CS2 Pistols
Pistols determine the first two rounds of every half and play a critical role in eco rounds throughout the game. Mastering pistol mechanics — particularly the Desert Eagle's one-shot headshot and the starting pistol dynamics — can swing entire matches. A strong pistol round win gives your team a 3-round economic advantage.
Glock-18
TDefault T-side pistol. 20-round magazine with burst-fire mode. Weak against armor but effective in pistol rounds with volume of fire.
USP-S
CTDefault CT-side silenced pistol. Very accurate first shot, excellent for headshots. Only 12 rounds so make every shot count.
P2000
CTAlternative CT-side starting pistol. One more round than USP-S and more reserve ammo, but no silencer and slightly less range accuracy.
P250
BothCheap upgrade over starting pistols with better armor penetration. Reliable eco-round sidearm that can one-tap at close range.
Five-SeveN
CTCT-side pistol with excellent armor penetration and 20-round magazine. Strong eco-round choice that can one-tap at close range.
Tec-9
TT-side pistol with great armor penetration and running accuracy. Popular eco-round choice for aggressive T-side plays.
CZ75-Auto
BothFully automatic pistol. Very fast time-to-kill at close range but tiny magazine and only 12 reserve rounds. Only $100 kill reward.
Desert Eagle
BothThe most powerful pistol in CS2. One-shot headshot at any range through helmets. High risk, high reward — only 7 rounds per magazine.
Dual Berettas
BothDual-wielded pistols with 30-round combined capacity. Low armor pen but high volume of fire. Fun but rarely optimal.
R8 Revolver
BothHigh-damage revolver with a trigger delay. Primary fire has a windup before shooting. Secondary fire is inaccurate but instant. Niche weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which starting pistol is better — Glock or USP-S?
- The USP-S has better first-shot accuracy and deals more damage per bullet, making it superior in 1v1 pistol duels. The Glock-18 has 20 rounds and burst-fire, making it better for rushing and close-range spam. Most pros slightly favor USP-S/P2000 for CT-side.
- Is the Desert Eagle worth $700 on eco rounds?
- Absolutely — the Deagle is one of the most impactful eco purchases. Its one-shot headshot at any range means you can eliminate a fully-equipped rifler with a single click. The risk is that it requires precise aim and only holds 7 rounds.
- P250 vs CZ75-Auto — which is better for eco?
- The P250 ($300) offers controlled tapping with one-shot headshot potential at close range. The CZ75-Auto ($500) is automatic but has 12 rounds total and a long draw time. P250 is safer and cheaper; CZ75 is higher risk/reward for close ambushes.
- Should I buy a pistol on pistol round?
- It depends. CT-side, many players keep the USP-S and buy Kevlar ($650) instead. T-side, buying a P250 or Tec-9 can help against armored CTs. The most common pistol-round buy is Kevlar + no pistol upgrade for CTs, or Kevlar + Tec-9/P250 for Ts.