View source for Weapon Case Keys

'''Weapon Case Keys''' are items in [[Counter-Strike 2]] used to unlock [[Weapon Cases|weapon cases]], which contain random weapon skins, [[Knife Skins|knives]], or [[Glove Skins|gloves]].

== Overview ==
Each weapon case requires a key to open. Keys are purchased directly from the in-game store or the [[Steam Community Market]] for approximately $2.49 USD (price varies by region). A single key opens a single case, and both the key and case are consumed in the process.

== How to Use ==
# Acquire a weapon case (random drops after matches, or purchase from Market)
# Purchase or obtain the corresponding key
# Click '''Open''' on the case in your inventory
# The case opening animation reveals your item
# The item is added to your inventory

== Key Types ==
Historically, each case type required a specific key (e.g., Chroma Case Key for Chroma Cases). In CS2, Valve has simplified the system with universal keys for newer cases.

== Case Opening Odds ==
When opening a case, the odds of each rarity tier are:
{| class="wikitable"
! Rarity !! Approximate Odds
|-
| Mil-Spec (Blue) || 79.92%
|-
| Restricted (Purple) || 15.98%
|-
| Classified (Pink) || 3.20%
|-
| Covert (Red) || 0.64%
|-
| Extraordinary (Knife/Gloves) || 0.26%
|}

Each item also has a ~10% chance of being '''StatTrak'''.

== Economics ==
Opening cases is '''statistically a losing proposition''':
* Key cost: ~$2.49
* Most common drops (Mil-Spec): Often worth $0.03-$1.00
* Average return per case opening is significantly less than the key cost
* However, rare drops (knives, gloves, valuable skins) can be worth hundreds to thousands
* Case opening is essentially a form of lottery/gambling

== Market Dynamics ==
* Keys maintain a relatively stable price (~$2.49) since they are available from Valve
* Older cases may cost more on the Market due to discontinued drops
* Newer cases drop frequently and may be worth only a few cents
* Some cases appreciate significantly when they stop dropping (e.g., Bravo Cases)

== See Also ==
* [[Weapon Cases]] — The cases that keys open
* [[Skin Rarity]] — Drop rates from cases
* [[Steam Community Market]] — Where items are traded
* [[Skins]] — What you get from opening cases

[[Category:Economy]]
[[Category:Counter-Strike 2]]