You can unlock the best skins in CS2 with keys

Some CS players would argue that skins, cases, and keys are important in obtaining a certain level of status within Counter-Strike CS2. Let's be honest, it gives street cred.

Keys open the cases that contain the weapon skins, knives and gloves, so they play an essential role in the skin economy of the game.

We have already featured a few articles about skins and discussed that they are only cosmetic additions.

Knives are some of the most sought-after skins in CS2.

So they will not influence the game or your performance directly; the weapons don’t shoot faster or get more accurate, you don’t run faster just because of a certain skin, etc.

But because of their aesthetic value, many players want to get a certain skin badly, so they have a few choices to make. In this article, we will go into detail about everything surrounding keys, and how they can help you get the skin, you are looking for.

What are keys used for in Counter Strike 2?

In CS2, keys are needed to open cases. Cases are special containers that can be acquired by playing the game (through weekly activity drops) or trading in the in-game store (one of the most common methods).

These cases contain a variety of skins for different weapons that can be found more regularly or are very rare. However, you can’t just open those cases; a key is needed to unlock them and reveal their contents.

The item you receive is determined by a random process where you depend exclusively on luck. The rarer the skin, the more valuable it is!

When you use a key to open a case in CS2, you get one of the specific designs from the collection of the container you are opening.

The rarity of the skin contained in the case determines its value and attractiveness. Some designs can be worth a lot of money, so they are sought after by gamers, collectors, and all those who love skins. Using keys to open cases, you can acquire these valuable skins and display them in your inventory or sell them to other players.

As we already mentioned, skins are purely cosmetic objects that only help players have "status" or make them feel better in the game.

What are the most straightforward methods to acquire keys?

Now, you might wonder how to get a key to open a case in CS2 and what the easiest way is to acquire them.

You should always simply use the option to buy the key In-Game, simply click the case, and then there is a green button stating the price of the key if you don’t already have the according key in your inventory.

This is the most economical and easiest way to get a key to open a case.

Why keys turned into collector’s items

You might wonder why we have put the part about using the In-Game option in bold, let us explain:

Before 2019 CSGO keys were tradable between players, which caused people to use them as exchange for real world currency, scamming and fraudulent behaviour, this damaged the integrity of Valve’s pricing and also had real-world effects.

Valve did not want those effects to get out of hand and stopped new keys from being tradeable between players. But there were still old keys that remained tradable, and those turned into collector’s items.

If you are interested in getting into key trading and collecting, which is akin to speculation trading on a stock market, we will tell you some of the easiest methods to obtain those “old” keys in CS2 right here!

• Buying from the community market: The most direct and easiest way to acquire old collector keys in CS2 is by buying them from the Steam marketplace store.
  
  Keys can be purchased with real money in the Steam marketplace, and the price varies depending on the sellers and the kind of case they open. Once purchased, the keys will be added to your inventory, however you should NOT use them to open cases because they are, as we said before purely collector’s items and it is way cheaper to open cases with a key that you buy directly from the case’s menu.

• Trade with other players: Another method of acquiring old keys is to trade with other players. CS2 has a highly active trading community; players can trade keys for various skins, stickers, or other keys. You can use external trading platforms, such as Steam Community Market or third-party websites dedicated to CS2 trading, to find potential traders and negotiate a fair trade, watch out for scammers though, as there are many malicious people around in the internet!
  

Tips for buying and selling collector keys in CS2

• Research prices: Before buying keys, it is essential to research market prices to ensure a fair deal. Check the Steam Community Marketplace or other trading platforms for current key prices. Also, consider that several factors, such as supply and demand, rarity, and market fluctuations, can influence prices. We have already made the comparison to the stock market.
• Look for reputable sellers: When buying keys from other players, it is crucial to ensure you do business with reputable sellers to avoid scams or fraudulent transactions. Check the seller's reputation, read reviews, and consider using trusted trading platforms that offer buyer protection.
• Use trading communities: Join CS2-related communities, forums, or social networking groups to connect with potential buyers or sellers.

Remember, keys you buy from outside the “open case” menu are meant to be kept in your inventory as an investment product and not used to open cases!

Start using keys to get the best items today

If you understand the role of keys in CS2, know how to acquire them easily, and know how to buy and sell keys efficiently, you can unlock the game's best skins and cosmetic items and maybe speculate on the old key prices.

Whether you open crates, trade with other players, or participate in tournaments, keys offer a way to obtain coveted skins that can enhance your in-game experience.

Remember to stay informed of market prices, research before purchasing, and be careful when trading with other players. Proper planning and strategy allow you to make the most of your keys and successfully navigate the CS2 trading landscape.