
CS2 Trade Up Contracts: Complete Guide & Best Trading Strategies
Contract trading in CS2 enables players to exchange ten lower-tier skins for one higher-tier skin. Success depends on understanding key factors like skin types, conditions, and collection origins.
Basic Requirements:
- Need 10 skins of the same quality tier
- Cannot use consumer-grade skins, knives, contraband, or souvenir items
- StatTrak and non-StatTrak skins cannot be mixed
- Skins can be from different collections but must share the same tier
How to Execute a Trade Up:
- Select 10 qualifying skins from your inventory
- Place them in the contract window
- Sign digitally with your mouse
- Confirm the exchange
Profitable Trading Strategies:
- Analyze market prices and trends
- Balance risk vs. potential reward
- Focus on skins with optimal float values
- Consider collection rarity and demand
- Use trade-up calculators for better outcomes
Float Value Impact:
- Lower float values (0.07 or below) yield better condition skins
- Output skin condition depends on average float of input skins
- Better condition skins typically hold more value
Helpful Tools:
- Trade Up calculators
- CSFloat Market Checker
- External marketplace platforms
- Market analysis tools
Important Limitations:
- Cannot trade consumer-grade items
- Knives are excluded from trade ups
- Souvenir items cannot be traded
- Some collections have restricted upgrade paths
Success in CS2 trade ups requires careful planning, market knowledge, and strategic skin selection. While outcomes aren't guaranteed, understanding these fundamentals increases your chances of profitable trades.