Pistol Guide: Sidearms in CS2

In the world of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), where every bullet can be the difference between victory and defeat, pistols are often the most overlooked weapons. They may be small, compact, and not as flashy as rifles or AWP shots, but sidearms play a crucial role in every match. Whether you’re starting a round with just your pistol or picking one up in the middle of a clutch, knowing how to wield it well can make or break your performance.

Sidearms in CS2 are more than just backup weapons. They’re your lifeline during pistol rounds, eco rounds, and force buys. With CS2’s enhanced physics and new gunplay mechanics, pistols behave more realistically than ever before. The accuracy, recoil, fire rate, and even animation timing now have a greater impact on how you play. This means there’s more room for skill expression—and more punishment for careless play.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pistols in CS2: from mastering their mechanics to knowing which one to pick in every situation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player looking to brush up your pistol skills, this comprehensive breakdown is for you.

Why Pistols Matter More Than You Think

Let’s get this straight—pistols aren’t just placeholders until you get a rifle. In fact, they’re often the weapons that turn the tides of games. Think about pistol rounds: they’re the first rounds of each half, setting the economy for the next 2–3 rounds. Winning a pistol round gives your team momentum, cash, and confidence. Lose it, and you’re on the back foot from the get-go.

But it doesn’t stop there. Pistols shine in eco rounds—those painful moments when you can’t afford rifles or SMGs. With a well-placed Deagle shot or a fast Tec-9 push, you can wipe out enemies with rifles while spending a fraction of the cost. That’s power right there.

There’s also the concept of force buys, where your team scrapes together what little money it has and hopes to make a big play. In these moments, pistols like the CZ75-Auto or Five-SeveN can be game changers thanks to their high burst damage and mobility.

And let’s not forget clutch moments. You’re the last one alive. Your primary’s out of ammo. You whip out your sidearm—it’s just you and your aim now. That 1v2 becomes winnable when you hit those crisp pistol headshots.

The point is this: pistols aren’t your “just-in-case” weapons. They’re part of your core arsenal. If you know how to use them right, they’re just as deadly as any rifle. Maybe even more so, because people tend to underestimate them—and you.

All Pistols in CS2 Explained

There are ten pistols in CS2, each with its own feel, damage output, recoil pattern, and best-use scenarios. Some are default, others cost a bit, and some are niche weapons that shine in very specific moments. Let’s break down each one.

Glock-18 – The Terrorist Default

The Glock-18 is your starting pistol when you’re on the T-side. It’s got a 20-round mag, low recoil, and a burst-fire mode. It’s not the deadliest pistol in the game, but it gets the job done—especially up close.

• Strengths: High magazine capacity, decent movement speed, accurate in burst fire mode.
• Weaknesses: Low armor penetration, low damage against helmets, struggles at range.
• Best Used For: Rush tactics in pistol rounds, close-quarter engagements, tapping heads in quick succession.

Many new players underestimate the Glock, but in the hands of someone with good movement and crosshair placement, it can be lethal. Aim for the head, strafe between shots, and remember—spamming works up close, but burst/tap firing is your friend at mid-range.

USP-S – The Silenced Precision

On the CT-side, your default pistol is either the USP-S or the P2000, and the USP-S is by far the more popular choice. Why? That silencer isn’t just for style—it gives you accuracy, lower recoil, and less visible fire.

• Strengths: Pinpoint accuracy, low recoil, almost silent, great at range.
• Weaknesses: Lower magazine size (12 rounds), slow recovery between shots.
• Best Used For: Long-range duels, holding passive angles, tapping heads in pistol rounds.

Pro tip: always go for the head. The USP-S rewards precision more than any other pistol. And the silence? It helps keep enemies guessing your position in chaotic fights.

P2000 – The Underrated CT Starter

While less flashy than the USP-S, the P2000 has its own merits. It’s more forgiving, thanks to its slightly higher magazine capacity and more consistent damage output across body shots.

• Strengths: Reliable body shot damage, larger mag than USP-S, slightly faster fire rate.
• Weaknesses: No silencer, slightly wider bullet spread.
• Best Used For: Mid-range fights, players who prefer spamming over tapping.

If you find yourself missing headshots with the USP-S or running out of bullets too soon, give the P2000 a try. It might just suit your playstyle better.

Dual Berettas – Style Meets Spray

Once considered a meme, Dual Berettas have clawed their way into the meta as a legit sidearm. With buffed damage and accuracy, they’re now a real threat in close quarters.

• Strengths: Huge mag size (30 rounds total), fast fire rate, decent movement speed.
• Weaknesses: Long reload time, poor long-range accuracy.
• Best Used For: Rushing tight choke points, close-range flanks, eco round surprise plays.

If you like running and gunning, these are for you. Just don’t whiff your shots—missing with Dualies drains your ammo fast, and the reload takes an eternity in gunfight time.

P250 – Affordable Power

The P250 is the king of cost-efficiency in CS2. Priced at just $300, it gives you decent armor penetration, good rate of fire, and solid accuracy—all wrapped into a budget-friendly package. It’s the go-to upgrade pistol for both sides in early rounds.

• Strengths: High damage per shot, good against armored opponents, cheap.
• Weaknesses: Moderate recoil, less effective in long-range fights.
• Best Used For: Anti-eco rounds, saving strats, filling the gap when money’s tight.

The P250 is ideal for eco or force-buy rounds where you need a pistol that can realistically win duels against rifles or SMGs. One-tap potential to the head with armor? Yes, please. It’s the pistol equivalent of “bang for your buck.”

CZ75-Auto – Risk and Reward

This pistol is like holding a mini SMG in your pocket. The CZ75-Auto comes with a fully automatic firing mode, meaning you can melt an enemy at close range before they even react. But it’s a double-edged sword.

• Strengths: High burst damage, fast time to kill, scary in close quarters.
• Weaknesses: Small magazine (12 rounds), high recoil, slow draw time.
• Best Used For: Ambushes, holding tight angles, surprise peeks.

The CZ isn’t for the faint of heart. It rewards fast reflexes and punishes missed shots. If you whiff, you’re pretty much dead. But if you catch someone off guard? Instant delete.

Five-SeveN – CT Force-Buy Hero

The Five-SeveN is the CT’s answer to reliable force-buy power. It has a big magazine, high armor penetration, and a very forgiving recoil pattern, making it one of the best sidearms for mid to close-range fights.

• Strengths: Great armor penetration, 20-round mag, accurate when spamming.
• Weaknesses: Weak at long range, slightly expensive.
• Best Used For: CT eco and force buys, mid-range holding, aggressive peeking.

What makes the Five-SeveN shine is its ability to take down multiple opponents with ease in close quarters. Hold a corner, wait for a rush, and unleash hell.

Tec-9 – Mobility and Burst

On the T-side, the Tec-9 serves the same niche as the Five-SeveN but with a different flavor. It’s all about mobility and aggression. Run and gun? You got it.

• Strengths: Excellent movement accuracy, high rate of fire, deadly up close.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistent at range, wide spread if not controlled.
• Best Used For: Entry frags during force buys, eco rushes, pistol round aggression.

Pair this with a flashbang and storm a site. It’s fast, it’s wild, and it’s lethal in the right hands. Just be ready for its unpredictable nature when spammed.

Desert Eagle – One-Tap Wonder

Ah, the Deagle. Iconic, powerful, and terrifying to hear across the map. This pistol can take out an armored opponent with a single headshot—and that’s what makes it such a fan favorite.

• Strengths: High damage (1-tap kill potential), great long-range accuracy when tapped.
• Weaknesses: Slow fire rate, punishing recoil, hard to master.
• Best Used For: Long-range duels, eco round hero plays, holding back angles.

The Deagle isn’t a spray-and-pray weapon. It demands patience, accuracy, and timing. But once you land that satisfying headshot? Pure dopamine. Just be prepared for the whiffs if your aim isn’t on point.

R8 Revolver – High Risk, High Reward

The R8 Revolver is a powerful but rarely used sidearm in CS2. With extremely high damage and armor penetration, it can kill with a single shot—but only if you can manage its slow trigger delay and awkward firing mechanics.

• Strengths: One-shot kill potential, high accuracy with primary fire, huge damage.
• Weaknesses: Long delay before firing, low ammo, slow movement speed.
• Best Used For: Holding tight angles, surprise picks, eco round gamble plays.

It’s a high-risk, high-reward pistol best suited for players who enjoy calculated timing and can handle the delayed shot. Use it sparingly and only in specific clutch or eco scenarios.

Best Pistols for Each Scenario

Let’s break it down by context. Not all pistols perform the same in every situation, so knowing what to pick and when is crucial.

Best for Pistol Rounds

• T-Side: Glock-18 + Utility (Flash or Smoke) for rushes. Upgrade to P250 if going for mid-range duels.
• CT-Side: USP-S for long-range maps (Mirage, Dust2). P2000 for maps with closer engagement distances.

The first round of each half sets the tone. Prioritize pistols that can win head-to-head duels while still allowing room for utility purchases.

Best for Eco Rounds

• Terrorists: P250 or Tec-9.
• Counter-Terrorists: Five-SeveN or Deagle.

You’re broke, but you want impact. The goal here is maximum value with minimum investment. Go for pistols that give you the ability to frag and recover a rifle, or at least trade effectively.

Best for Close-Quarter Combats

• CZ75-Auto
• Tec-9
• Dual Berettas

If you know the fight will happen around tight corners or cramped rooms (like apartments on Inferno or B site Mirage), these pistols dominate due to their fast firing rate and mobility.

Best for Long-Range Fights

• USP-S
• Deagle
• P2000

These pistols reward players with good aim and crosshair placement. Play smart, hold angles, and punish wide swings with precision taps.

Mastering Pistol Aim and Accuracy

No matter how much you know about each pistol, you won’t win fights unless your aim is sharp. Pistol mechanics in CS2 require a very different muscle memory than rifles.

Recoil Control and Spray Patterns

Every pistol has a unique recoil behavior. Some like the Deagle require you to wait between shots to maintain accuracy. Others like the CZ75-Auto reward close-range spraying. Understand how your crosshair behaves when firing multiple shots—and practice accordingly.

Tap Firing vs. Spamming

Spamming works with pistols like the Glock or Tec-9. But with the Deagle, USP-S, or Five-SeveN, tapping is king. Aim for the head, take your time, and land that one bullet that ends it all.

• Spamming: Use it when you’re in close quarters or mid-range with a high mag pistol.
• Tapping: Essential for pistols with high accuracy and recoil penalty on fast shots.

Movement and Shooting Mechanics

Pistols are lighter, so movement speed is higher. This allows for fast strafing and peek shots. But don’t fall into the trap of shooting while running. Accuracy tanks if you’re not standing or counter-strafing.

• Master counter-strafe shots (tap a direction key, release, then shoot).
• Use your mobility to surprise enemies by peeking off-angles or quick jiggles.
• Don’t stay stationary for too long—pistols are about quick engagements, not prolonged firefights.

Economy and Pistol Purchases

One of the most strategic aspects of CS2 is managing your economy, and pistols are a huge part of that equation. Understanding when to buy, when to save, and when to upgrade can change the course of a match.

When to Buy Pistols

Pistol buys are usually done during:

• Pistol rounds (1st and 16th rounds)
• Eco rounds (saving to buy in future rounds)
• Force buys (when your team has just enough money to buy pistols and armor)
• Clutch or last-man situations (picking up a pistol for a backup)

In these scenarios, choosing the right sidearm can be the difference between a successful round and a throwaway.

For example:

• P250 is a great $300 pick in eco rounds.
• Deagle can completely flip a round if you’re confident in your aim.
• Five-SeveN and Tec-9 are great when you expect close-quarters brawls.
• CZ75 should only be bought if you’re confident with its high-risk nature.

Pistol Upgrades vs. Full Buys

Upgrading to a pistol in eco rounds can give you a chance to recover a rifle or force the enemy to rebuy. But it’s essential to balance spending with future planning. If you’re on an eco but planning a full buy next round, don’t waste too much money on pistols or armor unless it’s a coordinated force buy.

• If you’re going full buy next round: Buy a P250, maybe a flash.
• If your team is force buying: Opt for a Five-SeveN, Tec-9, or Deagle and armor.

The idea is to maintain pressure without compromising your future economy. One pistol round win during an eco can break the enemy’s momentum and reset their economy, which is massive.

Cost-Efficiency Breakdown

Pistol	Cost	Armor Penetration	Use Case
Glock-18	Free	Low	Default T pistol
USP-S	Free	High	Default CT pistol
P2000	Free	High	Alternative to USP-S
Dual Berettas	$300	Medium	Close-range spam
P250	$300	Good	Eco/force rounds
CZ75-Auto	$500	High	Aggressive short-range
Five-SeveN	$500	High	CT force buys
Tec-9	$500	High	T-side aggression
Deagle	$700	Very High	One-shot kills, long range
R8 Revolver	$600	Very High	Niche clutch tool

Being smart with your pistol economy isn’t just about frags—it’s about giving your team the best shot at winning in both the short and long term.

Tips from CS2 Pros on Pistol Play

Professional players know that pistol rounds can dictate the tempo of a match. Over the years, they’ve developed specific techniques and strategies that give them the edge when they’re wielding sidearms.

Pro Settings and Loadouts

Most pros stick with:

• USP-S on CT (for better silenced tapping)
• P250 or Tec-9/Five-SeveN on eco buys
• Deagle on maps with long-range potential (Dust2, Mirage)

They also optimize their settings for better pistol play:

• Low sensitivity: for precise crosshair placement
• Simple crosshairs: to clearly line up headshots
• High FPS settings: to minimize input lag and maximize consistency

Some even bind specific keys for quick-switching between pistol and knife to save milliseconds in fast encounters.

Game Sense and Pistol Positioning

With pistols, positioning is everything. You’re usually at a disadvantage compared to rifles—so smart plays and surprise angles become your best friends.

Pro tips for better pistol play:

• Hold off-angles: Avoid standard pre-aim spots to catch enemies off guard.
• Stack sites: On eco rounds, stack teammates on one site with pistols for a surprise ambush.
• Play close corners: Pistols excel at short-range—make enemies come to you.
• Trade efficiently: Don’t peek alone. Even with pistols, 2v1 fights almost always favor the team with numbers.

Pros often win pistol rounds not because of raw aim (though they have that too), but because of smart positioning, timing, and team coordination.

Practicing and Improving Pistol Skills

Getting better with pistols isn’t just about aim. It’s about movement, awareness, and muscle memory. Fortunately, CS2 gives you all the tools to sharpen your skills.

Aim Training Maps and Routines

Use aim training maps from the Steam Workshop like:

• Aim Botz – Training
• Fast Aim/Reflex Training
• Yprac Pistol Arena

Set up routines where you:

1. Hit 100 headshots with Deagle.
2. Practice burst control with Glock and Tec-9.
3. Practice 1-taps at different distances with USP-S or P250.

Do these every day for 20–30 minutes and you’ll see improvements fast.

Deathmatch vs. Aim Bots Practice

Both have their place:

• Aim bots help you fine-tune your accuracy without pressure.
• Deathmatch gives you real-time reaction and muscle memory training.

Try “Pistol Only” Deathmatch servers for live-fire practice with actual human movement. Focus on tapping and bursting, not just spraying.

Also, simulate game-like situations: low health, limited ammo, close quarters. The more you practice like it’s a real match, the more effective your pistol skills become.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned players mess up with pistols. Here are the most common mistakes that can cost you rounds.

Over-Peeking with Pistols

You’ve got the speed and confidence—but remember, you’re up against rifles or scoped weapons. Don’t overpeek angles expecting to win every duel. Play smart.

• Avoid wide swings unless flashing.
• Peek with intention, not panic.
• Don’t go solo when trading is possible.

Overconfidence is the fastest way to get picked off.

Wasting Ammo and Missing Shots

Most pistols don’t have huge mags, and many players spam too early or too often. With weapons like the Deagle, USP-S, or CZ75, missing your first shots usually means death.

• Learn your pistol’s fire rate.
• Don’t reload in the open—many pistols take longer than you think.
• Reset your aim between shots instead of rushing it.

Keep your cool. A calm player with a pistol can out-duel a panicked player with a rifle any day.

Pistol Meta in CS2 vs CS:GO

With the release of CS2, many weapon mechanics were overhauled—including pistols. While the core gameplay remains similar, subtle changes in recoil, movement, and hit registration have altered the way pistols perform in the new game.

Changes in Gun Mechanics

• Improved Tick Rate Simulation: CS2 uses sub-tick updates, which means shots register more precisely. For pistols, this makes quick-taps and burst fire more consistent than in CS:GO.
• Enhanced Recoil Behavior: Pistols now have more predictable recoil, especially the USP-S, Deagle, and Tec-9. This makes mastering their patterns more rewarding.
• Movement and Peeking Feel Different: Strafing with pistols feels snappier, which benefits tap shooters. However, spraying on the move (especially with Tec-9 or CZ75) is slightly less forgiving.
• R8 Revolver Got Revisited: While still niche, its draw time and accuracy have slightly improved, making it a tiny bit more viable.

The meta shifted toward accuracy-focused pistols like the USP-S and Deagle. Auto pistols (CZ, Dualies) are used more cautiously. The game now rewards deliberate, controlled pistol play more than chaotic spamming.

Which Pistols Gained or Lost Value

• Gained:
  • USP-S: With better hit registration, tap shots are more rewarding.
  • Deagle: The one-shot kill potential is more reliable in CS2.
  • P250: Budget pistol buyers love its improved feel.
• Lost:
  • CZ75-Auto: Slight draw delay and tighter spread made it harder to use.
  • R8 Revolver: Still gimmicky; improved, but not meta.
  • Dual Berettas: Still viable but outclassed in most tactical situations.

Knowing these shifts helps players adapt. If you were a CS:GO CZ main, CS2 may require you to lean into more precise pistol play styles.

Customizing Pistols: Skins and More

Let’s not pretend like cosmetics don’t matter. Skins don’t affect gameplay, but there’s something about one-tapping with a shiny Deagle that just feels… better. Pistol skins have always had a huge presence in the CS community.

Best Looking Skins for Each Pistol

Here’s a quick list of fan-favorite skins:

Pistol	Popular Skins
Glock-18	Fade, Water Elemental, Moonrise
USP-S	Kill Confirmed, Printstream, Cortex
P2000	Fire Elemental, Imperial Dragon
Dual Berettas	Twin Turbos, Dualing Dragons
P250	See Ya Later, Asiimov
CZ75-Auto	Xiangliu, The Fuschia Is Now
Five-SeveN	Monkey Business, Hyper Beast
Tec-9	Fuel Injector, Avalanche
Deagle	Blaze, Printstream, Crimson Web
R8 Revolver	Fade, Bone Forged

Some players even choose pistols based on their skins. It’s silly—but we’ve all done it. If you feel good about your loadout, you play with confidence.

Do Skins Affect Performance?

Nope. Purely cosmetic. But here’s the thing: psychology matters. If using a $500 Deagle skin gives you a boost of confidence and helps you play better, that’s a real benefit—even if it’s just in your head.

Also, customizing your pistols and loadouts makes the game feel more personal. And CS2 is a game of confidence. Whether it’s aim or appearance, own it.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Pistol Master

Mastering pistols in CS2 isn’t just about stats—it’s about mentality, muscle memory, and smart decision-making. These sidearms aren’t side shows. They are tools of momentum, economy, and raw skill.

Want to win more matches? Focus on:

• Practicing pistol aim daily.
• Learning recoil and tapping mechanics.
• Understanding when and what to buy.
• Mastering positioning and movement.
• Watching how pros play their pistol rounds.

Pistols in CS2 are now more rewarding than ever. Whether you’re tapping with the USP-S or doming with a Deagle, make every shot count. Practice smart, peek smart, and play smart—and you’ll find yourself winning rounds that seemed unwinnable.

Conclusion

CS2 brings a fresh layer of depth to pistol gameplay. With refined mechanics, enhanced gun physics, and updated economy dynamics, sidearms are no longer just secondary weapons—they’re tactical assets. Knowing when to buy, how to aim, and what pistol suits each situation can turn you into a force to be reckoned with.

The beauty of pistol play lies in its simplicity and difficulty. It’s just you, a small firearm, and your aim. No scopes. No spray transfer. Just clean, raw mechanical skill and game sense. And when you land that perfect one-tap or outmaneuver a rifle with a well-placed Tec-9 shot, the satisfaction is unmatched.

So, load up your favorite pistol, hit those headshots, and let your sidearm speak louder than any rifle.

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