CS2 Weapons for Beginners: Best Guns to Win
MikeIf you’re new to Counter-Strike 2, choosing the right weapon can feel overwhelming. There are pistols, SMGs, rifles, and shotguns, each with different recoil, damage, and price tags.
The good news is that you don’t need to learn every gun to get better.
This guide focuses on CS2 weapons that are beginner-friendly, easy to control, and effective in real matches. Whether you’re coming from Valorant, returning from CS:GO, or playing Counter-Strike for the first time, this guide will help you build confidence fast.
If you’re completely new, you may also want to start with our full CS2 Beginner Guide.
How to Choose a Good Gun as a Beginner
Before we jump into specific weapons, here’s what actually matters when you’re starting out.
Beginner-Friendly Weapon Traits
A good gun for beginners usually has:
- Low or predictable recoil
- Forgiving spray patterns
- Decent accuracy while tapping or bursting
- Affordable price
You don’t need the “best” gun on paper—you need the one that helps you hit shots consistently.
Best Pistols for Beginners in CS2
Pistols matter more than you think. You’ll use them in pistol rounds, eco rounds, and clutch situations.
USP-S / Glock-18 (Starting Pistols)
- Free
- Accurate while standing still
- Teaches crosshair placement
Take your time with shots and avoid spamming. These pistols reward patience.
If you want to customize your loadout, see how to change starting pistol in CS2.
P250 – The Budget Hero
| Feature | Why It Helps |
| Price | Very cheap |
| Damage | High for a pistol |
| Control | Easy recoil |
The P250 is one of the cs2 best weapons for low-money rounds and remains deadly at close range.
Five-SeveN / Tec-9 (Situational Picks)
- High fire rate
- Strong in close fights
- Risky if you panic spray
Use these once you’re more comfortable with movement and positioning.
Best SMGs for Beginners
SMGs are perfect for learning movement, aggression, and economy control.
MP9 (CT) / MAC-10 (T)
These classic csgo best guns remain incredibly strong in CS2.
Why beginners love them:
- Very cheap
- Run-and-gun friendly
- Huge value against eco rounds
They’re excellent tools for learning when to push and when to fall back.
MP7 – The Safe SMG Choice
- Better accuracy
- Easier spray control
- More reliable at medium range
If you want an SMG that feels more controlled, the MP7 is a great option.
Best Rifles for Beginners in CS2
Rifles win games. You don’t need to master all of them—just the right ones.
M4A1-S – Best CT Rifle for Beginners
The M4A1-S is widely considered the best gun for beginners on CT side.
Why it works so well:
- Lower recoil than M4A4
- Silencer reduces visual noise
- Excellent for tapping
If you struggle with sprays, this rifle makes learning much easier.
You can read a full breakdown in M4A4 vs M4A1-S.
AK-47 – High Reward, Learn Slowly
The AK-47 is harder to use but unmatched in power.
Beginner approach:
- Focus on tapping
- Avoid long sprays
- Learn recoil later
Once mastered, it becomes the strongest of all cs2 guns.
For practice help, see the AK spray pattern guide.
Galil AR & FAMAS – Budget Rifles That Work
| Weapon | Best For |
| Galil AR | Cheap T-side rifle |
| FAMAS | Budget CT rifle |
These rifles are forgiving and effective when money is tight.
To understand how rifle buys fit into matches, read our CS2 economy guide.
Shotguns – Should Beginners Use Them?
Short answer: sometimes.
Nova & XM1014
- Strong at close range
- Good on tight angles
- Punishes rushing enemies
Use them occasionally, not as a main weapon.
Snipers for Beginners
AWP – Not Recommended Early
The AWP is powerful but:
- Expensive
- Punishing if you miss
- Requires strong positioning
New players should learn rifles first.
Scout (SSG 08) – Practice Tool
Good for:
- Aim discipline
- Movement practice
- Eco rounds
Not a main weapon, but useful for learning.
CS2 Beginner Weapon Tier List
| Tier | Weapon | Skill Level |
| S | M4A1-S | Beginner |
| A | AK-47 | Medium |
| A | MP9 / MAC-10 | Beginner |
| B | Galil / FAMAS | Beginner |
| B | MP7 | Beginner |
| C | Shotguns | Situational |
| D | AWP | Advanced |
For more depth, see the CS2 weapon tier list.
Common Beginner Weapon Mistakes
Avoid these:
- Spraying while moving
- Buying expensive guns every round
- Ignoring recoil patterns
- Using the AWP too early
- Switching weapons constantly
How Weapons Fit Into Overall CS2 Improvement
Weapons are only one part of improving. Combine good gun choices with:
- Crosshair placement
- Map knowledge
- Understanding player roles
Helpful next reads:
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Gun for Beginners?
If you want a simple answer:
Mastering a small group of good guns for beginners will help you rank up faster than constantly switching weapons.