
Arms Race Returns: CS2's Classic Gun Game Mode Makes a Comeback
Arms Race is a fast-paced game mode in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2 where players progress through different weapons by eliminating enemies. The first player to score a kill with the Golden Knife wins the match for their team.
Core Mechanics:
- 6 Counter-Terrorists vs 6 Terrorists
- Players respawn immediately after death
- Each weapon level requires 2 kills to progress
- Knife/suicide deaths demote you one level
- No buy menu or money system
- Spawn protection prevents camping
- Players receive a Medi-Shot after 3+ kill streaks
Weapon Progression:
- Auto-Sniper
- Sniper Rifle
- 3-4 Rifles
- Machine Gun
- 3 SMGs
- Heavy Pistol
- 3 Pistols
- 2 Shotguns
- Golden Knife (Final weapon)
Team Leader Feature:
- Top-scoring player becomes team leader
- Leaders emit a visible glow when shooting
- Killing enemy leader instantly levels you up
- Match leader is the most progressed team leader
Official Maps:
- Baggage
- Lake
- Lunacy
- Monastery
- Pool Day
- Safehouse
- Shoots
- St. Marc
The mode was originally called "Gun Game" and moved to War Games category in November 2017. It's one of two official game modes with infinite respawns, alongside Deathmatch.
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