CS2 Gloves Guide

Complete guide to Counter-Strike 2 gloves. Learn about all glove types, which cases drop gloves, the 0.26% drop rate, wear patterns and their impact on value, why gloves don't have StatTrak, popular finishes, and how to evaluate glove investments.

Last Updated December, 2025
0.26%
Glove Drop Rate
1:385
Average Cases Per Drop
6
Cases With Gloves
7
Glove Types

What Are Gloves in CS2?

Gloves are cosmetic hand wraps in Counter-Strike 2 that change the appearance of your character's hands when holding weapons. Unlike weapon skins that modify gun textures, gloves affect the hands themselves, providing a unique first-person visual experience visible throughout every match.

Gloves were first introduced to CS:GO in November 2016 with the Glove Case update, making them one of the newer cosmetic categories in Counter-Strike's history. They've since become some of the most sought-after items in the game.

Key Glove Characteristics

  • Visible constantly: Your gloves are visible whenever you're holding any weapon
  • Universal across loadout: One pair of gloves applies to all weapons
  • Rare special items: Gloves share the 0.26% "gold tier" with knives
  • No StatTrak: Gloves never have StatTrak variants (unlike knives)
  • Wear matters significantly: Glove appearance changes dramatically with wear
  • Both teams: Gloves are equipped for both CT and T sides simultaneously

Gloves vs. Default Hands

Without a custom glove equipped, your hands use the default tactical gloves that match your team and map setting. Custom gloves override this default, giving you a consistent visual identity across all maps and situations. Many players consider gloves essential for a polished loadout.

Glove Drop Odds

Gloves share the same drop rate as knives, falling into the "Rare Special Items" tier that Valve has officially disclosed. Understanding these odds helps set realistic expectations when opening cases.

Metric Value Context
Base glove drop rate 0.26% Same as knife drop rate
1 in X odds 1 in 385 Average cases to hit gold tier
Probability per opening 0.0026 Decimal probability
Expected cost for 1 glove* ~$962 - $1,150 At $2.50-$3 per case + key

*Expected cost is statistical average—actual results vary wildly due to variance. See our Streak Calculator to understand probability variance.

How Glove Drops Work

When you open a glove-containing case, the game first determines your rarity tier based on the disclosed probabilities. If you hit the 0.26% "gold tier," the game then randomly selects from the case's pool of rare special items—which includes both knives and gloves.

Gloves vs. Knives in Mixed Pools

In cases that contain both gloves AND knives (like the Glove Case), hitting the 0.26% gold tier gives you a random item from that combined pool. If a case has 10 knife finishes and 8 glove pairs, you have roughly 55% chance of knife and 45% chance of gloves when you hit gold. The overall 0.26% rate stays the same—it just splits between item types.

For deeper probability mathematics, including cumulative odds and expected value calculations, check our comprehensive Case Odds Explained guide.

Cases That Drop Gloves

Not all CS2 cases contain gloves. Only specific cases have gloves in their rare special items pool. Here's the complete list of glove-containing cases:

Glove Case
Rare Drop Pool
Clutch Case
Rare Drop Pool
Operation Hydra Case
Rare Drop Pool
Snakebite Case
Active Drop Pool
Revolution Case
Active Drop Pool
Operation Broken Fang Case
Rare Drop Pool

Case Selection Considerations

Case Glove Types Available Status Case Price Range
Glove Case Sport, Driver, Moto, Specialist, Hand Wraps Rare drop (~$15-20) Premium
Clutch Case Sport, Driver, Specialist, Hand Wraps Rare drop Moderate
Operation Hydra Case Sport, Driver, Moto, Specialist, Hand Wraps Discontinued Very high
Snakebite Case Sport, Driver, Moto, Specialist, Hand Wraps Active drop Low
Revolution Case Sport, Driver, Specialist, Hydra, Broken Fang Active drop Low
Broken Fang Case Broken Fang gloves exclusively Limited High

For current case prices and drop pool status, check our Active Drop Pool Tracker.

Glove Types & Finishes

CS2 features seven distinct glove types, each with its own visual style and set of available finishes. Understanding the differences helps you find the perfect gloves for your loadout.

🥊 Sport Gloves

Athletic fingerless design, popular for clean aesthetics.

  • Pandora's Box $$$
  • Vice $$$
  • Superconductor $$
  • Hedge Maze $$
  • Arid $
  • Bronze Morph $

🚗 Driver Gloves

Classic leather driving gloves, sophisticated look.

  • Crimson Weave $$$
  • Imperial Plaid $$
  • Lunar Weave $$
  • Overtake $
  • Racing Green $
  • Diamondback $

🏍️ Moto Gloves

Motorcycle-style protective gloves with armored knuckles.

  • Spearmint $$$
  • POW! $$
  • Cool Mint $$
  • Polygon $
  • Boom! $
  • Eclipse $

🎯 Specialist Gloves

Tactical military gloves with reinforced palms.

  • Crimson Kimono $$$
  • Fade $$$
  • Emerald Web $$
  • Foundation $
  • Forest DDPAT $
  • Mogul $

🥋 Hand Wraps

Boxing-style wraps exposing fingers, minimal design.

  • Cobalt Skulls $$$
  • Slaughter $$
  • Overprint $$
  • Badlands $
  • Spruce DDPAT $
  • Leather $

🐍 Hydra Gloves

Operation Hydra exclusive, hybrid tactical design.

  • Emerald $$$
  • Case Hardened $$
  • Mangrove $
  • Rattler $

💔 Broken Fang Gloves

Operation Broken Fang exclusive, modern tactical style.

  • Jade $$$
  • Yellow-banded $$
  • Needle Point $$
  • Unhinged $

Wear Conditions

Like weapon skins, gloves have float values that determine their wear condition. However, wear on gloves is particularly noticeable because they're always visible during gameplay. The difference between Factory New and Battle-Scarred gloves is often dramatic.

Factory New
0.00 - 0.07
Minimal Wear
0.07 - 0.15
Field-Tested
0.15 - 0.38
Well-Worn
0.38 - 0.45
Battle-Scarred
0.45 - 1.00

Why Wear Matters More for Gloves

Glove wear is exceptionally important for several reasons:

  • Constant visibility: Unlike weapons you switch between, gloves are always on screen
  • Large surface area: Wear damage is spread across visible hand surfaces
  • Premium pricing: Factory New gloves often cost 2-5x more than Field-Tested versions
  • Pattern degradation: Many glove finishes lose their appeal significantly with wear

Budget Tip: Low-Float Field-Tested

Many players save money by finding Field-Tested gloves with float values close to 0.15 (the Minimal Wear boundary). These often look nearly as good as higher tiers at a significant discount. Use our Float Checker to evaluate specific float values.

For comprehensive information on how float values work across all items, see our Float Values Explained guide.

Why Gloves Don't Have StatTrak

One of the key differences between gloves and knives is that gloves never have StatTrak variants. This is intentional and has several implications for the glove market.

StatTrak Availability by Item Type

  • Weapon skins: Can have StatTrak (10% of drops)
  • Knives: Can have StatTrak (10% of knife drops)
  • Gloves: ❌ Never have StatTrak
  • Agents: Never have StatTrak

Reasons for No StatTrak Gloves

While Valve hasn't officially explained this, the community has reasonable theories:

  • No kill attribution: Gloves don't "fire" or directly cause kills like weapons
  • Design philosophy: Gloves are purely aesthetic, not combat items
  • Market simplification: Fewer variants means simpler valuation
  • Visual constraints: Where would a kill counter even display on gloves?

Market Implications

The lack of StatTrak means:

  • Simpler pricing: Only float value and finish determine price
  • No premium tier: Unlike knives where StatTrak adds ~30-50% value
  • Easier comparison: Two identical gloves differ only by float

For information on StatTrak mechanics for weapons, see our StatTrak Guide.

Gloves vs. Knives Comparison

Gloves and knives are both "gold tier" rare items with identical drop rates, but they differ in several important ways. Understanding these differences helps you decide where to invest your loadout budget.

🧤 Gloves

  • Always visible when holding any weapon
  • No StatTrak variants available
  • Work for both CT and T sides
  • Fewer finish options per type
  • No inspect animation
  • Wear highly visible
  • Generally lower prices than equivalent knives

🔪 Knives

  • Only visible when knife is equipped
  • Can have StatTrak versions (+30-50% value)
  • Work for both CT and T sides
  • Many more finish options available
  • Unique inspect animations per knife type
  • Wear varies by knife type
  • Generally higher prestige/prices

Which Should You Prioritize?

Consideration Choose Gloves If... Choose Knife If...
Visibility You want constant visibility You frequently use your knife
Budget You want more for less money Budget isn't the main concern
StatTrak You don't care about kill tracking You want to track knife kills
Community prestige You prefer understated flex You want maximum flex value

For knife drop rates and pricing, see our detailed Knife Odds Guide.

Value Factors

Glove pricing on the Steam Community Market is determined by several factors. Understanding these helps you evaluate fair prices.

Finish Desirability High

Popular finishes like Pandora's Box, Vice, and Crimson Kimono command massive premiums over less desirable patterns. Community preference drives most price differences.

Wear Condition High

Factory New can cost 2-5x more than Field-Tested. For budget buyers, finding low-float FT gloves offers the best value.

Glove Type Medium

Sport Gloves and Specialist Gloves tend to have the most desirable finishes. Hand Wraps appeal to minimalist tastes.

Case Availability Medium

Gloves from discontinued cases (Operation Hydra) have limited supply, potentially appreciating over time.

Streamer/Pro Influence Medium

When popular players showcase certain gloves, demand can spike. Vice and Crimson Kimono have benefited from this exposure.

Market Trends Medium

CS2 Major tournaments and game updates can affect overall glove market prices. According to market tracking data, glove prices often correlate with overall skin market health.

Popular Glove Finishes

Some glove finishes have become particularly iconic in the CS2 community. Here are the most sought-after options across different price ranges.

Premium Tier ($500+)

Sport Gloves | Pandora's Box

Sport

Purple galaxy pattern, considered by many to be the most beautiful gloves in the game. Factory New versions are exceptionally rare and expensive.

Sport Gloves | Vice

Sport

Pink/cyan Miami Vice aesthetic. Matches many popular knife finishes and weapon skins. Highly versatile for loadout building.

Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono

Specialist

Red/black Japanese-inspired design. Popular with pro players. Pattern variations (red vs black dominance) affect pricing significantly.

Mid-Tier ($100-500)

Specialist Gloves | Fade

Specialist

Classic fade gradient from pink to yellow. Matches fade knives perfectly. Fade percentage affects value like knife fades.

Moto Gloves | Spearmint

Moto

Clean mint green design. Pairs well with green-themed loadouts. Motorcycle styling adds unique character.

Hand Wraps | Cobalt Skulls

Hand Wraps

Blue skull pattern on minimalist wraps. Appeals to players who prefer exposed fingers aesthetic.

Budget Tier ($50-100)

Driver Gloves | Racing Green

Driver

Classic British racing green leather. Sophisticated look at an accessible price point.

Hand Wraps | Overprint

Hand Wraps

Colorful urban art design. Fun, expressive choice for budget-conscious players.

Moto Gloves | Eclipse

Moto

Dark color scheme that works with many loadouts. Subtle flex without breaking the bank.

Buying & Investing Tips

Whether you're buying gloves for personal use or considering them as an investment, these tips can help you make smarter decisions.

Buying for Personal Use

  • Prioritize float over condition label: A 0.15 float FT looks almost identical to MW but costs less
  • Check multiple listings: Prices vary significantly even for similar items
  • Consider your loadout: Match gloves to your existing skins for cohesive aesthetics - use our Loadout Cost Calculator to plan your complete loadout budget
  • Try before buying: Use skin inspection tools or watch videos to see gloves in action
  • Factor in Steam fees: Use our Market Fee Calculator to understand true costs

Investment Considerations

  • Discontinued cases: Gloves from Operation Hydra have limited supply growth
  • Popular finishes: Vice, Pandora's Box, and Crimson Kimono have consistent demand
  • Factory New premium: FN gloves maintain better resale value than lower tiers
  • Market volatility: Glove prices fluctuate with overall CS2 market health
  • Liquidity matters: Popular gloves sell faster than obscure ones

Investment Risk Warning

CS2 skins, including gloves, are not guaranteed investments. Prices can decrease due to market changes, new case releases, or declining game popularity. Only invest money you can afford to lose. For tracking potential investments, consider our Collection Value Calculator.

Avoiding Scams

High-value gloves are common scam targets. Follow security best practices outlined in our Account Security Guide and always trade through official Steam channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the glove drop rate in CS2?

Gloves have a 0.26% drop rate, identical to knives. This equals approximately 1 in 385 case openings on average. Gloves and knives share the "Rare Special Items" gold tier in applicable cases.

Which cases drop gloves?

Gloves drop from specific cases only: Glove Case, Clutch Case, Operation Hydra Case, Snakebite Case, Revolution Case, and Operation Broken Fang Case. Regular weapon cases like the CS20 Case or Prisma Case do not contain gloves.

Can gloves have StatTrak?

No, gloves never have StatTrak variants. Unlike knives which can track kills, gloves are purely cosmetic without any tracking functionality. This is a key difference from knives.

Do gloves have float values?

Yes, gloves have float values from 0.00 to 1.00 determining their wear condition (Factory New through Battle-Scarred). Wear is highly visible on gloves, making float particularly important for valuation.

Are gloves the same for CT and T sides?

Yes, when you equip gloves, they apply to both teams. Unlike agents which are side-specific, a single pair of gloves works across your entire loadout regardless of which team you're playing.

What are the most expensive gloves in CS2?

The most expensive gloves are typically Factory New Sport Gloves | Pandora's Box, followed by Sport Gloves | Vice and Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono with favorable patterns. Prices can exceed $10,000+ for FN examples of the rarest finishes.

Should I buy gloves directly or open cases?

Buying directly is almost always more cost-effective. With a 0.26% drop rate, the expected cost to unbox any glove far exceeds direct purchase prices for most finishes. Case opening has negative expected value—see our Case ROI Calculator for the math.

Do gloves affect gameplay?

No, gloves are purely cosmetic and provide no gameplay advantages. They don't affect weapon handling, accuracy, or any game mechanics. Some players claim certain gloves are "distracting" but this is subjective and not a game mechanic.

Related CS2 Guides & Tools

Explore more CS2 educational content:

Final Perspective:

"Gloves occupy a unique space in CS2 cosmetics. They're always visible yet often overlooked compared to flashy knife animations. For players who value consistent aesthetics throughout gameplay, gloves offer better 'value per second of visibility' than almost any other cosmetic. The lack of StatTrak keeps pricing simpler than knives, and the dramatic difference wear makes means there are legitimate deals to be found in the low-float Field-Tested market. If you're building a complete loadout, gloves deserve consideration before that third expensive rifle skin."

Important Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. Opening cases involves financial risk with negative expected value. Only spend money you can afford to lose. For help with gambling-related issues, visit BeGambleAware.org.

Last updated: December 2025