You can buy CS:GO or CS2 keys directly through Steam, either from the in-game store or while trying to open a case. It’s fast and easy, but there are a few important things to know before you click “buy.” In this article, we’ll explain how the system works, where else you can get keys, and what to watch out for.
What are keys in CS:GO / CS2?
In CS:GO and CS2, keys are special items used to open weapon cases. These cases contain random skins – some common, some very rare, and sometimes even knives. But to open a case, you need the right key. Each key matches a specific case. For example, if you have a “Recoil Case”, you need a “Recoil Case Key” to open it. Once you use the key, it disappears – you can’t reuse it. Players buy keys because they hope to get valuable skins. Some open cases just for fun, others do it for the excitement or to try their luck at scoring a rare item. Important to know:
- You can’t get keys as drops in the game. You always have to buy them.
- Keys don’t give you better chances – opening a case is always random.
- Most items you get from cases are low value – the good stuff is rare.
So, in short: keys are used to open cases and try your luck with random skins – but they always cost money.
Can you still buy keys in the game?
Yes, you can still buy keys in CS:GO and CS2 – but it doesn’t work the same way it used to. A few years ago, players could buy keys on Steam and then trade or sell them on the market. That changed in 2019. Valve updated the system and made all newly purchased keys non-tradable and non-marketable. What does that mean?
- If you buy a key on Steam now, it’s tied to your account.
- You can’t send it to a friend, trade it, or sell it later.
- The only thing you can do with it is use it to open a case.
This change was made to fight fraud and illegal trading. But for regular players, it means you can no longer treat keys like currency or collectibles. So yes – buying keys is still possible. You just have to know:
Once you buy it, it’s yours forever, and the only way to use it is to open a case.
How to buy keys on Steam – the official method
Buying keys on Steam is simple, and there are a few ways to do it. Here’s how you can get them directly from the official source.
1. Buy a key while trying to open a case
This is the easiest method:
- Open your CS:GO or CS2 inventory.
- Find a case and click “Open Case”.
- If you don’t have the right key, the game will offer to sell it to you.
- Just confirm the purchase and the key will be added to your inventory immediately.
2. Buy a key from the in-game store
Another quick method:
- Go to the Main Menu in CS:GO or CS2.
- Click on “Store”.
- Find the “Keys” section.
- Select the key you need (usually “CS:GO Case Key” or a specific case key).
- Click “Buy” and follow the payment steps.
3. Use the Steam Community Market (but only for older, tradable keys)
If you’re looking for older keys that were purchased before the 2019 change (and are still tradable), you can try:
- Going to the Steam Community Market.
- Searching for “CS:GO Case Key”.
- If available, you can buy them from other users.
Note: These keys are usually more expensive, and you can’t find new ones there, only old stock from before the policy change.
No matter which method you choose, remember: all new keys bought through Steam are non-tradable and non-marketable. You can only use them to open cases – nothing else.
Can you buy keys outside Steam?
Yes, you can – but it depends on what kind of key you’re looking for. Some third-party marketplaces still sell tradable, older keys that were bought before Valve locked trading. These are often more expensive because they’re limited and harder to find. Keep in mind:
- Buying keys outside Steam is not officially supported by Valve.
- Make sure to use trusted marketplaces to avoid scams.
- You won’t get newer, non-tradable keys this way – only the older kind.
Are there any discounts or deals?
Usually, no. Steam almost never puts keys on sale – they stay at a fixed price (around $2.49 USD). Third-party sites might offer small discounts if you buy in bulk, but you have to be careful and check if the keys are legit. Also:
- Be cautious with “too good to be true” offers – they’re often scams.
- Trusted sites might give you a small price cut, but don’t expect huge savings.
- In short: if you see a key for super cheap, double-check before buying.
Buying keys is easy, but think before you click
Buying keys in CS:GO or CS2 is very simple. You can do it directly through the game or on Steam, and the process takes only a few seconds. But before you spend your money, it’s important to understand how it works. New keys bought on Steam are locked to your account. You can’t trade them or sell them later – they’re only for opening cases. And while opening a case might seem exciting, most of the time you’ll get common skins that aren’t worth much. There are no refunds, and you can’t know what’s inside before you open it. It’s also possible to buy older, tradable keys from third-party websites, but you have to be careful. Some sites are not safe, and the prices are usually higher. So yes, buying keys is easy – but opening cases is a gamble. If you’re doing it just for fun, that’s fine. But if you expect to make a profit, it’s better to think twice.
