CS2 Pins Guide
Complete guide to Counter-Strike 2 collectible pins. Learn about all pin series, the difference between Genuine and Community pins, how to acquire them, rarity tiers, Major tournament pins, and what makes certain pins valuable to collectors.
What are Pins in CS2?
Pins are collectible cosmetic items in Counter-Strike 2 that represent small, enamel-style decorative pins similar to real-world collector pins or lapel badges. Unlike stickers (which apply to weapons) or patches (which apply to agents), pins exist as standalone collectible items displayed on your CS2 profile and visible to other players during matches.
Pins were first introduced to CS:GO in 2015 at gaming events and through physical merchandise. They became one of the earliest "real-world to virtual" crossover items in Counter-Strike, where physical pin products sold at events came with codes redeemable for in-game versions. According to Liquipedia's cosmetics documentation, pins represent a unique collectible category in the CS ecosystem.
How Pins Appear In-Game
Pins are displayed on your CS2 profile and can be shown during matches. They appear as small, detailed enamel-style badges with CS-themed designs. Other players can see your equipped pin, making them a way to showcase your collection or commemorate events you attended.
Key Pin Characteristics
- Standalone collectibles: Pins aren't applied to other items - they exist as their own inventory items
- Profile display: Your equipped pin shows on your CS2 profile and during gameplay
- Two quality types: Genuine (from physical merchandise) and Community (from capsules)
- Tradeable: Pins can be bought, sold, and traded on the Steam Community Market
- Limited availability: Many pins come from discontinued sources, increasing rarity over time
- Event commemoration: Pins often mark Major tournaments, gaming events, or special occasions
Physical Origins
CS2 pins are unique because many originate from physical merchandise. Valve sold real enamel pins at events like Major tournaments, and each physical pin came with a code for an in-game "Genuine" version. This real-world connection adds collectible value that purely digital items don't have. The physical pins themselves are also collectible outside of the game.
Genuine vs Community Pins
Understanding the difference between Genuine and Community quality pins is essential for collectors and traders, as it significantly impacts value.
Genuine Pins
- Source: Redeemed from codes in physical merchandise
- Quality Tag: Has special "Genuine" quality designation
- Rarity: Limited by physical production quantities
- Value: Significantly higher due to scarcity
- Availability: Cannot be obtained from capsules
- Market Display: Shows green "Genuine" text
Community Pins
- Source: Obtained from in-game Pin Capsules
- Quality Tag: Standard quality (no special tag)
- Rarity: Based on capsule drop rates
- Value: Lower than Genuine counterparts
- Availability: Can be unboxed from capsules
- Market Display: Standard item display
Why Genuine Pins Are More Valuable
Genuine pins command premium prices because of their limited supply. When Valve sold physical pin packs at events, only a fixed number were produced. Once those codes were all redeemed, no more Genuine versions of that pin could ever enter the market. This creates true scarcity, unlike capsule items which can theoretically continue being unboxed. For insights on how scarcity affects value, see our Skin Investment Guide.
| Factor | Genuine | Community |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Physical merchandise codes | In-game Pin Capsules |
| Supply | Fixed (no new ones possible) | Unlimited (capsules available) |
| Quality Tag | Green "Genuine" label | No special label |
| Price Premium | 2x-10x Community version | Base market price |
| Collector Appeal | Very high (event commemoration) | Moderate (design appeal) |
Verify Genuine Quality
When buying pins, always verify you're getting the quality you expect. Genuine pins have a distinct "Genuine" quality tag visible in the Steam Market listing and inventory. Don't pay Genuine prices for Community pins by accident. Check the item's quality carefully before purchasing - scammers may try to list Community pins at Genuine prices.
Pin Series & Collections
CS2 pins are organized into series released at different times, often coinciding with Major tournaments or gaming events. Each series features themed designs that capture different aspects of Counter-Strike culture.
📦 Series 1 Pins
- First pin collection released (2015)
- Classic CS iconography
- Includes Guardian, Tactics, Victory pins
- Most valuable due to age and scarcity
- Physical versions sold at ESL events
📦 Series 2 Pins
- Released in 2016
- Expanded design themes
- Includes Aces High, Hydra, Nuke pins
- More widely distributed
- Popular with collectors
📦 Series 3 Pins
- Released in 2017
- New design directions
- Includes Inferno, Canals pins
- Available at Major events
- Mix of map and theme designs
🏆 Major Tournament Pins
- Released for specific Major championships
- Commemorate tournament host cities/themes
- Limited to event attendees (physical)
- Highly collectible for fans
- Document esports history
Pin Design Categories
🗺️ Map-Themed
Pins featuring iconic CS2 maps like Dust2, Inferno, Mirage, and Nuke. Popular with players who have favorite maps.
🎖️ Military/Tactical
Designs featuring CT and T iconography, weapons, tactical gear, and military-style emblems.
🏆 Tournament
Pins commemorating Major championships, esports events, and competitive milestones.
🎨 Artistic
Creative designs featuring abstract art, mascots, and unique visual concepts.
For more on CS2's item collections and series, see our Weapon Collections Guide which covers how Valve organizes cosmetic releases.
Rarity Tiers
Pins use a rarity tier system similar to other CS2 cosmetics, determining drop rates from capsules and influencing market prices. For a complete overview of CS2's rarity systems, see our Skin Rarity Tiers Guide.
Drop Probability from Pin Capsules
When opening Pin Capsules, the probability of receiving each rarity tier follows patterns similar to other CS2 capsules:
| Rarity | Color | Approximate Odds | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Grade | Blue | ~80% | $1 - $10 |
| Remarkable | Purple | ~16% | $5 - $30 |
| Exotic | Pink | ~3.5% | $20 - $100 |
| Extraordinary | Gold | ~0.5% | $100 - $500+ |
These are approximate rates for Community pins from capsules. Genuine pins don't follow drop rates since they come from physical merchandise codes. For detailed probability calculations, see our Case Odds Explained guide.
How to Get Pins
There are several ways to acquire pins in CS2, each with different implications for quality and price.
Acquisition Methods
| Method | Quality Available | Price Expectation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Capsules (In-Game) | Community | $1-5 per capsule | Random pins; gambling element |
| Steam Community Market | Both Genuine & Community | Varies by pin | Buy specific pins directly |
| Physical Merchandise | Genuine (via code) | $10-50+ per pin pack | Limited availability; event-specific |
| Trading | Both | Negotiated | No Steam fees; requires trust |
Best Practices by Goal
🎯 Want Specific Pin
Buy directly from Steam Market. Capsules are gambling and unlikely to give you the exact pin you want. Direct purchase is almost always more cost-effective.
💎 Want Genuine Quality
Search Steam Market for "Genuine" tagged pins. Be prepared to pay premium prices. Verify quality before purchase.
🎰 Want the Experience
Open Pin Capsules for the unboxing experience. Set a budget and stick to it. Expect negative ROI overall.
📈 Want Investment
Focus on Genuine pins from discontinued series. Older, rarer pins tend to appreciate. Research before buying.
The same economics principles from our Case ROI Calculator apply to Pin Capsules - expect negative expected value when unboxing.
Pin History & Timeline
CS2 pins have an interesting history tied to the evolution of CS:GO's cosmetic ecosystem and esports growth.
Series 1 Release
First CS:GO pins introduced at ESL One Cologne. Physical blind box pin packs sold at the event, each containing a random pin plus a code for the Genuine in-game version. This established the physical-to-virtual crossover model.
Series 2 & Capsules
Series 2 pins released with new designs. Pin Capsules introduced in-game, allowing players to obtain Community versions without physical merchandise. This made pins more accessible but created the Genuine/Community value split.
Series 3 & Expansion
Series 3 brought map-themed pins including Inferno and other iconic locations. Major tournament pins became more elaborate, commemorating specific championship events.
Continued Releases
Various pin releases tied to Major tournaments and events. Physical merchandise continued at events, maintaining the Genuine pin supply for collectors. Some series became discontinued, increasing rarity.
CS2 Era
With the transition to Counter-Strike 2, existing pins carried over. The pin system remains intact, though new physical merchandise releases depend on event schedules and Valve's plans.
For more on CS2's evolution, see our Case History Guide which covers the broader timeline of CS cosmetics.
Value Factors
Understanding what makes pins valuable helps collectors make informed decisions and traders identify opportunities.
Primary Value Drivers
| Factor | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quality (Genuine vs Community) | Very High | Genuine pins worth 2x-10x Community versions |
| Rarity Tier | High | Extraordinary > Exotic > Remarkable > High Grade |
| Series Age | High | Older series (especially Series 1) command premiums |
| Design Appeal | Medium-High | Popular designs (maps, iconic symbols) sell faster |
| Event Association | Medium-High | Major tournament pins have historic value |
| Supply Scarcity | High | Discontinued sources = fixed supply = appreciation |
Market Dynamics
Pin prices are influenced by several factors beyond raw rarity:
- Physical merchandise availability: When Valve releases new physical pins at events, supply of Genuine versions increases temporarily
- Major tournament cycles: Demand for event-specific pins spikes around Major championships
- Nostalgia factor: Older pins from the early CS:GO era attract collectors seeking "OG" items
- Cross-collectible appeal: Players who collect physical pins often want matching in-game versions
- Streamer influence: Pins shown by popular streamers can see temporary demand spikes
For broader market understanding, our Skin Trading Guide covers Steam Market mechanics that apply to pins as well.
Notable & Valuable Pins
Some pins have become particularly sought-after by collectors due to their design, rarity, or historical significance.
Guardian Elite Pin
ExtraordinaryOne of the most valuable pins in CS2. The Extraordinary rarity combined with the appealing Guardian design makes this highly sought after. Genuine versions are particularly rare.
Howl Pin
ExoticFeatures the iconic Howl design that's also famous from the contraband M4A4 Howl. The pin's connection to CS history makes it desirable.
Victory Pin
GenuineA Series 1 classic featuring the iconic victory salute. Genuine versions from original ESL events are collectible pieces of CS:GO history.
Inferno Pin
RemarkableMap-themed pin featuring the beloved Inferno map. Popular with players who consider Inferno their home turf. Clean design with wide appeal.
What Makes a Pin "Notable"
- Historical significance: First-series pins, Major championship commemoratives
- Design quality: Clean, appealing artwork that displays well
- Cultural connection: Pins tied to famous skins, maps, or moments in CS history
- Scarcity: Low supply from discontinued physical merchandise
- Community recognition: Pins that the community considers prestigious to own
Collector Tips
Whether you're starting a pin collection or expanding an existing one, these tips can help you collect smarter.
Getting Started
🎯 Define Your Focus
Collect what appeals to you - map pins, tournament commemoratives, specific series, or only Genuine quality. Having focus prevents scattered buying.
📊 Research First
Before buying, research market prices, verify quality (Genuine vs Community), and check price history. Don't overpay due to ignorance.
💰 Set a Budget
Pins are collectibles, not necessities. Set realistic spending limits and stick to them. Expensive pins will always be there later.
⏰ Be Patient
Pin prices fluctuate. If a pin seems overpriced, wait. Market corrections happen, especially after event-driven spikes subside.
Advanced Collecting
- Complete sets: Collecting all pins from a specific series can have appeal beyond individual pin values
- Event attendance: If you attend Major events, buying physical pins gives you Genuine versions and real collectibles
- Price tracking: Monitor prices over time to identify buying opportunities during market dips
- Authentication: For expensive pins, always verify Genuine quality through Steam inventory inspection
- Long-term holding: Older pins from discontinued sources tend to appreciate as supply decreases
Pins as Investment
While some pins have appreciated significantly (especially Genuine Series 1 pins), treat pin collecting as a hobby, not a pure investment strategy. Values can be volatile, and there's no guarantee of appreciation. Collect pins you enjoy owning, and consider any value increase a bonus. For investment principles, see our Skin Investment Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pins in CS2?
Pins are collectible cosmetic items in CS2 that appear as small enamel-style badges displayed on your profile and visible during gameplay. They were introduced in 2015 and represent a unique category of collectibles separate from weapon skins, stickers, or patches. Pins can be obtained from capsules, physical merchandise, or the Steam Market.
What's the difference between Genuine and Community pins?
Genuine pins are obtained by redeeming codes from physical merchandise sold at events, and they have a special "Genuine" quality tag. Community pins are obtained from in-game Pin Capsules and don't have this designation. Genuine pins are typically worth 2-10x more than their Community counterparts due to their limited supply.
How do I get pins in CS2?
You can get pins by opening Pin Capsules purchased in-game (Community quality), buying specific pins from the Steam Community Market (both Genuine and Community), purchasing physical pin products at events that include codes (Genuine quality), or trading with other players.
Are CS2 pins valuable?
Many CS2 pins hold significant value, especially Genuine quality pins from discontinued physical merchandise and rare pins from older series. Some Extraordinary Genuine pins can be worth hundreds of dollars. However, common Community pins may only be worth a few dollars. Value depends on rarity tier, quality (Genuine vs Community), age, and design appeal.
Can I still get Genuine pins?
Genuine pins can only be obtained from physical merchandise codes. Since physical pins are sold at specific events in limited quantities, you'd need to either attend events where they're sold or buy existing Genuine pins from the Steam Market. Once all codes from a physical release are redeemed, no more Genuine versions can be created.
How many pin series are there?
There are multiple pin series including Series 1, 2, and 3, plus various Major tournament pins. The exact number depends on how you count special event releases. Each series contains multiple pins at different rarity tiers.
Where can I see my pins in-game?
Pins are displayed on your CS2 profile and can be equipped to show during matches. Other players can see your equipped pin. You can view your pin collection in your Steam inventory under CS2 items.
Should I open Pin Capsules or buy pins directly?
For specific pins, buying directly from the Steam Market is almost always more cost-effective than gambling on capsules. Capsules have negative expected value - you'll statistically spend more than the pins are worth. Only open capsules if you enjoy the unboxing experience and accept potential losses.
Do pins do anything in-game?
No, pins are purely cosmetic collectibles. They don't affect gameplay, don't provide advantages, and serve only as profile decoration and status symbols. Their value is entirely in their collectible nature and visual appeal.
Related CS2 Guides & Tools
Explore more CS2 educational content:
- Patches Guide - Cloth emblems for agent customization
- Sticker Capsules Guide - Weapon sticker collectibles
- Charms Guide - Weapon charm keychains
- Contraband Skins Guide - Rare discontinued skins
- Skin Rarity Tiers - How rarity systems work across CS2
- Skin Trading Guide - Market mechanics for all tradeable items
- Skin Investment Guide - Investment strategies for CS2 items
- Case Odds Explained - Understanding Valve's probability systems
- All CS2 Tools - Browse our complete toolkit
Final Perspective:
"CS2 pins occupy a unique space in the cosmetics ecosystem - they're the bridge between physical collectibles and digital items. The Genuine quality system creates true scarcity that's increasingly rare in gaming, where most items can be infinitely produced. For collectors, pins offer something special: a tangible connection to CS history, Major tournaments, and the early days of the game's cosmetic economy. Series 1 Genuine pins are particularly appealing because they represent CS:GO's first foray into physical merchandise crossovers. Whether you're collecting for nostalgia, investment potential, or simply because you love the designs, pins offer a collecting experience that's distinct from chasing rare knives or stickers. Just remember: the best collection is one you enjoy building, regardless of monetary value."
Important Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. Opening Pin Capsules involves financial risk with typically negative expected value. Only spend money you can afford to lose. For help with gambling-related issues, visit BeGambleAware.org.
Last updated: January 2026