There were plenty of great additions and gameplay changes with the October 2024 CS2 update, but one of the biggest and the best was the CS2 Armory Battle Pass, which basically gives you access to all sorts of new in-game goodies and rewards.
Like most things in the Counter-Strike world, it works on a levelling-up system, so you can earn Armory Credits (which we’ll look at later) just by playing the game. You can then spend your credits on things like exclusive cases, skins and even charms!
One thing worth noting about this major update, though, is that, unlike previous operations, this one is all about getting cosmetics – and you can’t buy your way up the levels… you need to play the game to earn credits.
Interested? Well, if you want to start adding even more style to your in-game inventory with new stickers, skins and charms, then in this ultimate guide to the new, updated Armory Battle Pass, you’ll find out everything you need to know about how to get started and how it works!
All About the Armory Pass: Getting It and Using It
So, how do you get hold of one – and once you have it, how do you actually use it?
How to Purchase the Armory Pass
First, you need to buy it. To do so, you’ll need to launch Counter-Strike 2 on your computer, open up the main menu and head over to the in-game store.
So, here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can find and then purchase the CS2 Armory Battle Pass:
- Open The CS2 Game: Launch the game on your computer – as it can only be purchased in game.
- Go to the CS2 Store: In the main menu, you’ll find the Store button – click on it and open up the CS2 store.
- Look for the Armory Pass: When you’re in the store, there are various featured items and updates. You’ll see one that promotes the CS2 Armory Pass – it’s normally pretty easy to spot as it’s usually highlighted – and you’ll be able to see both its price and the various available rewards.
- Add It To Your Cart: Click on the Armory Pass – and then you’ll see a pop-up window which will tell you all the details you need to know about it – including how the rewards system works and the skins and charms you can get.
- Checkout: Once you’re happy with it, click on the ‘Hit’ button, and you’ll then be asked to confirm your payment. When at the checkout, there will be several payment options to choose from, including credit cards, PayPal or your Steam Wallet money. You can choose what option works for you – and pay the $15.99 price of the Armory Pass.
- Activate Your Pass: Once you’ve made your purchase, the pass will be activated automatically. You’ll then be able to check your progress and see what you have managed to unlock by going over to your Armory tab, which should now show your XP and all the Armory Credits you’ve racked up.
Before you attempt to purchase the pass, you need to be aware that you’ll need a Prime Account to do so. If you don’t currently have Prime Account status, you can upgrade by buying it from the Prime Store, which will cost you $14.99. Although this might be annoying, it’s actually very important as it means that only the serious players can access the exclusive rewards – and reduces Smurf accounts and in-game frauds.
It may mean an initial outlay of money (especially if you don’t already have a Prime Account), but once you have it – you’ll find it well worth the investment. You’ll have access to all sorts of different rewards like new CS2 skins, Gallery Case CS skins, Arms Charms and more. It doesn’t take long to get… and you’ll get some seriously high-quality rewards!
How to Earn Armory Credits
Once you have your Armory Pass, it’s activated, and you’re ready to go, you need to start earning your Armory Credits – as these are how you can start unlocking the exclusive rewards.
You’re able to earn a maximum of 50 credits per pass and you’ll be able to use these credits to buy various cases, skins and charms. In previous iterations of the pass, you were able to buy your way up the progress levels, but this is no longer possible. To earn credits, you’ll need to play the game and build up your XP.
The best way to get credits is by focusing on playing the standard Valve CS2 game modes, including Deathmatch and Matchmaking. All of the XP you earn playing the game will help you progress, and you can earn as many as 5 credits per match. So, if you want to start unlocking the big rewards, you’ll need time, patience and dedication!
It’s also worth noting that if you play in an unofficial game mode like Faceit, then it won’t help you progress – so you’re better off sticking to the official Valve game modes to earn your XP.
Armory Credit Rewards
Here’s a list of all the exclusive rewards you’ll be able to unlock as you earn your Armory Credits:
- 1 Armory Credit: This will unlock Character Craft Stickers – with all different face designs on… perfect for adding a bit of personality to your look!
- 2 Armory Credits: This unlocks various Gallery Case skins, which are based on various art movements. Examples of what you might get include the SSG 08 Rapid Transit and M4A1-S Vaporwave. However, you will need to buy a key to open each individual case.
- 3 Armory Credits: This will unlock the weapon charms. You can attach these to your weapons to add a bit of character.
- 4 Armory Credits: Getting four credits will unlock skins from various new weapon collections such as the 2024 Overpass Collection. which includes cool graffiti-style skins such as the AK-47 | B the Monster!
- 25 Armory Credits: This will unlock the Heat Treated Desert Eagle, gorgeous skin with bright blue flames – and one of the most popular CS2 skins in the October 2024 update.
What Are Arms Charms?
We all know what CS2 skins are – but some may be less familiar with the term ‘Arms Charms’ – which you can start unlocking with 3 Armory Credits. So, what exactly are they?
Small Arms Charms
Well, essentially, Small Arms Charms are just mini versions of actual Counter-Strike weapons – like pistols, rifles and sometimes even grenades and smokes. They look incredible – with intricate detailing making them appear very realistic, and you can attach them to your weapon, and they’ll dangle as you play. You can place them anywhere on any weapon of your choice – so you can pick a place that won’t irritate you or get in your way when you’re playing.
Missing Link Charms
Then there are the Missing Link Charms, which have been designed to be fun and quirky, with cute animations and sausagey-themed designs. While the Small Arms Charms are serious and stylish, these are more about the humor and will definitely stand out on whatever weapon you put them on.
They come in all different styles, with various sausage-shaped characters – even including sausage-shaped animals, wearing different outfits and with all sorts of facial expressions… so maybe you can add one which reflects your mood!
How to Attach Charms To Your Weapons
Once you have a charm, it’s fairly straightforward to add it to a weapon. You just need to open up your inventory and decide what weapon you want to add a charm to… and, if you have more than one charm, choose the charm you want to choose from the list. You then just need to drag and drop the charm onto the weapon and adjust its position to your preference.
Stickers
As well as skins and charms, you can also get stickers with your Armory Pass – another great way for you to add a bit of personality to your weapons.
There are two main styles of stickers to look out for:
- Elemental Craft Stickers: These are the stickers that are themed around the main elements in the game, such as water, fire and electricity – and can certainly add a bolt of colour to your loadout!
- Character Craft Stickers: These are cuter-looking stickers that have cartoon-like faces… potentially adding a bit of expression to your weapons!
Top Tips for Adding For Using Your Charms and Sticker Rewards
- Place them in haste – and regret at leisure! When you place stickers on your weapon, you’re making a commitment, so you need to make sure you’re putting them in the perfect place. The good news is that you can preview charms and stickers before placing them, so you get them in just the right place.
- Unlike stickers, charms dangle and move around- so you need to be particularly careful about where you put them. If you think they might be distracting or annoying, make sure you put them somewhere that won’t irritate you and won’t get in the way of your grip.
Conclusion: Is The New Armory Battle Pass Worth It?
So, should you spend $15.99 (or potentially $30.98 if you don’t have a Prime Account) on an Armory Battle Pass? Well, it’s obviously a personal choice, but if you’re a regular player and love adding a bit of character and customization to your weaponry, then yes, definitely!
Getting an Armory Battle Pass is a great way to add some personality to your gameplay, and if you play a lot, you can open up a whole new world of awesome rewards. You’ll have all different ways to add character to your weapons – stickers, charms – and seriously decent and even rare skins!
So, whether you’re a hardcore player – or just someone who wants to add some style to their CS gameplay, an Armory Battle Pass is definitely worth it!
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Buy an Armory Battle Pass in CS2?
First, you need to make sure you have a Prime Account – which costs $14.99. However, if you already have one, then buying an Armory Battle Pass will cost you $15.99 – and you can start earning credits by playing in Valve’s Deathmatch and Matchmaking modes and get rewards including stickers, charms, skins and cases.
How Can I Earn Armory Credits?
You can only earn Armory Credits by building up XP – which you can do by playing official Valve game modes (like matchmaking and Deathmatch). They can’t be earned through unofficial game modes, and you can’t buy them. You can get up to 5 Armory Credits per match.
How Does the New CS2 Armory Battle Pass Work?
The new Armory Battle Pass works with a levelling-up system. To level up, you need to earn XP, which you can do by playing official Valve CS2 game modes. You can earn up to 40 Armory Credits per pass – and then exchange them for various in-game rewards based on how many you’ve accrued.
Is a CS2 Battle Pass the Same as an Operation Pass?
Battle Passes and Operation Passes have a few differences in how they work and what you get. Battle Passes – like the Armory Pass, can only offer cosmetic in-game items like skins and charms – and you can only progress by playing. Operation Passes, however, come with special missions, stories, and extra gaming content – and you can get more than simple cosmetic rewards.