Most new players lose CS2 rounds before they start, by buying at the wrong time. Here is how the economy works.
How you earn money
You earn money for winning rounds, for kills (the amount depends on the weapon) and, as a Terrorist, for planting the bomb. Losing rounds pays a loss bonus that grows with each loss in a row, so a team that keeps losing still builds up cash.
The three kinds of buy
- Full buy: rifles (AK-47 $2,700, M4A1-S $2,900, M4A4 $3,100), armour with a helmet and grenades.
- Eco (save): buy little or nothing so you can full-buy next round.
- Force buy: spend everything on cheaper guns when saving would not leave you a full buy anyway, or when one round decides the game.
Simple rules
- Buy as a team. Three rifles and two pistols lose to five rifles.
- After losing the pistol round, eco the second round so you can full-buy the third.
- Do not force buy unless the team agrees.
- Drop weapons for teammates who are short on money.
Do not forget utility
A smoke grenade and a flashbang often win more rounds than a better gun. Budget for them in every full buy.