In Counter-Strike 2, pistols might be the cheapest weapons you can buy, but they’re also some of the most exciting and skill-testing tools in the game. A perfectly timed Desert Eagle headshot or a sneaky USP-S pick can completely swing a round in your favor — and at a fraction of the price of rifles.
Whether you’re playing a pistol round, saving for a full buy, or looking to surprise your opponent, understanding how each handgun works is essential for making smart buy decisions. In this guide, we’ll break down every pistol in CS2, their prices, damage, and overall impact, along with some history and tips on when to use them.
💰 CS2 Pistols at a Glance
| Pistol | Price | Headshot Damage | Armor Penetration | Mag Size | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USP-S | $200 | 140 | 50.5% | 12 | Low |
| Glock-18 | $200 | 119 | 47% | 20 | Low |
| P2000 | $200 | 140 | 50.5% | 13 | Low |
| P250 | $300 | 151 | 64% | 13 | Medium |
| Five-SeveN | $500 | 126 | 91.5% | 20 | High |
| CZ75-Auto | $500 | 123 | 77.7% | 12 | Medium |
| Tec-9 | $500 | 130 | 90.2% | 18 | Medium |
| Dual Berettas | $400 | 150 | 57.5% | 30 | Medium |
| Desert Eagle | $700 | 205 | 93.2% | 7 | High |
🕹 The Role of Pistols in CS2
Pistols play different roles depending on the game situation:
- Pistol Rounds — The first round of each half, where both teams start with $800, is often decided by who can make the most of their pistols. Accuracy and positioning are key here.
- Eco Rounds — When your team is saving money for a future full buy, pistols become your main hope for an upset. High damage pistols like the Desert Eagle or armor-piercing options like the Five-SeveN can give you a fighting chance against rifles.
- Force Buys — Sometimes, after losing a round, teams decide to spend their remaining money on pistols, armor, and utility. In these situations, choosing the right pistol can win critical rounds.
- Sidearms for Snipers — AWP players often rely on pistols when close fights break out. The Desert Eagle and CZ75-Auto are especially popular here for their stopping power and fast kill potential.
🔍 When to Use Each Pistol
USP-S & P2000 (CT Defaults)
- Great for long-range duels thanks to their accuracy.
- The USP-S silencer hides tracers, making it harder for enemies to pinpoint your location.
- Best used in pistol rounds or when you’re on a budget and need reliable precision.
Glock-18 (T Default)
- Burst-fire mode is strong in very close range.
- Works best when rushing sites with teammates.
- Low damage vs. armor, so avoid taking long-range fights unless necessary.
P250
- Best cheap upgrade when you need more punch than your default pistol.
- Good balance between cost and armor penetration.
Five-SeveN (CT) / Tec-9 (T)
- Known for high armor penetration, making them deadly against opponents with Kevlar + helmet.
- Five-SeveN is great for holding close angles.
- Tec-9 excels in aggressive rushes and close fights.
CZ75-Auto
- Perfect for surprise kills up close.
- Automatic fire makes it deadly in short bursts, but the small magazine means you must hit your shots.
Dual Berettas
- High ammo capacity allows for more forgiving sprays.
- Good for holding choke points but slower reload can get you punished.
Desert Eagle
- Iconic for its one-shot headshot potential, even through helmets.
- Requires precise aim — rewarding for skilled players, punishing for missed shots.
📈 Impact Level Explained
In this guide, we’ve given each pistol an Impact Level (Low, Medium, High) based on:
- Damage output
- Armor penetration
- Versatility in multiple situations
- Cost-effectiveness
For example:
- High Impact → Desert Eagle, Five-SeveN (game-changers in the right hands)
- Medium Impact → P250, Tec-9 (strong but situational)
- Low Impact → USP-S, Glock (reliable but not as deadly vs. armor)
🏆 Pro Insights
Looking at recent pro matches:
- The Desert Eagle remains the most common pistol purchase in half-buy situations.
- Five-SeveN and Tec-9 are go-to choices in force buys because of their ability to break through armor.
- Some pros even prefer Dual Berettas on pistol rounds for their high magazine size when rushing.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Pistols are the foundation of CS2’s economy and strategy. Learning how to make the most out of them not only saves money but can also create highlight-reel moments. Whether you’re holding your ground with a Five-SeveN, popping heads with a Deagle, or spamming bursts with the Glock, mastering pistols will make you a more complete player.
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