In Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), equipping the USP-S the iconic silenced pistol can be essential for players who favor precision, stealth, and familiarity with legacy Counter-Strike weapons. Many players coming from CS:GO may find the default pistol changed to the P2000 or simply want to re-equip the USP-S for its quiet shots and reliable headshots. Whether you’re playing competitive, casual, or just getting started in CS2, understanding how to equip the USP-S properly ensures that you can enter matches with your preferred loadout ready to go.
Understanding Loadout Customization in CS2
CS2 uses a loadout system that allows players to customize which weapons are available to them in matches. Unlike earlier versions of the game where every weapon was accessible by default, CS2 requires you to assign weapons to specific slots. For pistols, you get to choose which options appear in your buy menu for each side Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists.
The USP-S is a Counter-Terrorist pistol and directly competes with the P2000 for the same slot. You can only equip one of the two at any given time. This means equipping the USP-S will unequip the P2000 automatically.
Why Choose the USP-S?
- Silencer: Allows for stealthy kills without showing up immediately on the minimap.
- High Accuracy: Excellent for headshots, especially in pistol rounds.
- Popular in Competitive: Used by most professional players for its reliability and precision.
Step-by-Step: How to Equip the USP in CS2
Equipping the USP-S in CS2 is straightforward once you understand where to access the loadout menu. You can do this from the main menu of the game. Follow these steps to ensure the USP-S is selected for your CT-side loadout:
Step 1: Open the Loadout Menu
From the CS2 main menu, look for the ‘Inventory’ button at the top of the screen. Click on it to access your full inventory of weapon skins and equipment. Once there, locate and click on the Loadout tab.
Step 2: Select Counter-Terrorist Loadout
CS2 allows you to set different weapons for each side. In the Loadout screen, you’ll see tabs for ‘Counter-Terrorist’ and ‘Terrorist.’ Make sure you select the ‘Counter-Terrorist’ tab to change your CT-side pistols.
Step 3: Choose the Secondary Weapon Slot
Under the Counter-Terrorist loadout, look for the section labeled Secondary Weapons. This includes pistols like the USP-S, P2000, Five-SeveN, and Dual Berettas. Locate the slot where the P2000 or USP-S is currently equipped.
Step 4: Swap to USP-S
Click on the P2000 (or whichever pistol is currently active). This will bring up a list of eligible pistols for that slot. From the list, select the USP-S. Once selected, the USP-S will replace the P2000 in your loadout.
Step 5: Confirm and Exit
There is no explicit ‘save’ button in CS2’s loadout system your selection is automatically saved once changed. After selecting the USP-S, you can simply back out to the main menu. The next time you load into a match as a Counter-Terrorist, your secondary weapon will be the USP-S.
Troubleshooting: USP Not Showing in Game
If you’ve followed the steps but don’t see the USP-S in-game, here are a few things to check:
- Inventory Sync: Make sure your inventory has finished syncing. Sometimes loadout changes take a moment to apply fully.
- Game Update: Ensure your game is up-to-date. Bugs with loadouts were more common in early builds of CS2.
- Steam Cloud Conflict: If you play on multiple devices, there may be sync issues. Restarting the game can help resolve them.
USP-S Skins and Customization
Once the USP-S is equipped, you can also customize it by selecting your favorite skin. Skins do not affect gameplay but can personalize your weapon. To apply a skin:
- Go to the ‘Inventory’ menu.
- Find your USP-S skins under the ‘Pistols’ filter.
- Right-click on the skin you want and select Replace for CT Loadout.
This will change the visual appearance of the USP-S the next time you play. Some of the most popular skins include the USP-S | Kill Confirmed, USP-S | Cortex, and USP-S | Neo-Noir.
Tips for Using the USP-S in CS2
The USP-S is a precision weapon, best used with careful aiming and tap firing. Its strengths lie in its accuracy and low recoil. Here are some tips to maximize your performance with it:
1. Aim for the Head
The USP-S is most deadly when used for headshots. Its first-shot accuracy is incredibly high, and in pistol rounds, a single shot to the head can drop most enemies instantly.
2. Use the Silencer Wisely
Staying off the radar can give you the drop on enemies. Use the silencer to pick off players from unexpected angles without immediately giving away your position.
3. Control Your Pace
Tap fire instead of spraying. The USP-S excels when used with precise single shots. Avoid rapid clicks that may throw off your aim.
4. Leverage Pistol Round Advantage
In pistol rounds, the USP-S’s accuracy and range often outperform the Glock. Use that to your advantage by taking longer-range fights when possible.
Comparing USP-S vs P2000
Both pistols serve the same function in your loadout but have different strengths. Here’s a quick comparison to help decide if the USP-S is right for you:
- USP-S: Comes with a silencer, lower ammo count (12 bullets), better first-shot accuracy, and quieter shots.
- P2000: No silencer, slightly more ammo (13 bullets), better for rapid firing, and easier to use for newer players.
Overall, the USP-S is the preferred weapon for players who value precision and stealth. The P2000 might be better for players who prefer higher burst damage and are less reliant on headshots.
Equipping the USP-S in CS2 is a simple but important step for any player who wants to optimize their loadout for competitive play or personal comfort. With its precision, stealth, and rich history in the Counter-Strike franchise, the USP-S remains a favorite sidearm for many veteran players. By customizing your CT-side loadout and mastering the pistol’s unique traits, you can gain an edge in pistol rounds and clutch moments. Whether you use it to land perfect headshots or to outsmart your enemies from the shadows, the USP-S is a reliable weapon worth having ready in your arsenal.