radoslaw-davidovic
Counter-Strike is a game with a storied past. Since its inception, the game has undergone many changes and updates. One of these updates was the introduction of pins. Today, we will discuss what pins are, how to get them, and which are the rarest and most interesting CS2 in game-pins.
In article you will find:
What are CS2 pins?
It is important to explain what a CS2 pin is. For players who have recently started playing, pins are simply virtual items that can be used to decorate your in-game profile. However, the history of CS2 pins is a bit more interesting.
It all started with offline tournaments from Valve. In 2015, the company first decided to sell small pins for spectators of offline tournaments. It was not only fun to put on a hat, backpack, or jacket, but it was also important for fans to show that they were at the tournament and saw it with their own eyes.
The pin also came with a special code that could be redeemed to receive an additional badge for your in-game profile. However, Valve discontinued the sale of pins (both online and offline) after the Starladder Berlin Major in 2019. However, several types of pins had been released by that time, and we will discuss them in more detail below.
Types of Cs2 pins
As we have already mentioned, the first pin capsules appeared in 2015. Before the start of ESL One Katowice 2015, Valve added an interesting news item to their website, which you can see below.
“Are you heading to Poland for ESL One Katowice 2015? Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase collectible CS:GO pins, each of which come with a virtual version you can show off on your CS:GO profile and in the scoreboard. They will be available on-site at the Katowice event, so trade your pins with other attendees and collect all eleven!”
Official CS:GO-Blog on March 6th, 2015
For many, this was interesting news and a good opportunity to get a good souvenir from the tournament. Avid collectors immediately understood that this was what they needed. After all, genuine pins are something more.
However, the company also cared for the viewers who could not attend the tournaments in person and watched them online. Valve added special Pin Capsules in the game that gave only a virtual CS2 pin. It is less valuable than a real one, but it allows you to highlight your profile and make it more unique.
However, many believe that in this way, Valve destroyed all interest and the idea of Pins as a reward for attending an offline tournament. The prices on the Steam market fell sharply, and the players at the tournaments immediately got lost because now everyone could add such an icon to their Steam profile.
Valve released three series of pins. Each series contained 11 different pins of varying rarity. We suggest you consider each series in a little more detail.
Series 1
The first series included 11 pins with logos of popular CS:GO maps in 2015, but some were also interesting. However, the pins also differed in rarity.
Common Pins
The common pins in this series were the Nuke, Train, Guardian, and Tactics pins. Even though they are relatively affordable among all pins, they are very popular as they can be cheaply purchased and look decent.
Uncommon Pins
The uncommon pins in Series 1 are Italy, Militia, and Victory. Unfortunately, only the Victory pin has any real value. It is because the Italy and Militia pins are quite plain, they are not bright, and they do not stand out in any way.
Rare Pins
The rare pins in this series are Mirage and Inferno. These two rare pins represent two very popular maps and have their iconic map features. Mirage has three towers, and Inferno is depicted as a bell in flames that looks stunning.
Very Rare Pins
And, of course, the pearls of the series, the two rarest pins, Dust 2 and CS:GO. These pins are not particularly beautiful or detailed, but they are the rarest and most expensive in this series.
Having already considered the first series, we now focus on the second. As we know, Valve has released several series of CS2 in-game pins, so let us take a closer look at what was included in this one.
Series 2
The second series of in-game pins was slightly different from the first. Valve decided to add popular maps to the pins and operations that were taking place at that time in CS:GO. However, the number of pins remained the same, 11 pieces, which were also divided by rarity.
Common Pins
The following four pins were included in the common pins: Baggage, Guardian 2, Bravo, and Phoenix. These pins are inexpensive and cost around $5, but Phoenix and Guardian 2 are worth more attention as they are well-drawn and are liked by many players.
Uncommon Pins
Overpass, Cobblestone, and Office pins were included in the Uncommon quality this time. Unfortunately, only Overpass is popular, as almost no one plays on Cobblestone or Office.
Rare Pins
Finally, something interesting. And we are not just talking about new pins, but also about a new pin shape. Bloodhound and Cache pins were included in the rare pins of the second series. However, Cache did not just look cool.
Its unusual shape made it stand out from the others at the time, and everyone wanted it. However, it is worth noting that both pins are very well-crafted and have a good value on the Steam market.
Very Rare Pins
Chroma and Valeria Phoenix became the rarest pins of this series, and it’s no wonder because they are simply incredible. We want to draw special attention to the minimalism of Valeria Phoenix, which is captivating. It’s so few details, but such a harmonious and beautiful image of a phoenix. No wonder this is the most expensive pin in the entire series and causes excitement in many players.
Series 3
The third series is the last one dedicated to CS:GO. It included 11 pins as usual, but there were significantly fewer map pins, and Valve allowed themselves a little flight of fancy and added interesting and diverse pins.
Common Pins
The third series included a pin continuing the Guardian 3 story and three new pins: Canals, which looks like a lion with wings; Death Sentence, which conveys emotions; and Welcome to the Clutch, the brightest and best pin of Common quality.
Each pin costs $2-3, except for Welcome to the Clutch, for which you must pay a little more than $5. However, this will stand out in your account and add something new.
Uncommon Pins
Wildfire, Easy Peasy, Inferno 2 – these pins were included in Uncommon Quality in the third series. Many streamers and pro players agree that the third series is the most successful, and it contains the widest variety of pins that can suit the needs of any player. Of course, the most popular among Uncommon are Wildfire and Easy Peasy because map pins are not as popular as they used to be.
Rare Pins
Two pins were included in the rare pins: one dedicated to the Hydra operation and has the same name. The second pin, Aces High, has its unique design of a skeleton holding a hat in his hand against the background of a spade, and five ace cards are hidden in his hat. After the capsule’s release, many players tried to get it because it was the most detailed pin.
Very Rare Pins
And, of course, the sweetest thing in this series is the pins Brigadier General and Howl, where the latter is the most expensive in the game. Suppose Brigadier General looks quite simple and minimalistic.
In that case, Howl is its opposite: bright color, interesting shape, holistic appearance – all this makes it simply an incredible pin that you want to get in the game and one physical copy for your hat or hoodie.
Series 4 – Half-Life: Alyx
As we already said, pins related to CS:GO have stopped coming out. However, Valve decided to add new pins related to the release of their game Half-Life: Alyx. The set contained a new number of pins, not the usual 11, but 12. Now, Common contained not 4 pins, but 5.
Common Pins
City 17, CMB, Combine Helmet, Black Mesa, Lambda. These five pins became Common in the new Half-Life: Alyx capsule. Among them, Combined Helmet and Lambda can be distinguished. The Combine Helmet is an interesting addition to the visual component of the profile but also a simply beautiful pin that stands out from the rest.
Lambda reminds many players of the times because many who still play CS used to play other games, Valve, where this logo was.
Uncommon Pins
Real nostalgia awaits you if you check out the pins with Uncommon quality. Among them are Headcrab Glyph – the very crab that constantly chirps and squeals, Copper Lambda – a high-quality bronze logo that looks much better and more expensive, and of course, Health Pin – which is made with love because you often look at it.
Rare Pins
Unfortunately, only one unique pin was added to the rare ones: the Vortigaunt Pin. After all, Sustenance! is the same pin as Headcrab Glyph; it has a different color. But it can be noted that they look really good. The price of these pins on the market is approximately $6-8, which emphasizes that they are not as interesting as the next ones we will discuss!
Very Rare Pins
The last series highlights two pins, Civil Protection, and Alyx. Beautiful and golden pins attract attention and are the rarest in this set. The price of such ones on the market starts from $15 and constantly changes.
How to get CS2 Pins?
It is worth noting that pins are both real and virtual. If you are interested in how to get a real CS2 pin, unfortunately, Valve no longer sells them, but you can find people on the internet who will sell them to you for a little more expensive. However, be careful of scammers.
If you are interested in how to get a virtual CS2 pin to enhance your background, all you need to do is find the desired pin on the Steam market. For convenience, here is a link to all the sets Valve has released.
What pins are made for?
In the past, pins were a mark of distinction for players who attended offline tournaments. They could use them to show off their achievements and stand out. However, they are simply an additional way to customize your game profile. You can also customize your profile with various coins, such as service medals, operation coins, loyalty badges, etc.
However, if you like a particular pin, you have two options to get it. You can buy a pin capsule and get it from there, or you can buy the pin you are interested in. Afterward, you simply go to your inventory and click on the pin you want to select. It’s that simple.
Pin Capsules (Is it a good investment?)
Regarding the question of investments, many people may say that it is a bad option for making money, as capsules grow very slowly in price, but it is up to you. If you consider them in the long term, then it can give its result.
If you want to get not only cool pins but also improve your gaming skills in CS2, we recommend checking out our articles about Mouse Sensitivity, CS2 Damage Guide, and Best CS2 Practice Commands & Config for 2023.
To Sum Up
To sum up, pins are a great way to decorate your gaming profile and make it stand out. There are many pins to choose from, so you’ll surely find one you’ll like. Don’t forget to follow our blog, where you’ll find useful and interesting information to improve your gaming experience.
FAQ
The rarest CS2 pins are considered to be Civil Protection, Alyx, Brigadier General, Howl, Chroma, Valeria Phoenix, Dust 2, and CS:GO pins. Each of them has a unique design that is loved by many.
You can use pins to decorate your game profile or just become a collector because it is really interesting!
Radosław Davidović is Hellcase’s customer success manager. He enjoys blogging to share his knowledge and experience with customers.