CS2 Operations Guide
Complete guide to CS:GO and CS2 Operations - the major content releases that shaped Counter-Strike history. Learn what Operations are, explore the complete history of all 11 Operations, understand exclusive rewards, Operation coins, missions, and whether Operations represent good value.
Table of Contents
What Are Operations?
Operations are the largest content releases in Counter-Strike history. First introduced in 2013, Operations represent Valve's approach to seasonal content - major updates that bring new maps, missions, exclusive cosmetics, and gameplay features for a limited time period.
Unlike regular updates, Operations require purchasing an Operation Pass to access the full experience. Pass holders gain access to exclusive missions, unique rewards, and the ability to earn an Operation Coin that commemorates their participation. According to Valve's official CS:GO/CS2 announcements, Operations were designed to bring "fresh content and new challenges" to the Counter-Strike community.
Operations vs. Regular Updates
While Valve regularly updates CS2 with balance changes, bug fixes, and occasional content, Operations represent a fundamentally different scale. A typical Operation includes 5-10 new maps, dozens of missions, new weapon skins, and often introduces entirely new mechanics like co-op missions or agent customization. The last Operation (Riptide) ran for approximately 5 months before its content became permanently unavailable.
Complete Operation History
Counter-Strike has seen 11 official Operations since 2013. Each brought unique content and innovations that shaped the game's evolution. Here's the complete timeline documented by Liquipedia's comprehensive Counter-Strike portal:
Operation Payback April - August 2013
The first-ever Operation. Payback focused on supporting community map creators, featuring maps like Seaside, Downtown, and Library. Pass holders received exclusive weapon case drops.
Operation Bravo September 2013 - February 2014
Introduced the Bravo Case and new maps including Cache (which would become a tournament staple). Extended the community map support concept with refined rewards.
Operation Phoenix February - June 2014
Brought back popular maps from Payback and Bravo alongside new selections. The Phoenix Case introduced iconic skins that remain valuable today.
Operation Breakout July - October 2014
First Operation with missions. Players completed objectives for XP and drops, fundamentally changing how Operations worked. Introduced the mission system that would define future Operations.
Operation Vanguard November 2014 - March 2015
Expanded the mission system with campaigns. Multiple mission tracks offered varied challenges. Introduced the concept of purchasing additional mission access.
Operation Bloodhound May - October 2015
Featured Falchion and Shadow Cases. Introduced the Profile Rank system that persists today. Missions offered significant XP progression and exclusive drops.
Operation Wildfire February - July 2016
Major evolution with co-op Strike missions. Players could team up for special PvE challenges. The Wildfire Case brought new knife finishes and popular skins.
Operation Hydra May - November 2017
Introduced War Games mode with unique gameplay modifiers. Featured Guardian co-op missions and Weapons Expert competitive mode. The longest gap before the next Operation would follow.
Operation Shattered Web November 2019 - March 2020
After a 2+ year gap, Shattered Web revolutionized Operations. First to introduce Agent skins, allowing character customization. Star-based progression and the modern coin system debuted here.
Operation Broken Fang December 2020 - May 2021
Built on Shattered Web's foundation with refined rewards. Introduced Retakes as a permanent mode. Featured the Broken Fang Case and Premier-style competitive play.
Operation Riptide September 2021 - February 2022
The most recent Operation and last before CS2. Introduced short matches, updated Agent models, and the Riptide Case. Featured mission cards and extensive challenges.
How Operation Passes Work
Operation Passes are purchased access tokens that unlock the full Operation experience. While anyone can play on Operation maps during an active Operation, only pass holders receive the complete benefits.
What Pass Holders Get
📋 Mission Access
Complete exclusive missions to earn stars, XP, and item drops. Missions range from simple kills to complex objective-based challenges.
🎖️ Operation Coin
Earn an exclusive coin that upgrades through tiers as you complete stars. Your permanent badge of Operation participation.
📦 Exclusive Drops
Operation-exclusive cases and collection skins drop only for pass holders. These items often become valuable after Operations end.
⭐ Star Rewards
Earn stars from missions to claim specific rewards from the Operation shop. Choose exactly what items you want to unlock.
Pass Pricing History
| Operation Era | Price | Duration | Approx. Value/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payback - Vanguard (2013-2015) | $5.99 | 4-5 months | ~$1.20-$1.50 |
| Bloodhound - Hydra (2015-2017) | $5.99 | 5-6 months | ~$1.00-$1.20 |
| Shattered Web (2019-2020) | $14.99 | 4 months | ~$3.75 |
| Broken Fang - Riptide (2020-2022) | $14.99 | 5-6 months | ~$2.50-$3.00 |
The price increase with Shattered Web reflected the significantly expanded rewards, including Agent skins worth substantially more than older Operation drops. For analysis of skin values and expected returns, use our calculation tools.
Operation Coins & Tiers
Operation Coins are non-tradeable commemorative items that display on your CS2 profile. They represent your participation in a specific Operation and can be upgraded through gameplay.
Coin Tier System
Bronze
Received automatically upon buying the Operation Pass
Silver
Upgraded through mission completion and challenges
Gold
Requires significant time investment
Diamond
Maximum achievement, requires completing all content
Coin Display Value
Diamond coins are relatively rare since they require completing nearly every mission in an Operation. On your profile, the coin tier immediately signals to other players how dedicated you were during that Operation. Many collectors value having Diamond coins from older Operations as a sign of veteran status.
Star Requirements by Operation
Different Operations had varying star requirements for coin upgrades. The modern system (Shattered Web onwards) standardized at 33/66/100 stars for Silver/Gold/Diamond respectively. Earlier Operations used different metrics like mission completions or campaign progress.
Exclusive Operation Rewards
Operations introduced numerous exclusive items that cannot be obtained once the Operation ends. Understanding these categories helps assess the value of Operation participation.
Types of Operation-Exclusive Content
Agent Skins (Shattered Web onwards)
Operation-exclusive Agent skins allow full character model customization. These range from Distinguished to Master tier and often become valuable due to their limited availability. The Shattered Web agents like "1st Lieutenant Farlow" remain sought after years later.
Operation Cases
Each Operation released 1-2 exclusive weapon cases. Unlike regular cases that continue dropping, Operation cases only drop during their active period. Post-Operation, these cases must be purchased from other players, often at premium prices. Understanding case odds helps evaluate whether opening Operation cases makes sense.
Collection Skins
Many Operations introduced exclusive weapon collections tied to specific maps. These skins drop only for Operation pass holders and cannot be unboxed from cases. Their rarity makes high-tier collection skins (Classified and Covert) particularly valuable. See our skin rarity tiers guide for tier details.
Patches & Stickers
Operation-themed patches and stickers were often rewards for specific achievements. These cosmetics allow players to customize agents and weapons with Operation-specific branding.
Nostalgia Factor
Operation items carry significant nostalgia value for veteran players. Owning a Hydra Operation coin or Shattered Web agent signals you were playing during those eras. This sentimental value drives some market prices beyond pure utility - collectors pay premiums for items representing Counter-Strike history.
Notable Operations in Detail
Some Operations stand out for their innovations, rewards, or community impact. Here's a deeper look at the most significant Operations:
🌊 Operation Shattered Web (2019-2020)
Shattered Web marked a fundamental evolution after a 2+ year content drought. It introduced:
- Agent Skins: First-ever character model customization in Counter-Strike
- Star System: Earn stars from missions to claim specific rewards
- Shop Selection: Choose exactly which items to unlock, rather than random drops
- Extended Duration: More time to complete all content
The $14.99 price point was controversial but reflected the significantly expanded content. Many Shattered Web agents remain valuable, with Master-tier agents like "Special Agent Ava" commanding substantial prices on the Steam Community Market.
🦴 Operation Broken Fang (2020-2021)
Built on Shattered Web's foundation with key refinements:
- Retakes Mode: Now a permanent game mode, originally debuted here
- Ancient Map: New competitive map added to the pool
- Premier Mode Preview: Early version of ranked competitive play
- Refined Star Economy: More balanced reward distribution
Broken Fang demonstrated Valve's commitment to using Operations to test features that would become permanent additions to the game.
🌀 Operation Riptide (2021-2022)
The final CS:GO Operation before CS2's announcement:
- Short Matches: Faster competitive format for time-limited players
- Mission Cards: New mission presentation system
- Updated Agents: Refined character models and new options
- Last CS:GO Content: Historical significance as the era's finale
Riptide items carry particular collector value as the last Operation before Counter-Strike's generational shift to CS2.
Operations as Investment
Operation items have historically appreciated in value after Operations end. However, investment involves risk and past performance doesn't guarantee future returns.
Why Operation Items Appreciate
- Fixed Supply: Once an Operation ends, no new items are created
- Ongoing Demand: New players want items they missed
- Collector Interest: Completionists seek full sets
- Nostalgia Premium: Veterans pay for era-specific items
Investment Considerations
| Item Type | Typical Appreciation | Risk Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Cases | Moderate-High | Medium | Depends on skin desirability |
| Master Agents | High | Low-Medium | Rarity drives consistent demand |
| Covert Skins | Moderate | Medium | Float value matters significantly |
| Low-Tier Items | Low | High | High supply limits growth |
For tracking potential investments, use our Collection Value Calculator and Investment Tracker tools.
Important Investment Disclaimer
CS2 items are not financial investments. Prices fluctuate based on game popularity, Valve decisions, and market conditions. Only invest money you can afford to lose. Past Operation item appreciation does not guarantee future returns. For more on responsible spending, see BeGambleAware.
Will There Be More Operations?
The future of CS2 Operations remains uncertain. Valve has not announced any Operations since Riptide ended in February 2022, and CS2's launch introduced alternative content systems.
Current Alternatives to Operations
CS2 has introduced systems that fulfill some Operation functions:
- Armory System: Provides battle pass-style progression and rewards
- Regular Updates: Ongoing content additions without Operation framework
- Major Championships: Tournament content with viewer drops
Arguments For Future Operations
- Operations generated significant revenue for Valve
- Community engagement peaked during Operation periods
- Operations tested features that became permanent (Retakes, Premier)
- Agent customization system exists and could expand
Arguments Against
- Armory system provides similar progression structure
- No Operations announced since CS2 launch
- Development resources may focus on core gameplay
- Market saturation with existing cosmetic systems
Community Speculation
According to discussions on Reddit's GlobalOffensive community, many players hope for CS2 Operations to return, potentially with enhanced features leveraging the Source 2 engine. However, Valve has not confirmed any plans, and speculation should be treated as such.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CS2/CSGO Operation?
A CS2/CSGO Operation is a major content release from Valve that includes new maps, missions, exclusive rewards, and cosmetic items. Operations typically run for several months and require purchasing an Operation Pass to access all features. They represent the largest content drops in Counter-Strike history, introducing everything from new game modes to character customization.
How many CSGO Operations have there been?
There have been 11 major Operations in CS:GO/CS2 history: Operation Payback (2013), Bravo (2013), Phoenix (2014), Breakout (2014), Vanguard (2014), Bloodhound (2015), Wildfire (2016), Hydra (2017), Shattered Web (2019), Broken Fang (2020), and Riptide (2021). Each brought unique content and innovations to the game.
What do you get from an Operation Pass?
An Operation Pass typically includes access to exclusive missions, a unique Operation coin that can be upgraded through stars, exclusive weapon skins and cases, new playable maps, agent skins (in later Operations), and various cosmetic rewards. The specific rewards vary by Operation, but pass holders always receive significantly more content than non-pass players.
Can you still get old Operation rewards?
No, Operation rewards are exclusive to their specific Operation period. Once an Operation ends, the unique coins, agents, and exclusive items cannot be obtained through normal means. However, many Operation skins can still be purchased on the Steam Community Market from other players, often at premium prices reflecting their limited availability.
Are Operation coins tradeable?
No, Operation coins are not tradeable or marketable. They are permanent display items tied to your account that show your participation and achievement level in that specific Operation. The coin tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond) reflects how many stars you earned during the Operation.
Will there be more CS2 Operations?
Valve has not officially announced future CS2 Operations. The last Operation (Riptide) ended in February 2022, before CS2 was announced. The CS2 Armory system appears to be providing some Operation-like features, but Valve may still release Operations in the future as major content events. The community continues to speculate about potential returns.
Were Operations worth buying?
For active players, Operations generally provided good value. At $5.99-$14.99, pass holders received exclusive content, ongoing challenges, and items that often appreciated in value after Operations ended. The entertainment value of missions and exclusive access typically exceeded the pass cost for players who engaged regularly with Operation content.
What made Operation Shattered Web special?
Shattered Web (2019-2020) revolutionized Operations by introducing Agent skins (character model customization), the star-based reward system, and a curated shop where players chose exactly which items to unlock. It set the template for modern Operations after a 2+ year gap since Hydra, representing a fundamental evolution in how Valve approached seasonal content.
Do Operation cases still drop?
Operation cases only drop during their active Operation period. After an Operation ends, those cases stop dropping and can only be acquired by purchasing them from other players on the Steam Community Market. This limited supply is why Operation cases often appreciate in value over time.
Last updated: December 2025