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The Strikeistan blog
Guides, explainers and analysis about Counter-Strike 2, written by the Strikeistan team.
Guides · CS2 Knife Types ExplainedCS2 has 20 knife models, from the original Bayonet and Karambit to the Kukri. Here is how they are grouped, how you get one and what actually differs between them.
Guides · CS2 Esports Terms Glossary: Words Casters and Fans UseA plain-English glossary of the tournament, team and broadcast words you hear when you watch pro Counter-Strike 2.
Guides · Why CS2 Skin Prices ChangeSkin prices react to supply, game updates and player demand. Here are the main forces behind CS2 price moves, with real examples and the risks to keep in mind.
Guides · Famous In-Game Leaders in Counter-Strike: Who Shaped the GameA look at five famous in-game leaders, the Major titles they won, and the calling habits you can borrow for your own team.
Guides · Steam Market Fees Explained for CS2 ItemsEvery CS2 item sold on the Steam Community Market carries a combined 15% cut. Here is how the split works, why the buyer and seller see different numbers, and what to check before you list.
Guides · How Map Vetos Work in Pro CS2Before the first round, the veto has already shaped the match. Here is how pro CS2 teams ban and pick maps under Valve's Major rules.
Guides · CS2 Esports Stats Glossary: ADR, KAST, ImpactKAST, ADR, KPR, impact and rating: a simple glossary of the stats you see on pro CS2 match pages and what each one really measures.
Guides · How to Read a CS2 Match PageScores tell you who won. The rest of a match page tells you how. Here is a section-by-section guide to reading pro CS2 match pages.
Guides · How Player Transfers Work in CS2Benched, loaned, bought out or released? A plain-English guide to how pro CS2 roster moves happen and the Valve rules that shape them.
Guides · Top CS Organisations: A Brief HistoryFrom the 1.6 era to CS2, a handful of organisations have defined each period. Here is a short, verified history of the biggest names.
Guides · Iconic Counter-Strike Plays in HistorySome rounds outlive the tournaments they were played in. Here are verified Major moments that fans still talk about, and why they mattered.
Guides · CS2 Esports Calendar: How the Season Is StructuredTwo Majors, a handful of organiser circuits and a summer break. Here is how the pro CS2 year fits together, checked against the 2026 schedule.