CS2 players get one Care Package per week after levelling up, containing four random items from which you can choose two. These packages include weapon skins, cases, and graffiti. The system replaced the old random drop system, giving players more control over their rewards while maintaining the weekly limitation.
What are CS2 Care Packages and how do case drops work now?
CS2 Care Packages are the new reward system that replaced random drops when Counter-Strike 2 launched. You earn a Care Package each time you level up, which happens by gaining XP from playing matches. The package contains four random items, and you get to pick two of them for your inventory.
The system works differently from the old CS:GO drops. Instead of getting random items at the end of matches, you now have control over what you receive. When you level up, your level icon starts glowing, and you’ll find your Care Package waiting in the Store section under Home.
To receive Care Packages, you need Prime Status. Without Prime, you won’t get any drops at all. Once you have Prime and level up, you’ll see four items in your package. These could be weapon skins, cases, or graffiti. You inspect each item, choose two, and click “Claim Rewards” to add them to your inventory instantly.
How often can you get CS2 cases and item drops from Care Packages?
You can receive exactly one Care Package per week in CS2, regardless of how much you play or how many times you level up. The weekly reset happens at the same time globally, every Tuesday at 8:00 PM Central Time (CT). Once you’ve claimed your package for the week, additional level-ups won’t grant more packages until the next reset.
The relationship between levelling and packages is straightforward but limited. Your first level-up each week triggers the Care Package. If you level up multiple times in one week, only the first counts for drops.
The timing works like this: play matches to earn XP, level up to unlock your weekly package, choose your two items, then wait for the weekly reset. Your CS2 drop rate is essentially fixed at two items per week through this system, making it predictable but fair for all players.
What items can drop from CS2 Care Packages besides cases?
CS2 Care Packages contain three types of items: weapon skins, cases, and graffiti. The weapon skins range from common Industrial Grade items worth a few cents to rarer Classified skins worth several dollars. Cases include both active and discontinued ones, while graffiti offers various designs for in-game tagging.
Care Packages cannot contain knives or gloves. These high-value items only come from opening cases or buying them directly. Most Care Package skins are lower-tier items from various collections, typically worth under $1. You might occasionally see a decent purple or pink skin, but these are rare.
The value breakdown usually looks like this:
- Weapon skins: Usually Industrial or Mil-Spec grade (ÂŁ0.03-ÂŁ0.50)
- Cases: Can range from ÂŁ0.10 to several pounds for older discontinued ones
- Graffiti: Generally the lowest value items (ÂŁ0.03-ÂŁ0.20)
While individual items might not be worth much, consistent weekly drops add up over time, especially if you choose wisely.
Why should CS2 players prioritize cases over other Care Package drops?
Cases from Care Packages often increase in value over time. While a new case might be worth £0.20 today, discontinued cases from previous years can now sell for $5–$50. This appreciation occurs because supply stops growing while demand continues. Additionally, Care Packages can include older, more valuable cases. Once a case is removed from the drop pool, its value can double or even triple.
