisable to also purchase pistols as a backup. This is for situations where you run out of ammo in your primary weapon, allowing you to quickly switch to the pistol and finish off your opponent.

In most cases, the Desert Eagle is the best choice, but only if you're confident in your shooting ability and can land your shots consistently. If the Desert Eagle isn't quite your style yet, consider other pistols like the Five-SeveN for defence or the TEC-9 for offence.

Therefore, your full buy setup should look like this:

• M4A1-S + Five-SeveN + armour + grenades
• M4A4 + Five-SeveN + armour + grenades
• AWP + Desert Eagle + armour + grenades
• AK-47 + Tec9 + armour + grenades

What about eco or force-buy rounds?

In an eco round, you can stick with the default pistols Glock-18 or USP-S, saving all funds for the next round. Or you could choose the inexpensive P-250, which costs just $300, significantly increasing your chances of killing an opponent, taking their drop, and saving it for the next round, or even winning the eco round.

But what about force-buy rounds? There are countless purchase options in a semi-eco round. The most popular, of course, is the Desert Eagle and armour.

However, this is not the best use of a limited budget for the round. For a fast-paced round, something like the MAC-10 for terrorists or MP9 for defenders is advisable. 

With these weapons, you move quickly and can take down your opponents like a breeze. Remember to jump, as it's harder to hit you mid-air, and the spread with these submachine guns doesn't change much

Don't forget about grenades and a bulletproof vest with a helmet, which can save your life in this round.

Another option for force-buy rounds is playing with shotguns. In CS2, shotguns are simply incredible. By jumping out from behind a corner or leaping at your opponent with a shotgun, you leave them no chance. The best shotguns for such rounds are the XM1014 and MAG-7, but also remember to bring grenades and a vest with a helmet. 

Don't forget about the peeker's advantage in CS2, which has a significant impact on the game. When you rush at your opponent, they have almost no chance of killing you, especially if you're close to a sniper. So, in rounds with submachine guns or shotguns, keep moving and don't stop.

Let your presence be known across half the map, but the number of kills you can rack up is incomparable. 

Conclusion 

The meta in CS2 hasn't changed much compared to CS:GO; players continue to run with the AK-47 and M4A1-S/M4A4. However, the AUG has become significantly stronger in the new version of the game, so give it a closer look. 

But what really became meta weapons are the shotguns. With them, you can simply dominate at close and medium ranges. Land at least 2 shots, and your opponent is down. 

It's safe to say that Valve won't be c hanging anything about the weapons until the first major Counter-Strike 2 tournament, which starts in January of this year. However, after that, they will likely adjust the game's economy and do something about the shotguns. Because right now, they are incredibly imbalanced.