CS2 Case History Guide: Complete Timeline of All Weapon Cases
A comprehensive history of every weapon case released in Counter-Strike from 2013 to present. This guide covers all 42+ cases, their release dates, current status, notable skins, and how the case ecosystem has evolved over more than a decade of Counter-Strike history.
Table of Contents
The Origins of CS Cases (2013)
The weapon case system was introduced to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on August 14, 2013 with the Arms Deal update. This update fundamentally changed the game's economy and introduced the skin trading ecosystem that would become one of gaming's largest virtual economies.
Before cases, CSGO had no skin system at all. The Arms Deal update introduced weapon skins, cases, keys, and the Steam Community Market integration that allowed players to buy, sell, and trade cosmetic items. This system was revolutionary at the time and has since influenced numerous other games.
Historical Significance
The first CS:GO Weapon Case was so groundbreaking that it established patterns that remain unchanged today: the same rarity tiers, similar drop rates, and the case + key system that still powers CS2's economy. The original 0.26% knife drop rate has remained constant for over a decade.
The First Cases
Three cases launched in quick succession in 2013:
- CS:GO Weapon Case (August 14, 2013) - The original, containing 8 skins including AWP | Lightning Strike
- eSports 2013 Case (August 14, 2013) - Funded esports tournaments with a portion of key sales
- CS:GO Weapon Case 2 (November 8, 2013) - Second weapon case with 10 skins
The Early Era (2013-2015)
The early era established many of the conventions we still see today. This period introduced Operation cases with Operation Bravo, seasonal cases with Winter Offensive, and saw the first truly iconic knife skins enter the game.
Key Developments
- Operation Cases: Bravo Case (September 2013) introduced the concept of Operation-exclusive cases
- Covert Knives: Knives were introduced as the ultra-rare "gold tier" items from the start
- Community Skins: The Steam Workshop became the primary source for new skin designs
- eSports Integration: Multiple eSports cases funded competitive CS:GO prize pools
Notable Cases from This Era
Operation Bravo Case
First Operation case. Contains the iconic AK-47 | Fire Serpent, one of the most valuable skins today.
Winter Offensive Case
First seasonal case. Introduced M4A4 | Asiimov, setting the standard for Covert-tier skins.
Huntsman Case
First case to introduce a new knife type (Huntsman Knife). Contains M4A1-S | Cyrex.
Chroma Case
Introduced Chroma knife finishes (Doppler, Tiger Tooth, Marble Fade). Revolutionary for knife values.
The early era was characterized by experimentation and rapid expansion. Valve was learning what players wanted, and the community was discovering the investment potential of rare skins. Cases from this era that are now discontinued command significant premiums on the market.
The Expansion Era (2016-2018)
The expansion era saw the case system mature and diversify. Gloves were introduced as a new rare special item type, new knife styles continued to be added, and the Operation system became more elaborate with unique rewards and missions.
Major Innovations
- Glove Case (November 2016): First case to include gloves, adding a new cosmetic slot to CS:GO
- Spectrum Cases: Introduced a new wave of knife finishes with vibrant colors
- Horizon Case (August 2018): First case containing both knife and glove drops in the rare pool
- Operation Hydra: Multi-stage Operation with exclusive case and rewards
Notable Cases from This Era
Glove Case
Revolutionary case that introduced gloves. Contains Sport Gloves, Driver Gloves, and more.
Spectrum Case
Introduced new knife finishes including Bright Water, Gamma Doppler, and Autotronic.
Clutch Case
Contains both knives and gloves. Introduced new glove types and has M4A4 | Neo-Noir.
Horizon Case
Introduced new knife styles including Talon Knife and Stiletto Knife.
The Modern Era (2019-2023)
The modern era brought more frequent case releases, new knife types, and increasingly valuable skins. This period also saw the transition from CS:GO to CS2, with all cases and skins carrying over seamlessly.
Key Developments
- Prisma Cases: New wave of cases with updated visuals and popular skins
- Fracture Case: Introduced the Shattered Web knife collection styles
- Operation Broken Fang: Last major CSGO Operation before CS2 transition
- CS2 Announcement: March 2023, all items confirmed to transfer
Notable Cases from This Era
Danger Zone Case
Released with CS:GO's battle royale mode. Contains AWP | Neo-Noir and AK-47 | Asiimov.
Prisma Case
Highly popular case with AWP | Atheris and AK-47 | Uncharted skins.
Snakebite Case
Contains gloves and knives. Includes USP-S | Printstream, highly sought after.
Revolution Case
One of the last cases before CS2. Contains AK-47 | Head Shot and M4A1-S | Emphorosaur-S.
The CS2 Era (2023-Present)
On September 27, 2023, Counter-Strike 2 officially launched, replacing CS:GO. All cases, skins, and player inventories transferred seamlessly. The Source 2 engine brought improved graphics and new responsive buy menus, but the case system remained unchanged.
CS2 Era Changes
- Visual Upgrades: Skins look better in the new Source 2 engine with improved lighting
- Same Odds: All drop rates remain identical to CS:GO (0.26% knife/gloves, etc.)
- Armory System: New progression system for earning items (see our Armory Pass Guide)
- New Cases: Several new cases released exclusively for CS2
CS2-Era Cases
Kilowatt Case
First new case in CS2 era. Contains Zeus x27 | Olympus and other electric-themed skins.
Gallery Case
Art-themed case with museum-inspired weapon skins and designs.
Complete Case Timeline
Below is the complete chronological list of all weapon cases released in Counter-Strike history. Cases are marked by their current status in the drop system.
2013
CS:GO Weapon Case
The original. AWP | Lightning Strike, AK-47 | Case Hardened.
eSports 2013 Case
First esports case. P90 | Death by Kitty.
Operation Bravo Case
AK-47 | Fire Serpent, P90 | Emerald Dragon.
CS:GO Weapon Case 2
AWP | Redline, M4A1-S | Atomic Alloy.
Winter Offensive Case
M4A4 | Asiimov, AWP | Redline.
2014
eSports 2013 Winter Case
M4A1-S | Guardian, AWP | Electric Hive.
CS:GO Weapon Case 3
AK-47 | Jaguar, M4A1-S | Bright Water.
Operation Phoenix Case
AK-47 | Redline, AWP | Asiimov.
Huntsman Case
Introduced Huntsman Knife. M4A1-S | Cyrex.
Operation Breakout Case
Introduced Butterfly Knife. M4A1-S | Cyrex.
eSports 2014 Summer Case
AK-47 | Jaguar, P90 | Asiimov.
Operation Vanguard Case
AK-47 | Wasteland Rebel, M4A4 | Griffin.
2015
Chroma Case
Introduced Chroma finishes (Doppler, Tiger Tooth, Marble Fade).
Chroma 2 Case
More Chroma finishes. M4A1-S | Hyper Beast, AWP | Hyper Beast.
Falchion Case
Introduced Falchion Knife. AWP | Hyper Beast.
Shadow Case
Introduced Shadow Daggers. M4A1-S | Golden Coil.
Revolver Case
Released with R8 Revolver. AK-47 | Point Disarray.
2016-2018
Chroma 3 Case
Final Chroma case. PP-Bizon | Judgement of Anubis.
Gamma Case
Gamma Doppler knives. Glock-18 | Wasteland Rebel.
Glove Case
First gloves case. Revolutionary addition to the game.
Spectrum Case
New knife finishes. AK-47 | Bloodsport.
Clutch Case
Contains knives and gloves. M4A4 | Neo-Noir.
Horizon Case
Talon Knife, Stiletto Knife. AK-47 | Neon Rider.
2019-2023
Danger Zone Case
AK-47 | Asiimov, AWP | Neo-Noir.
Prisma Case
AWP | Atheris, AK-47 | Uncharted.
CS20 Case
20th Anniversary case. Classic Knife re-release.
Fracture Case
Shattered Web knife styles. AK-47 | Legion of Anubis.
Snakebite Case
USP-S | Printstream. Gloves + knives.
Dreams & Nightmares Case
Community-designed skins contest winner. AK-47 | Nightwish.
Recoil Case
USP-S | Jawbreaker, AK-47 | Ice Coaled.
Revolution Case
AK-47 | Head Shot, M4A1-S | Emphorosaur-S.
Understanding Drop Pools
CS2 cases exist in different "drop pools" that determine how players can obtain them. Understanding these pools is essential for both collecting and investment strategies.
| Pool Type | How Cases Drop | Examples | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Drop Pool | Random weekly drops for Prime players | Revolution, Kilowatt, Dreams & Nightmares | High supply, low prices ($0.03-$0.20) |
| Rare Drop Pool | Occasionally drop instead of active cases | Chroma, Huntsman, Spectrum | Lower supply, moderate prices ($0.20-$2.00) |
| Discontinued | No longer drop; market only | Bravo, original Weapon Cases, eSports | Decreasing supply, often $10-$100+ |
For current active drop pool status, see our Active Drop Pool Tracker.
Most Iconic Skins by Era
Certain skins have transcended their cases to become iconic symbols of Counter-Strike culture. These skins often command premium prices and are recognized instantly by the community.
AK-47 | Fire Serpent
Bravo Case (2013). The most valuable AK skin. Factory New sells for thousands.
AWP | Lightning Strike
First Weapon Case (2013). Original Covert. Clean, electric design.
M4A4 | Asiimov
Winter Offensive (2013). Defined the futuristic skin aesthetic.
Karambit | Doppler
Chroma Case (2015). Phase 2, Ruby, Sapphire variants became legendary.
USP-S | Printstream
Snakebite (2021). Modern iconic design. Clean black and white.
Sport Gloves | Pandora's Box
Glove Case (2016). Most valuable glove design. Purple aesthetic.
Investment Considerations
Case history data is valuable for understanding investment patterns. However, past performance does not guarantee future results.
Historical Patterns
- Discontinued cases appreciate: Cases removed from drop pools consistently increase in value over time
- Iconic skins hold value: Skins from early cases with recognizable designs maintain premiums
- Operation cases: Often become valuable after the Operation ends and drops cease
- Glove cases premium: Cases with gloves often command higher prices due to glove demand
Frequently Asked Questions
How many weapon cases are there in CS2?
As of January 2026, there are 42+ weapon cases in CS2/CSGO history. This number continues to grow as Valve releases new cases. The count includes regular weapon cases, Operation cases, and specialty cases like the Glove Case.
What was the first CSGO case ever released?
The CS:GO Weapon Case was the first case, released on August 14, 2013 with the Arms Deal update. It contained 8 weapon skins and introduced the case + key system that still powers CS2's economy.
Which cases are worth the most money?
Discontinued cases from early CSGO tend to be most valuable. The Operation Bravo Case (containing AK-47 | Fire Serpent) and original CS:GO Weapon Case often trade for $50-$200+ depending on market conditions. Early eSports cases are also highly valued.
How often does Valve release new cases?
Valve typically releases 2-4 new weapon cases per year. The pace has been fairly consistent since 2013, though there's no fixed schedule. Major updates and Operations often include new cases.
Do cases ever get added back to the drop pool?
Once a case is removed from the active drop pool, it typically doesn't return. Some cases move to the "rare" drop pool where they still occasionally drop. Fully discontinued cases (like Bravo) have never been re-added.
Did all cases transfer from CSGO to CS2?
Yes, all cases and skins transferred seamlessly when CS2 launched on September 27, 2023. Your inventory, including all cases and keys, moved to CS2 automatically. The case system works identically in CS2.
Last updated: January 2026