How to Get CS2 Case Keys (2026)

CS2 & CS:GO case keys are items you buy to open weapon cases for skins. The most convenient way to purchase is through Steam itself.

To buy a key within the game, go to your Inventory and right-click on the container for which you want to open the case, and click on “Unlock Container.” The Steam store will display a button to purchase its matching key. Each key costs about $2.50 (roughly €2.15) from Valve.

This method ensures you're getting the key directly from Steam.

You could also acquire keys on the Steam Community Market through your Wallet. Simply open a Steam client and navigate to the Steam Community Market. Search for the CS2 key you are looking for and purchase it using funds in your Wallet. Keys on the market are normally priced higher.

Valve made a change where newly bought CS2 keys cannot be traded or sold, so only older "pre-2019" keys circulate. This limited and "collectable" value supply drives up the price on the Market. In practice, that means a key is often pricier there than the fixed in-game price.

Third-Party Marketplaces

Some players may use third-party sites to find keys. These sites can offer keys at competitive prices, but be very careful. Always use well-known, reputable platforms. Check user reviews, ensure the site uses secure payment, and never send items or money to unverified strangers.

Third-party marketplaces may offer CS2 keys at low prices. Be cautious when using these platforms, and ensure they are reputable to avoid scams.

In short, you can sometimes save a bit on trusted third-party sites, but don't risk your account on sketchy deals.

Earning Keys from Free Drops and Selling Items

First of all, you don’t need to spend actual cash at all. There is a reward system in CS2 that could end up funding your purchases.

If you have Prime Status and play official matches, you'll earn experience (XP) and eventually rank up each week. When that happens, you will get a care package containing four items, and select two that you can use.

Crucially, one of those items is always a weapon case. In practice, players typically choose the free case along with a skin or something else.

Now that you have obtained your reward, you can put it up for sale on the Steam Community Market for Steam Wallet funds. Selling your weekly case, or any skins and graffiti that you do not need, will, over time, fill your wallet.

Over several weeks, these earnings can cover the cost of a key. In fact, one player estimated that about 12–24 weeks of playing (and selling the drops) would "pay back" the cost of keys.

Summary

The easiest way to get access to CS2 keys is by purchasing them through Steam. This can be done either through the in-game case system or the Steam Community Market.

You can also explore third-party marketplaces if you use reputable ones.

And if you don’t want to spend money, just play: your weekly case drops can be sold on Steam to earn funds needed to purchase keys.