CS2 trade-up guide
Trade-up contracts let you combine lower-tier skins into a higher-tier outcome — if you understand float and collection odds.
Updated May 2026 · ~15 min read
What is a trade-up contract?
In Counter-Strike 2, you can exchange 10 skins of one rarity (or 5 Covert knives/gloves in special cases) for one item of the next rarity up. The output collection depends on which collections your input skins come from.
You are buying a lottery ticket with odds you can partially control — not guaranteed profit.
Float matters more than most players think
Output wear is influenced by the average float of your 10 inputs. Lower average float → better chance of Factory New / Minimal Wear results on the output skin.
Ten inputs averaging 0.08 float target a much cleaner output than ten inputs at 0.38.
Collections decide what you can hit
Each input skin belongs to a collection. The trade-up only outputs skins from collections represented in your contract. Mixing collections = mixed outcome pool.
If you want a specific skin, look up which collection it lives in — then buy inputs only from pools that can produce it.
When is a trade-up worth it?
Expected value ≈ Σ (probability × output price) Profit ≈ Expected value − input cost − fees
Profitable trade-ups exist but are competed away quickly. Use a trade-up calculator before you buy inputs. If EV is negative, you are paying for entertainment.
Sticker value on inputs is usually destroyed — do not trade up stickered crafts without checking.
Step-by-step: executing a trade-up
- Pick target output skin and find its collection
- Source 10 inputs from allowed rarities in that pool
- Match average float to your desired wear tier
- Price total input cost + platform fees
- Compare EV to cost — proceed only if numbers work
- Execute in-game and list or keep the output
Mistakes that burn money
- Wrong collection mix — you cannot hit the skin you wanted
- Ignoring float — output comes out Battle-Scarred
- Using overpriced inputs — EV turns negative instantly
- Trade-up on sticker crafts — value destroyed
- Copying outdated Reddit posts — market prices moved
FAQ
Know float before your next contract
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