Introduction
While there’s only one starting pistol on the T side, CTs can choose between two different pistols. Both the USP-S and the P2000 have their merits, but at the time of writing it’s very clear that pros prefer the silenced pistol. That’s obviously for gameplay reasons, but we’d say that the USP-S quite simply has better skins as well, so that’s a double bonus for skin fans. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best USP-S skins in CS2 to help you decide on your next purchase.
For this guide, we’ve combined all different skin conditions together; otherwise, the list wouldn’t be very varied.
Our Data
This list is based on pro data. We’ve used our extensive database on pro player settings and skins to come up with a list of skins that are favored by the game’s best players. Obviously, that doesn’t mean that this list is objectively the best one you can find. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all, so there is no objective ‘best USP-S skin’. This is just a fun and new approach to trying to rank the game’s skins.
As with all of our skins guides, we want to emphasize that this isn’t investment advice. Purchasing CS2 skins as an investment comes with risks, as is the case with every investment. If you plan on buying CS2 skins as an investment rather than for fun and cosmetic enjoyment, please do your own research.
USP-S Kill Confirmed
The USP-S Kill Confirmed is an interesting skin. Not just due to the fact that it’s a beautifully made skin, but also because it’s one of a few skins that can look different in certain sections of the world.
In most places, the Kill Confirmed has a drawing of an otherworldly-looking skull on it that has just been pierced by a bullet. The skull has two bullets for teeth and large, hollow eyes, making it look like some sort of vampiric creature. On the barrel and silencer, we see the bullet continue its trajectory, with pieces of the skull in its wake.
In the Chinese version, this skull has been replaced by a robotic creature, and the red accents have been replaced by neon blue ones.
It’s perhaps a rather morbid (especially the non-Chinese version) representation of that ultra-satisfying USP one-tap that all CS2 players are looking for, and maybe that’s why players love it so much. Or maybe it’s because it’s quite simply an extremely beautiful skin. Red seems to be a particularly popular color in CS(2), and then there’s also the fact that the drawings on the gun itself are also of top quality.
The Kill Confirmed is around a decade old at this time, meaning that it’s rather rare and somewhat expensive. For a Field-Tested version, you should expect to pay around $50. StatTrak versions cost quite a lot more.
USP-S Neo-Noir
The Neo-Noir line of skins appears frequently across all of our ‘best skins’ articles. Pros love it, ultra casual players love it, and everyone in between those two extremes seems to love it as well. It’s not hard to see why.
The Neo-Noir family of skins offers unique and very high quality artworks. On this particular one, we see a woman who, according to the official flavor text, is drenched in a neon glow, lying at the foot of an oppressive skyscraper. No one knows why she is lying there, or what she’s thinking of, and that’s part of the allure.
The Neo-Noir skins have mysterious and broody art on them, and are finished with bright pink and blue hues. This gives the skins an interesting contradiction. Coupled with the black and white background colors, it’s a skin that’s extremely impressive visually.
Another major advantage of the Neo-Noir skins is the fact that they’re not super expensive, generally speaking. A Field-Tested USP-S Neo-Noir will cost you around $15, for example. That’s not a lot of money for such a beautiful skin.
USP-S Whiteout
Ever since the release of CS2, simple skins have been on the rise. We don’t know whether that’s due to the much more vibrant look of CS2 because simple designs look better on the newer engine, but it is a trend that’s quite obvious.
With the USP-S Whiteout, there’s also another factor at play: the flex factor. Sure, a Field-Tested Whiteout costs only $30 or so, but it will be completely scratched up. If you want to get your hands on a flawless, almost pristinely white USP, you’ll have to spend money on a Factory New version. This will cost you over $230.
Little tip: because of the fact that the Whiteout is float-capped at 0.06, Factory New versions are a lot rarer than on most other guns. This, in turn, makes them a lot more expensive. If you don’t really care about the ‘flex factor’ of owning a Factory New one, you can save some money and go for a good float Minimal Wear Whiteout.
USP-S Cortex
The USP-S Cortex can, in many ways, be considered as an alternative to the Kill Confirmed. Both designs showcase a skull that has been opened up in some way. On top of that, both designs have alternate versions in China.
The USP-S Cortex goes for a slightly less realistic-looking approach than the Kill Confirmed, however. It mixes street art styles with graffiti word art, as the brain of the skeleton flows out and forms the word ‘USP’ on the silencer.
Aside from the vibrant pink, the Cortex is primarily made up of muted colors. We predominantly see various shades of grey, so if you’re a fan of slightly more muted skins you can check this one out. As an added bonus, it’s not expensive. A Factory New Cortex costs less than $10 right now, and even StatTrak versions don’t go higher than $30.
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PistolsUSP-S | Cortex (Field-Tested)
USP-S Orion
The USP-S Orion is an OG skin. It has been in the game since 2014, and its simple and refined design is still very much appreciated in this day and age.
The Orion is a skin that’s mostly black and grey, with various orange tints serving as accent colors. Fans of intricate and loud designs won’t love this one, but for many people there’s something really attractive about this particular design.
Due to its age, it’s not a very affordable skin. A Field-Tested Orion will run you about $50. Factory New versions don’t cost a ton more, but do note that their price can heavily depend on how clean the slide is. The little orange section where the shells eject is usually very scratched up on this skin, so a completely clean top can make the skin quite a bit more expensive to the right buyer.
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PistolsUSP-S | Orion (Field-Tested)
USP-S The Traitor
The Tarot collection is one of the most popular collections in CS2, even though not many people know that these skins are part of a collection in the first place. Contrary to skin lines like the Asiimov or Neo-Noir, the Tarot skins all look quite different. The M4A4 The Emperor, for example, is blue and white, whereas The Traitor is red, gold, and dark blue. Both are part of the same collection, however.
Like all of the Tarot skins, the USP-S The Traitor is based on (you guessed it) a Tarot card. On the grip of the gun, we see the Hanged Man, suspended by a rope attached to his leg. A large golden snake is climbing the tree that the Hanged Man is hanging from.
Whether you attach any importance to Tarot or not, it’s difficult to deny that these skins look beautiful. They’re also quite affordable, with a Field-Tested version costing only $12.
USP-S Printstream
Printstream skins have always been extremely popular in Counter-Strike. However, with the release of CS2, their popularity seems to be slightly declining. The fact that they’ve unquestionably been nerfed has everything to do with this. Their pearlescent shine has been toned down significantly in the new game’s engine, which has literally led the skins to lose some of their shine.
Obviously, that doesn’t mean that they’re now bad skins. If you’re a fan of sleek aesthetics with a modern touch, a Printstream USP is an obvious and solid choice. Its mix of black and white colors gives it more ‘texture’ than the flat white of the USP-S Whiteout, and it’s also a solid canvas for all kinds of crafts. For around $35, you can get your hands on a Field-Tested USP-S Printstream.
Conclusion
The USP-S has been the most popular CT pistol for basically the entirety of CS:GO’s lifespan, so there are a ton of fantastic skins for it. This list includes a variety of great skins, ranging from expensive and sleek ‘flex’ skins to more detailed options for budget-minded players. As such, there should be something here for everyone, regardless of budget or taste.
