SG 553 CS2 Skins
The SG 553 — the "Krieg" — is the T-side scoped rifle with a stat line that reads like a cheat sheet: 100% armor penetration, a one-shot headshot through helmets at essentially any range, and a zoom optic, all for $300 more than the AK-47. Its price hikes after the 2019–2020 pro-play takeover are the only thing keeping it niche.
SG 553
The SG 553 — the "Krieg" — is the T-side scoped rifle with a stat line that reads like a cheat sheet: 100% armor penetration, a one-shot headshot through helmets at essentially any range, and a zoom optic, all for $300 more than the AK-47. Its price hikes after the 2019–2020 pro-play takeover are the only thing keeping it niche.
SG 553 in CS2: How It Plays
The Krieg's signature quirk is its diagonal spray — the pattern climbs up and to the right before snaking back, unlike the AK's vertical-then-horizontal rhythm, so AK muscle memory actively hurts here until you retrain. Scoped, it gains the same slow-fire precision mode as the AUG, and because armor never reduces its damage (100% penetration), every hit does full value. It is also the slowest-moving assault rifle at 210 units/second: plan positions, don't run-and-gun.
Buy it when you have AK money plus $300 and expect long-range duels — holding long cross-map angles after a site take, or punishing CT aggression on maps like Overpass and Ancient. In 2019–2020 the scoped one-tap made it the best rifle in professional Counter-Strike until Valve nerfed the price and its accuracy; what remains is still arguably more weapon than the AK for players willing to learn a second spray pattern.
Study the SG 553's spray on the recoil patterns page, model exact shots-to-kill in the damage calculator, or browse all rifles.
Main rival: AUG — see the full SG 553 vs AUG comparison.
Combat Statistics
Economy Context
Verdict: The SG 553 is a full-buy rounds weapon at $3,000 — 10 kills at $300 each cover its cost. The M4A4 costs $100 less if you're weighing the closest rifle alternative.
Pro Tips for the SG 553
Retrain your spray: the SG climbs diagonally up-right before curling back — AK-style straight pulldown will miss.
Scope for long-range holds; the slow scoped fire mode one-taps heads at distances the AK can't touch.
100% armor penetration means every bullet does listed damage — body sprays kill armored enemies noticeably faster than AK sprays.
At 210 u/s you are the slowest rifler alive — take map control early, then let fights come to you.
Post-plant, the SG's scope turns off-site retake angles into sniper lanes without buying an AWP.
If your aim relies on one-taps, stay standing and unscoped up close — scoping in a surprise close fight is a death sentence.
38 Available Skins
Browse all SG 553 skins with live market prices from major marketplaces.
RestrictedBulldozer
ClassifiedHazard Pay
RestrictedHypnotic
ClassifiedIntegrale
ClassifiedColony IV
ConsumerTornado
Mil-SpecUltraviolet
ClassifiedCyrex
IndustrialGator Mesh
Mil-SpecDesert Blossom
IndustrialTraveler
Mil-SpecWave Spray
IndustrialCandy Apple
ConsumerBarricade
RestrictedTiger Moth
IndustrialFallout Warning
RestrictedPulse
RestrictedTriarch
RestrictedDarkwing
Mil-SpecBerry Gel Coat
RestrictedPhantom
RestrictedDragon Tech
ConsumerLush Ruins
Mil-SpecDamascus Steel
Mil-SpecHeavy Metal
Mil-SpecDanger Close
Mil-SpecAtlas
Mil-SpecCyberforce
Mil-SpecAerial
ConsumerBleached
Mil-SpecAnodized Navy
Mil-SpecOl' Rusty
ConsumerWaves Perforated
Mil-SpecAloha
IndustrialBasket Halftone
ConsumerSafari Print
ConsumerNight Camo
ConsumerArmy Sheen
Cases Featuring SG 553 Skins
Best SG 553 Skins by Price
Best SG 553 Skins — Full Rankings →Budget (Under $10)
Mid-Range ($10–$50)
Premium ($50+)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the SG 553 better than the AK-47?
- On paper, mostly yes: one-shot helmet headshots at any range, 100% armor penetration, and a scope for $300 more. In practice the AK's faster handling, quicker movement, and universally-known spray keep it the default. The SG rewards specialists who commit to its diagonal pattern and scoped rhythm.
- Why is the SG 553 called the Krieg?
- The name carries over from Counter-Strike 1.6 and Source, where the weapon was labelled the Krieg 552. The community kept the nickname through every rebalance, including its infamous 2019–2020 pro-meta era.
- Can the SG 553 one-shot through helmets?
- Yes. Its 30 × 4 headshot with 100% armor penetration deals 120 damage through any helmet, and the 0.98 range modifier keeps that lethal across practical distances — matching the AK's one-tap and beating it at extreme range when scoped.
- How much damage does the SG 553 do in CS2?
- The SG 553 deals 30 base damage per hit with 100% armor penetration. Headshot multiplier is 4x, meaning a headshot deals 120 damage before armor reduction.
- How much does the SG 553 cost in CS2?
- The SG 553 costs $3,000 to buy and gives a $300 kill reward. It's available to terrorist players.
- What is the SG 553 fire rate?
- The SG 553 fires at 666 rounds per minute (RPM) with a 30-round magazine. Reload time is 2.8 seconds.
- How many skins does the SG 553 have in CS2?
- The SG 553 currently has 38 skins available in Counter-Strike 2, ranging across multiple rarity tiers from Consumer Grade to Covert.
- Is the SG 553 good in CS2?
- The SG 553 — the "Krieg" — is the T-side scoped rifle with a stat line that reads like a cheat sheet: 100% armor penetration, a one-shot headshot through helmets at essentially any range, and a zoom optic, all for $300 more than the AK-47. Its price hikes after the 2019–2020 pro-play takeover are the only thing keeping it niche.