CS2 Name Tags Guide

Complete guide to Counter-Strike 2 Name Tags. Learn how to rename your weapon skins, discover creative naming ideas, understand character restrictions, see how names affect skin value, and explore the history of weapon naming in CS.

Last Updated: January 2026
$1.99
Name Tag Cost
20
Character Limit
1
Use Per Tag
Free
Removal Cost

What are Name Tags in CS2?

Name Tags are consumable items in Counter-Strike 2 that allow you to give any weapon skin a custom name of your choice. Once applied, your custom name replaces the default weapon name and appears when you or other players inspect the weapon in-game, on the scoreboard, and on the Steam Community Market.

Name Tags have been part of Counter-Strike since CS:GO's early days, giving players a way to personalize their favorite weapon skins beyond just the skin itself. According to Steam Support documentation, Name Tags are single-use items that can be applied to any tradeable weapon in your inventory.

🏷️

How Named Weapons Appear

When you inspect a named weapon, the custom name appears prominently instead of the default weapon name. Other players see your custom name on the kill feed, when spectating you, and when viewing the weapon on the Steam Market.

AK-47 | Redline
"The Reckoning"

Key Characteristics

  • Single-use: Each Name Tag can only be used once - it's consumed when applied
  • Permanent until removed: The name stays on the weapon until you choose to remove it
  • Free removal: You can remove a name at any time for free, but the Name Tag is not returned
  • Visible to all: Your custom name is visible to other players in-game and on the market
  • Works on any tradeable weapon: Can be applied to any weapon skin in your inventory
  • Transfers with trades: The name stays on the weapon when traded or sold

Name Tags vs Stickers

While stickers add visual decoration to weapons, Name Tags add text-based personalization. You can combine both - a weapon can have stickers AND a custom name. Unlike stickers which can add value (especially rare tournament stickers), Name Tags generally don't add value and may slightly reduce it for resale purposes.

How to Use Name Tags

Applying a Name Tag to your weapon is straightforward. Here's the step-by-step process.

Acquiring Name Tags

You can get Name Tags through several methods:

  • In-game store: Purchase directly for $1.99 USD
  • Steam Community Market: Buy from other players (prices fluctuate)
  • Trading: Trade with other players
  • Random drops: Very rare drop from gameplay (Prime players only)

Applying a Name Tag

  1. Open Your Inventory

    Launch CS2 and navigate to your inventory. Find the Name Tag item in your inventory.

  2. Right-click the Name Tag

    Right-click on the Name Tag and select "Use With..." from the context menu.

  3. Select Your Weapon

    Choose the weapon skin you want to name from your inventory. Any tradeable weapon is eligible.

  4. Enter Your Custom Name

    Type your desired name (up to 20 characters). The preview shows how it will appear.

  5. Confirm the Application

    Click confirm to apply the name. The Name Tag is consumed and cannot be recovered.

Removing a Name

To remove a custom name from your weapon:

  • Right-click the weapon in your inventory
  • Select "Remove Name Tag"
  • Confirm removal - the weapon returns to its default name
  • Note: The Name Tag is destroyed, not returned

Name Tags are Permanent

Once you apply a Name Tag, you cannot change the name without removing it first and using a new Name Tag. Think carefully before confirming. Preview your name multiple times to check for typos, as there's no edit function.

Character Limits & Restrictions

Name Tags have specific limitations on what you can use for your custom weapon names.

Restriction Details
Character Limit Maximum 20 characters including spaces
Allowed Characters Letters, numbers, spaces, basic punctuation
Case Sensitivity Uppercase and lowercase letters are preserved
Special Characters Limited - many symbols are blocked
Profanity Filter Offensive words and phrases are blocked
Trademark Names Some brand names may be restricted

Content Moderation

Valve implements content filters on Name Tags to prevent inappropriate names. According to Steam's Subscriber Agreement, content that is offensive, harassing, or violates community standards is prohibited. This includes:

  • Profanity and vulgar language
  • Hate speech or discriminatory terms
  • References to illegal activities
  • Impersonation of other players or organizations
  • Scam-related text (fake trading URLs, etc.)

If your desired name is blocked, try rephrasing or using different wording. Some creative workarounds exist, but attempting to bypass filters with offensive intent can result in account penalties.

Unicode and Special Characters

While basic ASCII characters work, many Unicode symbols and special characters are not supported. Emoji, for example, cannot be used in weapon names. Stick to standard letters, numbers, and common punctuation marks for reliable results.

Creative Naming Ideas

The 20-character limit forces creativity. Here are popular naming conventions and ideas to inspire your weapon names.

🎭 Pop Culture References

  • "Widow's Kiss"
  • "Sting"
  • "Mjolnir"
  • "Excalibur"
  • "The Boomstick"

💀 Intimidating Names

  • "Headache"
  • "Last Words"
  • "The Silencer"
  • "Regret"
  • "Problem Solver"

😂 Humorous Names

  • "Spray N Pray"
  • "My Rent Money"
  • "Oops"
  • "Aim Assist"
  • "Luck > Skill"

🎯 Weapon-Specific Puns

  • AWP: "One Tap Wonder"
  • Deagle: "Hand Cannon"
  • AK-47: "The Tapper"
  • M4A4: "Spray Control"
  • Knife: "Close Talker"

🌟 Personal Touch

  • Your gamertag + number
  • Date of special moment
  • Team or clan name
  • Lucky number/phrase
  • Memorable quote

🎵 Music References

  • "Thunderstruck"
  • "Bang Bang"
  • "The Kill"
  • "Sound of Silence"
  • "Shots Fired"

Tips for Good Names

  • Keep it concise: Shorter names are often more impactful
  • Consider the weapon: Match the name to the weapon type (sniper names for AWP, etc.)
  • Think about visibility: Names show in kill feed - consider how it reads mid-game
  • Avoid dated references: Meme names can feel outdated quickly
  • Preview before confirming: Check for typos and awkward spacing

For more on personalizing your CS2 experience, see our Skin Patterns Guide for another layer of customization through pattern selection.

Pro Player Weapon Names

Many professional CS2 players use Name Tags on their weapons, creating iconic names recognized throughout the community. Following pro players' naming choices is a popular way to find inspiration. For more on pro player gear, see our Pro Player Skins Guide.

Iconic Pro Player Weapon Names

Some weapon names used by professional players have become legendary. According to HLTV coverage of pro player inventories:

s1mple
"The Undertaker"
ZywOo
"Vita"
device
"The Magician"
NiKo
"The Butcher"
Twistzz
"Twisted"
ropz
"Ez4ence"

Pro Names Add Context

When pros name their weapons, those names become part of broadcast moments. Commentators sometimes reference weapon names during big plays, adding another layer to memorable tournament moments. This has made some pro weapon names part of CS2 esports history.

Impact on Skin Value

Understanding how Name Tags affect skin value is important for traders and collectors. The impact varies depending on the context.

Generally Negative Impact

Most buyers prefer skins without custom names. They want to either keep the default name or apply their own. Named skins often sell for slightly less because the buyer may need to pay $1.99 to rename it themselves.

Neutral Cases

Generic or inoffensive names have minimal impact. Names that complement the skin (like naming an "Asiimov" something futuristic) may be accepted without discount requests.

Rare Positive Cases

Exceptionally creative names on high-tier skins can occasionally attract collectors seeking novelty. Famous pro player weapons with their original names can actually add value as collectibles.

Trading Considerations

Scenario Value Impact Recommendation
Planning to sell soon Negative (-5-10%) Don't apply Name Tag or remove it before listing
Personal use weapon Not applicable Name it however you like
Offensive name Very negative Remove immediately - may affect sale ability
Pro player's named weapon Potentially positive Keep original name - collector value

For detailed information on skin value factors, see our Float Values Guide and Skin Trading Guide.

Market Listing Visibility

Custom names appear on Steam Market listings. A poorly chosen name can make your listing less appealing or even cause it to be reported. Before selling, consider removing any questionable names. Use our Market Fee Calculator to understand the full economics of selling.

Name Tag History

Name Tags have been part of Counter-Strike's cosmetic ecosystem since the early days of CS:GO's skin economy.

Timeline

  • August 2013: Name Tags introduced alongside the Arms Deal update that launched CS:GO's skin system
  • Original price: $1.99 USD - unchanged since launch
  • CS2 transition (2023): Name Tags carried over seamlessly to Counter-Strike 2
  • Current status: Still available at original price, functioning identically

Community Culture

Name Tags have created their own sub-culture within CS:

  • Communities share and vote on creative names
  • Subreddits dedicated to weapon naming ideas
  • Streamers and YouTubers showcase unique name collections
  • Tournament broadcasts occasionally highlight pro player weapon names

For more on CS2's cosmetic history, see our Case History Guide which covers the evolution of the skin ecosystem.

Best Practices

Get the most out of your Name Tags with these recommendations.

🎯 Name High-Value Weapons

Apply Name Tags to weapons you use most and plan to keep. Your main AWP or AK is worth naming; rarely-used weapons aren't.

✏️ Preview Thoroughly

Use the preview function multiple times. Check spelling, spacing, and how the name looks at different lengths. Typos are permanent.

⏰ Don't Rush

Think about your name for a day before applying. What seems clever now might feel dated or cringeworthy later.

💰 Consider Resale

If you might sell the weapon later, remember that most buyers prefer unnamed skins. Factor in the potential value loss.

🔒 Keep It Clean

Avoid anything that could be considered offensive. Besides being inappropriate, it can hurt resale value and potentially violate ToS.

🎨 Match the Skin

Consider names that complement the skin's theme. A "Hyper Beast" might suit a wild name; an "Asiimov" fits futuristic themes.

When NOT to Use Name Tags

  • Investment skins: If you're holding skins for resale, keep them unnamed
  • Trade fodder: Weapons you plan to trade shouldn't be named
  • Low-value skins: Spending $1.99 on a $0.50 skin isn't economical
  • Before tournaments: Some leagues have restrictions on visible text

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Name Tag in CS2?

A Name Tag is a consumable item in CS2 that allows you to give any weapon skin a custom name of your choice. Once applied, the custom name appears instead of the default weapon name when you inspect the weapon in-game, on the Steam Community Market, and visible to other players.

How much do Name Tags cost?

Name Tags cost $1.99 USD when purchased directly from the in-game store. They can also be bought from the Steam Community Market where prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, sometimes slightly below or above the official price.

Can you remove a Name Tag from a weapon?

Yes, you can remove a Name Tag from a weapon at any time for free. However, removing it destroys the name - it doesn't return a Name Tag item to your inventory. If you want to rename the weapon again, you'll need to use a new Name Tag.

Do Name Tags affect weapon skin value?

Name Tags generally have a neutral to slightly negative effect on skin value. Most buyers prefer skins without custom names since they can personalize it themselves. However, exceptionally clever or famous names on rare skins can occasionally add novelty value to certain collectors.

How many characters can a weapon name have?

Weapon names can be up to 20 characters long, including spaces. This limit encourages concise, creative names rather than lengthy descriptions.

Can I change a weapon's name after applying it?

No, you cannot directly edit a weapon's name. To change it, you must first remove the current name (which is free but destroys the name) and then apply a new Name Tag ($1.99). There's no way to modify existing names.

Do names transfer when I trade a weapon?

Yes, the custom name stays on the weapon when it's traded or sold on the Steam Market. The new owner receives the weapon with your name still applied. They can choose to remove it for free if they don't want it.

Can I use any name I want?

No, there are restrictions. Valve implements content filters that block profanity, hate speech, and other inappropriate content. Some special characters and Unicode symbols are also not supported. Standard letters, numbers, and basic punctuation work best.

Are Name Tags visible to other players?

Yes, other players can see your custom weapon name in several ways: when spectating you, in the kill feed when you get a kill, when inspecting your weapon, and when viewing the item on the Steam Market. The name is publicly visible.

Related CS2 Guides & Tools

Explore more CS2 educational content:

Final Perspective:

"Name Tags are one of the most personal forms of CS2 customization. Unlike skins that thousands of players might own, your weapon name is unique to you. The 20-character limit forces creativity - you can't write an essay, you have to distill your message into something punchy and memorable. The best weapon names are like good usernames: they tell a story, make people smile, or create a moment when they show up in the kill feed. Just remember that $1.99 adds up if you're renaming everything, and most buyers prefer blank canvases. Name the weapons you love and plan to keep, and make those names count."

Important Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. Name Tags cost real money and are consumed on use. Consider your purchases carefully. For help with spending concerns, visit BeGambleAware.org.

Last updated: January 2026