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CS2 Damage Guide: Witness the Impact in Counter-Strike 2

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Have you ever wondered how much damage you’re dealing in Counter-Strike 2? Understanding damage in CS2 is crucial for improving your gameplay and taking down opponents effectively to win more games.

In this comprehensive Hellcase guide, we will explain how to see the damage you’ve dealt, uncover the principles of CS2 damage, understand the influence of armor on damage, and much more. Let’s dive in!

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Understanding Damage in CS2

Unleashing a hail of bullets onto your enemies in Counter-Strike 2 is always thrilling, but understanding the mechanics of in-game damage is what separates the novices from the veterans. 

In CS2, damage matters. Dealing as much damage as possible is what gets you wins. Each player starts a round with 100 health points, making damage a pivotal factor in achieving the prime objective — eliminating the enemy team. Your weapon of choice, its hit on the enemy, and the foe’s armor are all critical determinants of the damage inflicted.

There are several types of CS2 damage many players should know about, including:

  • Weapon damage

This is the kind of damage you deal to your virtual enemies by shooting them with guns you purchase from the in-game menu or by hitting them with a knife. 

  • Utility damage

HE grenades explode upon impact and can deal severe damage to players affected, while Molotovs and Incendiary grenades fire up the ground in areas of impact, dealing damage as well.

  • Fall damage

Fall damage is a mechanic that players experience when they fall from a significant height. The extent of the damage is contingent on the height of the fall and the velocity at which the player is falling. 

  • Team damage

The team damage, or friendly fire, is a type of CS2 damage that a player inflicts on their teammates, intentionally or by mistake, resulting in teammates losing health points. Friendly fire damage caused by HE grenades is reduced to 85%.

  • Bomb blast damage

The bomb blast damage, often deadly, is a type of damage you can receive if you stand too close to a planted C4 upon explosion.

Now that we’ve scratched the surface of damage in CS2, let’s delve into how you can monitor the harm you dish out during gameplay.

How to See Damage Dealt in CS2

Do you need to know how much damage you have done? We’ve got you covered. This kind of information is very valuable, as it can provide insights into your overall performance. There are a few ways to check damage in CS2, so you have options.

Option #1: Scoreboard

You can hit ‘Tab’ (default bind) to see the in-game scoreboard and check different stats that it displays, including how much damage you have dealt during the ongoing match in total. The number that indicates the damage done automatically updates at the end of each round.

Option #2: Top Board

Pay attention to the top of the screen in freeze time before the next round begins. If you’ve dealt at least a few damage points in the previous round, it will be displayed below the avatar of the enemy player you damaged right at the top of your screen.

If the number says “100”, it means that you took down the opponent on your own. The icons of skulls indicate the number of frags you and your teammates made during the previous round.

If the number says something like “90 in 3, ” you have dealt 90 points of damage in exactly 3 shots.

Option #3: Developer Console

After the end of the round, you can open the in-game Developer Console by hitting ‘~’ (default bind) to see how much damage you received and dealt.

Option #4: Chat

When you play CS2 matches on FaceIt, two numbers display in the chat after a round concludes: the damage you’ve done and the damage you’ve dealt to each opponent.

The Principles of CS2 Damage

Damage calculation in CS2 is a vital aspect of the game. Every weapon has a different damage output, so it’s essential to understand the specifics of each one. Good thing you 

Rifles, for example, are known for their high damage characteristics and are ideal for long-range engagements. 

Damage Calculation

When it comes to calculating damage in CS2, several factors come into play. The weapon you use, the distance to your target, and the spots you hit impact the amount of damage you inflict.

The extent of weapon damage is influenced by a range of factors, such as the weapon’s base damage, damage dropoff, the particular hitbox targeted, bullet penetration effects, armor penetration effects, and the server’s friendly fire settings if the target happens to be a teammate.

Headshots, for example, deal more damage than body shots or limb damage. Familiarizing yourself with these mechanics will help you maximize your damage output and secure more kills.

Armor’s Influence on Damage

Armor in CS2 significantly reduces the damage you receive. It can absorb a certain amount of damage, increasing your chances of survival in intense firefights.

Players wearing a Kevlar Vest, priced at $650, receive reduced damage from bullets and grenades, with the reduction percentage depending on the armor penetration capability of each weapon.

A helmet, which you can additionally purchase for $350, can save you from getting one-tapped in the head unless your head gets hit with an AK-47, Desert Eagle, SG 553, or any sniper rifle.

So long as the armor value stands above zero, the precise figure doesn’t make a difference — damage reduction stays exactly the same. Hence, a higher armor value doesn’t offer superior protection.

It’s essential to keep an eye on your armor’s condition and ensure it is properly maintained to reduce the impact of incoming damage. We will explore the armor penetration indexes of different weapons further.

Weapon Types and Their Damage Output

In the Counter-Strike series, weapons are at the heart of the action. Players use them to damage and take out enemy players. Every kill brings rewards, opens up tactical advantages, and inches the team closer to the sweet victory of a team elimination round.


There are several weapon types in CS2, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. We will list all weapons featured in CS2 and indicate only their base damage, as the final damage output is affected by many factors. Also, the tables feature the prices of weapons and their armor penetration indexes.

Pistols

Pistols are usually weaker than primary weapons with fewer bullets, but they are accurate, have little recoil rate, and reload quickly.

PistolsPriceDamageArmorPenetration
Desert Eagle$7005393.20%
R8 Revolver$6008693.20%
Dual Berettas$3003857.50%
Five-SeveN$5003291.15%
Glock-18$2003047.00%
P2000$2003550.50%
USP-S$2003550.50%
P250$3003864.00%
CZ75 Auto$5003177.65%
Tec-9$5003390.60%

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Shotguns

Shotguns are powerful close-range weapons that fire multiple pellets with each shot. They are best to use in tight spaces and can deal significant damage to opponents at close range.

ShotgunsPriceDamageArmorPenetration
Mag-7$1,3003075.00%
Nova$1,0502650.00%
Sawed-Off$1,1003275.00%
XM1014$2,0002080.00%

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Submachine Guns (SMGs)

are compact firearms suitable for close to medium-range engagements. They usually have a high rate of fire and moderate damage, making them effective in fast-paced combat situations.

SMGsPriceDamageArmorPenetration
PP-Bizon$1,4002763.00%
MAC-10$1,0502957.50%
MP7$1,5002962.50%
MP5-SD$1,5002762.50%
MP9$1,2502660.00%
P90$2,3502669.00%
UMP-45$1,2003565.00%

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Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are versatile CS2 damage weapons that offer a good balance of accuracy, fire rate, and damage. They are ideal for medium to long-range engagements and are widely used by players in most situations.

Automatic RiflesPriceDamageArmorPenetration
AK-47$2,7003677.50%
AUG$3,3002890.00%
FAMAS$2,0503070.00%
Galil AR$1,8003077.50%
M4A4$3,1003370.00%
M4A1-S$2,9003870.00%
SG 553$3,00030100.00%

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Sniper Rifles

Sniper rifles are high-powered, long-range  CS2 damage weapons designed for precision shooting. They have a slow firing rate but deal massive damage, allowing skilled players to eliminate enemies from a distance.

Sniper RiflesPriceDamageArmorPenetration
AWP$4,75011597.50%
G3SG1$5,0008082.50%
SCAR-20$5,0008082.50%
SSG 08$1,7008885.00%

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Machine Guns

Machine guns are heavy-duty weapons with a high rate of fire and large magazine capacity. They are primarily used for suppression or providing continuous fire support.

LMGsPriceDamageArmorPenetration
M249$5,2003280.00%
Negev$1,7003571.00%

Overall, the different weapon types in CS2 offer players a range of options and playstyles, allowing for diverse strategies and tactics in the game. 

Utility Damage

CS2 also features various types of grenades, such as HE grenades, Molotovs, and Incendiary grenades. These can be used to create distractions, block lines of sight, or disorient opponents.


HE grenades can deal up to 98 points of damage to unarmored players and up to 72 points of damage to those who don’t have any armor. This utility type is perfect for softening enemies, removing injured players, and warding off potential ambushers. They can also be used to cause widespread chaos and to protect a specific zone against rival players.

Molotovs and Incendiary grenades cause flame that lasts for 7 seconds and starts with a damage of 1, escalating with each tick until it reaches a cap of 8. Beyond this threshold, it inflicts 40 damage per second with full armor penetration to anyone in contact. The damage will accumulate with multiple flames overlapping one another.

If you thought smoke grenades and flashbangs could not deal any damage, as their primary goals are to cut off sight and blind enemies, that’s not true! If a thrown grenade directly hits a player’s in-game model, it can finish off a wounded enemy

Understanding Hitboxes and Their Impact on Damage

A hitbox embodies the hit detection mechanism employed in the Counter-Strike series. Various regions correspond to distinct body areas like the head, chest and arms, stomach, and legs, each having a bearing on the damage inflicted by a shot.

The vest shields the hitbox’s chest, stomach, and arm regions, whereas the helmet safeguards the head. However, the legs remain unprotected at all times.

Hitbox Multipliers
LocationDamage
Head400%
Chest & arm100%
Stomach and back125%
Leg75%

Headshots and Critical Hits

Aiming for the head is a sure way to deal significant damage to your opponent. Headshots in CS2 result in a higher damage multiplier, often resulting in an instant kill with weapons like AK-47, Desert Eagle, and AUG.

All weapons in CS2, except M4A1-S (3.475x) and Desert Eagle (3.900x), have a headshot damage multiplier of 4.000x. So, if you want to find out how much damage you can deal by shooting heads with a particular gun in-game, multiply its base damage by the headshot multiplier index.

Developing your accuracy and aim to land headshots consistently can greatly improve your damage output and overall performance in the game.

Body Shots and Limb Damage

Although body shots deal less damage than headshots, a well-placed body or limb shot can still soften up an enemy and make them easier to eliminate. Don’t underestimate the value of consistent damage, as it can be the key to achieving victory.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your CS2 Damage Output

Every bullet, every grenade, and every strategy could mean the difference between virtual life and death in CS2. Aiming to ascend the scoreboard and lead your team to victory? Maximizing your damage output is key. Here are a few practical tips that will have you dealing more damage in no time.

Spray Control and Damage Consistency

Mastering spray control is crucial for achieving consistent damage in CS2. Learning the spray patterns of your weapons and practicing recoil control will allow you to maintain accurate fire and deal more damage per round.

Headshots are your best friend in CS2. They deal the maximum amount of damage, and mastering the art of landing a headshot can significantly boost your damage output.

Grenades, when used effectively, can deal substantial damage. Learn the best times and places to throw them to maximize their impact.

A clear mind reacts faster and aims better. Keep your composure, and the increased damage will follow.

Map and Positioning Strategies

Understanding the layout of the maps in CS2 and utilizing positioning strategies are among the key elements in maximizing your damage output.

Developing your game sense and map awareness will help you position yourself strategically, giving you an advantage in damaging and eliminating opponents.

Knowledge of popular hiding spots, chokepoints, and advantageous positions will allow you to catch opponents off guard and deal massive damage. Remember always to keep your crosshair at the head level for quick headshots to deal a lot of damage.

Additionally, communicating and coordinating with your teammates can result in successful flanking maneuvers and overwhelming your opponents.

Wrapping It Up

Now, you know how CS2 damage works, how to check the damage you’ve dealt, and which weapons are the most deadly. Incorporating the given tips into your CS2 gameplay will boost your damage output and enhance your overall gaming experience. It’s important to understand the principles of CS2 damage, weapon types, hitboxes, and practical tips for maximizing your damage output

Keep practicing and refining your skills, and you’ll see improvements in no time. In the meantime, don’t forget to visit Hellcase Blog for more interesting articles about CS2 skins and other cosmetic items, in-depth game guides, and esports news. Stay tuned!

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FAQ

How to check how much damage you did in CS2?

In CS2, you can check the amount of damage you’ve dealt in the previous round at the top of your screen under the enemy’s avatar. To see the total damage, check the scoreboard by hitting “Tab” (default bind).

How is damage calculated in CS2?

The outcome damage of a hit made with a CS2 weapon is calculated based on the weapon’s base damage, armor penetration rate, hitbox multiplier, dropoff, distance, and many other factors.

What loadout or gear recommendations maximize damage output in CS2?

Select weapons that complement your playstyle while offering high damage and/or armor penetration. Assault rifles and sniper rifles are often good choices for high damage. Gear up with weapons known for good armor penetration when facing armored foes. Use a mix of grenades like HE grenades and Molotovs to deal area damage and flush out enemies. Above gear, honing your skills, especially in aiming and understanding weapon recoil, will significantly contribute to higher damage output.

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