There are two ways to get a charm in CS2. The first is to buy an Armory Pass (about $16), earn stars with it through match experience, and trade 3 stars for a capsule with a random charm. The second, if you want a specific item, is to buy the charm on a marketplace such as LIS-SKINS, where most charms cost anywhere from a few cents to $20.
Charms arrived in CS2 with the Armory update in October 2024. They are cosmetic items that hang on your weapon, and unlike skins they have no wear. Below we cover how the pass works, which charms exist, what the priciest charms from the first collections cost, and how to attach a charm to a weapon.
What is an Armory Pass and how is it related to charms?
To earn charms in game, you first need an Armory Pass, which costs about $16. The pass unlocks a special rewards menu where stars are exchanged for items. The update itself is covered in detail in The Armory Pass: the biggest update in CS2.
Only after buying a pass can you start earning rewards. You can buy and level up no more than 5 Armory Passes at a time.
The Armory Pass cannot be obtained for free. You buy it from the main menu of the game, and the option is available to players with Prime status.
After buying the pass, you start receiving a special currency, Armory Credits, used to unlock rewards. In the first Armory season, the rewards included:
3 new weapon collections;
a new weapon case;
stickers;
charms.
The reward lineup changes with each new season, but the principle stays the same. Once the pass is active, you earn Armory Credits (players call them stars) for the experience you gain in matches and exchange them for items.
Each Armory Pass holds 40 stars. If you want more, you buy another pass. Stars cannot be bought separately; they are earned only through experience with an active pass. The pass and stars cannot be traded or sold on marketplaces.
A charm capsule costs 3 stars, so a single pass covers several charms along with other rewards.
Features of charms in CS2
The first two charm collections were Small Arms Charms and Missing Link Charms. Missing Link Community and Dr Boom were added later, so the choice is much wider now. Every type is covered in all types of charms in CS2. Small Arms features miniature copies of popular weapons (AWP, Tec-9, USP, MAC-10, AK) as well as classic knives. Some shimmer in different colors, others shine brightly, and others carry gemstone-like decor.
Missing Link Charms draws special attention. It includes copies of game agents as amusing "sausages" in various colors and designs, with a cat, a hamster and a chicken next to the classic agents.
A capsule gives one random charm from its collection and costs 3 stars. Which one you get is down to chance.
You can attach a charm virtually anywhere on the weapon except the magazine. The only restriction is one charm per weapon. To place it precisely, drag it to the spot you want.
If you get tired of a charm, you can remove it with a special tool, and it goes back to your inventory for reuse. Each charm comes with 3 free charm removers; after that the tools are bought separately, at about $1 each.
The price of charms
As with skins, a charm's price depends on its design, rarity and pattern. Charms have far more patterns than skins, and some of them carry a premium of their own, as explained in types of charm patterns in CS2.
The most expensive charms today come from the newer collections: Butane Buddy from Dr Boom costs around $120, and Lil' Boo from Missing Link Community around $75. Among the first two collections, the priciest charms at current prices are:
Hot Howl
This charm belongs to the Missing Link Charms collection, and its name roughly means "Howling Sausage." It costs around $20. This Extraordinary charm has a bright, memorable design and is currently the most expensive in its collection.
Baby Karat T
This charm costs around $15. It is an Extraordinary item and the most expensive in the Small Arms Charms collection. The miniature golden knife used by terrorists in the game suits any weapon.
Semi-Precious
The "gem" knife shines in a cold blue with turquoise overtones. Many players rate this Exotic charm highly. It costs about $10.
Hot Wurst
This Extraordinary charm is shaped like a sausage roasting over a fire. The playful concept and well-chosen colors make it one of the most recognizable charms. The price is about $9.
Baby Karat CT
This charm costs about $9. It is a mini copy of the knife used by the counter-terrorists in CS2, and its Extraordinary rarity keeps it in demand.
Lil' Squirt
An Exotic charm designed like a water gun. Even the darkest, most intimidating weapon looks more cheerful with this "little one." It costs about $1.
Diner Dog
The developers call this one a "snack sausage." It is an Exotic charm decorated in several colors: only the agent's eyes are visible, and everything else is covered by geometric patterns. The price is about $1.
There are plenty of other well-designed charms, and many cost under a dollar. Where to buy them at a good price is covered in where to buy a charm in CS2.
How to apply a charm?
If you have the item you want and are ready to decorate your weapon, follow these steps:
Go to your inventory and select the weapon you want to attach the charm to.
Select "Equip Charm," then choose "Apply Charm." A menu with your charms will appear.
Select the charm.
Move it to the part of the weapon where you want it to hang.
Confirm and save the changes.
Once the charm is attached, other players in the match can see it too.
Charms add color to the game and let you stand out without buying an expensive skin. If you would rather not rely on luck, pick a specific charm on the market; tips are in how to choose a charm in CS2.
