Counter-Strike

Best CS2 weapon loadouts for CT & T sides

Nikhil Bahuguna
CT and T characters holding guns in the reveal poster for CS2Valve

Along with the several additions, a new feature in CS2 lets you preset your weapon loadouts for both the CT and T sides. Whether you want the M4A4 and M4A1-S together or keep the guns you’re most comfortable with, here are the best loadouts in CS2 for Terrorists as well as Counter-Terrorists.

CS2‘s full release made the game accessible for everyone, with Valve completely upgrading CS:GO. While some issues are present in the latest title, its release has significantly shot up the active player count on Steam.

However, if you’re more concerned about winning your matches, equipping the best weapons for your CT and T-side loadouts is important. With that in mind, we’ve prepared a list of weapons you should carry on each side for your CS2 matches.

Loadout menu in Counter-Strike 2 with CT loadout open.Valve
Previous titles for the Counter-Strike franchise didn’t have a loadout feature.

What is a weapon loadout in CS2?

Weapon loadouts in CS2 allow players to carry any 5 pistols, 5 Mid-Tier guns, and 5 Rifles into their matches. These 15 weapons will then be available for purchase on the buy menu during the starting phase of each round.

However, you should know that the CT and T-side loadouts are different, with CT-side loadouts finally letting players carry both the M4A4 and M4A1-S into their matches.

With that said, let’s break down the loadouts for the three categories of weapons: Pistols, Mid-Tier, and Rifles, for both the Counter-Terrorist and Terrorist sides in CS2.

Best CS2 Pistol loadout

CT Side

The best pistol loadout for the CT-side in CS2 consists of the following guns: USP-S (Starting Pistol), Dual Berretas, P250, Five-SeveN, and Desert Eagle.

The default or the starting pistol should be USP-S as it allows players to suppress their shots, ideal for flanks and shooting through smokes. While the P250 and Five-SeveN are good upgrades especially for eco rounds, providing more damage and range than the default option, the Dual Berretas can finish off multiple nearby enemies quickly.

Finally, the Desert Eagle, more popular known as the Deagle, in CS2 is similar to the one in the previous game. You can finish off opponents with one shot to their heads at close to long ranges, potentially changing the course of the round.

T Side

The best pistol loadout for the T-side in CS2 consists of the following guns: Glock (Starting Pistol), Dual Berretas, P250, Tec-9, and Desert Eagle.

When compared to the CT-side loadout, there are only two weapons that are different. The default option for the T-side is the Glock, which has a lower damage range when compared to the USP-S. However, it has a faster fire rate, a burst switch, and more bullets.

The Tec-9 is a semi-automatic pistol, similar to the Five-SeveN for CTs, and maintains good accuracy even while moving.

A terrorist in CS2 shooting his AK-47Valve
CS2 brings a ton of changes to the franchise.

Best CS2 Mid-Tier loadout

CT Side

The best Mid-Tier weapons loadout for the CT-side in CS2 should include the following: MP9, UMP-45, XM1014, P90, and Negev.

SMGs like the MP9, UMP-45, and P90 can be lethal and accurate in close to medium ranges, with players controlling the guns’ recoil. These weapons are not as expensive as the Rifles and can be used to force buy during crucial rounds.

While the XM1014 Shotgun can finish off up-close opponents in a couple of shots, the Negev can lock down chokepoints with its rapid fire rate and accuracy (after the first few rounds).

T Side

The best Mid-Tier weapons loadout for the T-side in CS2 should include the following: Mac-10, UMP-45, XM1014, P90, and Negev.

There’s only one change in this loadout when compared to its CT counterpart. The Mac-10 is similar to the MP9, however, this SMG offers better accuracy while running, making it an ideal pick for rushing the bomb sites.

Keep in mind that how you position yourself on the map is key while using Mid-Tier weapons in CS2.

A Terrorist character holding an AK-47 in the T spawn on the Nuke mapValve
Source 2 game engine upgrade in CS2 has visually improved every aspect of the game.

Best CS2 Rifle loadout

CT Side

The best Rifle loadout for the CT-side in CS2 can be built by using the following weapons: SSG 08 (Scout), M4A4, M4A1-S, AUG, and AWP.

With the introduction of the loadouts feature in CS2, players finally have the option to choose from the M4A4 and M4A1-S during a match. While both the guns are identical in damage and range, you can pick the M4A1-S for sneaky plays and to avoid leaving bullet tracers while spamming through smokes.

Additionally, the Scout is a handy pick during save rounds, enabling players to deal heavy damage from long ranges. Then, we have the AUG that’ll help you be precise at long ranges with its scope feature.

When it comes to the AWP, this Sniper Rifle can lock down sites and finish off enemies with a single shot to their body, making it a must-pick.

T Side

The best Rifle loadout for the T-side in CS2 can be made by using the following weapons: SSG 08 (Scout), Galil, AK-47, SG 553, and AWP

When compared to the CT-side, there are three changes in the T-side’s loadout for the Rifles. Unlike the M4A4 and M4A1-S, the AK-47 lets player kill with one shot to their opponents’ heads. It’s one of the most recognizable weapons in the Counter-Strike franchise as well.

Next, we have the Galil, which is a cheap and weaker alternative to the AK-47. You can purchase this weapon when you’re low on money but need to force buy with the team.

Finally, the SG 553 is the Terrorist’s version of the AUG in CS2. However, you can kill with a single headshot with this weapon, unlike its CT counterpart.

How to change loadout in CS2

To change your loadout for the CT-side or T-side in CS2, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Counter-Strike 2.
  2. Click on the ‘Loadout‘ tab on the home screen.
  3. You will see three columns, each with 5 boxes, for Pistols, Mid-Tier, and Rifles.
  4. If you wish to change any weapon, click on its box.
  5. You’ll see the weapon options available for that category at the bottom of the screen.
  6. Drag the weapon, you wish to equip in your loadout, to the box you clicked before.

So there you have it! That’s all you need to know about the loadouts in CS2. For more on CS2, be sure to check out the following:

How to convert Valorant to CS2 mouse sensitivity | Best CS:GO & CS2 crosshair codes used by pros | Is Counter-Strike 2 on macOS or Linux? | How to show FPS in Counter-Strike 2: Enable & disable commands | Best Counter-Strike 2 PC settings: High FPS, resolution, and more | How to change FOV in CS2 | Can you play CS2 on console? Is there a PlayStation & Xbox version? | Best NVIDIA Reflex settings for CS2

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