Trade Up Contracts in CS2: Full Guide [2024]

The CS2 Trade Up contract is like a special game feature that lets players trade some of their lower-value weapon skins for a chance to get better and more valuable ones. People like using it because it’s like a little gamble – you combine some not-so-great skins and hope to get something awesome in return.

Many players use the Trade Up contract because it could help them make money. If they pick the right skins and understand how the skin market works, they can end up with more valuable skins than they started with. It’s also a way to make use of skins they don’t like and try to get the ones they want. In this guide, we’ll break down how trade up contracts work in CS2, discuss strategies for maximizing your returns, and explore some of the best trade ups CS2 has to offer. 

How Trade Up Contracts Work in CS2

CS2 Trade Up Contracts allow players to exchange ten skins of the same rarity for one skin of a higher rarity. These contracts are a way for players to upgrade their lower-tier skins, potentially receiving a more valuable or desirable item. When performing a trade up, the new skin will be randomly selected from the collections that the original skins come from, making it both exciting and risky.

Trade Up Contracts allow players to exchange 10 skins of the same rarity for a single skin of higher rarity from the same collection. The skin you receive is random but will always be one tier higher than the skins you’ve put into the contract. Here’s how it works:

• You need 10 skins of the same rarity.
• All the skins must belong to the same weapon grade (consumer, industrial, etc.).
• The resulting skin will be of the next highest rarity and will come from one of the collections your trade-up skins belong to.

How to Trade Up in CS2

1. Access the Trade-Up Contract: Go to your CS2 inventory and click on “Trade Up Contract.”
2. Select 10 Skins: Choose 10 skins of the same rarity to include in the contract.
3. Sign the Contract: After selecting your skins, sign the contract and confirm the trade.
4. Receive Your New Skin: After a brief animation, you’ll receive your upgraded skin.

Learn how to trade CS2 cases for money with our comprehensive guide. Maximize profits and elevate your gaming experience!

Odds and Risks of Trade Up Contracts

While trade ups can be exciting, they are inherently risky. The skin you receive is random, and depending on the collections involved, the result may be worth less than the combined value of the skins you traded in. It’s important to consider the odds before proceeding with a trade up.

• Collection Spread: If your 10 skins come from different collections, the resulting skin will be chosen randomly from the available collections. This can dilute your odds of getting a desirable skin.
• Float Value: The condition of the skins you trade will affect the condition of the skin you receive. For example, trading in Factory New skins increases the chance that your new skin will also be Factory New.

Best Trade Ups in CS2

Now that you understand the basics of how trade ups work, let’s dive into some of the best trade up contracts CS2 players can focus on. These options are considered profitable due to the skins’ market values and demand.

• Classified to Covert (AK-47 and M4A1-S): These are among the most desirable weapons, and trading up to a Covert AK-47 or M4A1-S can be a lucrative move.
• Restricted to Classified (AWP, Desert Eagle): Trading up from restricted to classified offers a solid chance to hit high-demand skins like the AWP or Desert Eagle, which often retain value in the market.
• Consumer to Industrial (Low-Cost Profit): If you’re on a budget, trading up low-value consumer-grade skins can still lead to profit, especially when aiming for higher-tier industrial-grade skins with attractive designs.

Discover the ultimate CS2 weapons tier list for 2024, outlining the top picks and strategies dominating the current meta.

Strategies for Success in CS2 Trade Ups

Maximizing your success in trade ups requires more than just picking random skins. Here are some effective strategies to improve your odds of getting a good return on investment.

• Focus on One Collection

When trading up, sticking to skins from a single collection increases your odds of getting a desirable skin. For example, if you’re trading skins from a popular collection like the “Case Hardened” set, you have a higher chance of landing a valuable trade-up result.

• Check Market Prices

Before executing a trade up, it’s important to review the market prices of both the skins you’re trading and the potential outcomes. Use sites like Steam Community Market or third-party tools to compare skin values and make sure the potential trade is worth it.

• Watch for Skin Condition

The float values of the skins you trade will influence the quality of the skin you receive. Prioritize using skins in better condition (Factory New or Minimal Wear) to increase your chances of receiving a high-quality skin in return. Avoid heavily worn skins unless they are particularly valuable.

Read our article on CS2 skin float and wear rating. Discover what is the skin float  in CS2, what is wear rating and methods to check them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Trade Ups

Even experienced players can make costly mistakes when performing trade ups in CS2. Here’s a list of common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• Ignoring Float Values: Many players overlook the importance of float values. Always check the condition of the skins you’re trading.
• Random Collection Mixing: Mixing skins from different collections without considering the trade-off often leads to poor results. Stick to a strategy where the desired collection dominates your inputs.
• Overpaying for Inputs: Make sure the combined cost of the skins you’re trading doesn’t outweigh the potential return. In some cases, it’s better to sell your skins on the market rather than risk a low-value trade-up.

Make the Most Out of Your Trade Ups

The key to a successful trade up lies in preparation and strategy. By focusing on skins from the same collection, ensuring you’re using higher-quality skins with favorable float values, and regularly checking market trends, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a profitable or rare skin. It’s important to weigh the risks, as not all trade-ups will result in a valuable outcome—sometimes, the skin you receive may be worth less than the ones you traded in. However, with careful planning, these contracts can be a great way to upgrade your gear without spending too much on the market. Keep experimenting, avoid common mistakes, and soon, you may get that coveted skin you’ve been dreaming about!