If someone asks for your CS2 friend code, they almost always mean your Steam friend code. CS2 uses your Steam friends list for parties, invites and chat. So the code that adds you on Steam is the code that gets you into the same lobby. This guide shows where to find it, what it is, and how to use it.
Where do you find your CS2 friend code?
The code lives in the Steam client, not in a CS2 settings menu. The steps are short.
- Open the Steam client on your PC.
- Open Friends and choose the option to add a friend.
- Your friend code is shown at the top of that page as a short number.
- Copy it and send it to the person you want to play with.
The other player then pastes your number into the same add-a-friend box on their side. Steam shows a preview of your profile so they can check it is really you. They send a request, you accept it, and you are friends.
Menu names in Steam change now and then. If the wording looks different, look for anything labelled Friends or Add Friend in the top menu or the friends panel.
Can you get it while CS2 is open?
Yes. Press the Steam overlay shortcut, which is Shift+Tab by default, and open your friends list from there. If the overlay does not open, our guide to fixing the Steam overlay in CS2 covers the usual causes.
What is the friend code, exactly?
Your friend code is the account ID part of your Steam ID. It points to the same account as your long 17-digit SteamID64. It is just a shorter way to write it. We explain the different formats in our Steam ID guide.
| Identifier | Typical look | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| Friend code | A number of around 8 to 10 digits | Add a Friend page in Steam |
| SteamID64 | 17 digits | Profile URL and Account details |
| Custom URL | A name you picked | steamcommunity.com/id/ links |
A custom profile URL can be changed, so it is not a stable way to find someone. The friend code and SteamID64 stay the same for the life of the account.
Is it safe to share?
Yes. The friend code only identifies your public profile. It cannot be used to log in or to take items. Never share your password, Steam Guard codes or your Steam Web API key, though. Scammers often start with a friendly add and then send a fake login page. Our guide to fake Steam login pages shows what to watch for.
How to invite a friend to your CS2 party
Once you are Steam friends, CS2 handles the rest.
- Launch CS2 and open the friends list in the main menu.
- Find your friend and choose the invite option.
- They accept the invite and join your lobby.
- Pick a mode together and queue as a party.
Some modes have extra rules. Premier, for example, needs Prime status and an unlocked mode for every player. Our guide on how to unlock Premier in CS2 explains it. If a friend cannot join, check that you both run the latest update and that neither of you has an active cooldown.
Why does a friend request not go through?
A few common causes explain most failed requests.
- Wrong number. One wrong digit points to a different account. Copy and paste instead of typing.
- Limited account. Steam restricts some features on new accounts that have not spent money in the store. Sending friend requests can be one of them, so let the other person send the request instead.
- Privacy settings. If your profile is very locked down, the other player may struggle to confirm it is you. You can still accept requests.
- Pending requests. Check the pending invites list. Requests can sit there unnoticed.
Tip: before you accept a request from a stranger, look at their profile. Check the level, account age and any ban notice. Our guide to checking a player's VAC ban status explains how to read those notices.
Old guides and the CS:GO friend code
CS:GO had its own in-game friend code with letters and a dash. Many older articles still describe it. We could not confirm a separate code like that in the current CS2 client. So treat the Steam friend code as the one that works. If Valve brings back a separate CS2 friend code, we will update this page.
Sources and checks
Facts on Steam IDs and the account ID were checked on 1 November 2026 against the Valve Developer Community SteamID page. The overlay shortcut was checked against Steamworks overlay documentation. Steam menu labels can change with client updates.
Frequently asked questions
Is my CS2 friend code the same as my Steam friend code?
In practice, yes. CS2 uses your Steam friends list, so the Steam friend code is what people need to add you.
Can someone hack me with my friend code?
No. It only identifies your public profile. Keep your password, Steam Guard codes and API key private.
Why can't I send a friend request?
New limited Steam accounts may not be able to send requests. Ask your friend to send one to you, or check the number you entered.
