Counter-Strike 2: How Range Affects Weapons

In Counter-Strike 2, weapon effectiveness directly depends on distance. The farther the target is, the lower the accuracy and damage. Some weapons become almost useless at long range. The CS.MONEY Blog breaks down exactly how these mechanics work and why it matters.

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Damage falloff

Every weapon in CS2 has a damage falloff parameter — the farther the enemy, the less damage the shot will do. This value varies for each gun.

For example, let’s compare the M4A4 and UMP-45:

• At point-blank range: M4A4 deals 33 damage, UMP-45 — 35.
• At 10 meters: M4A4 — 32, UMP-45 — 28.
• At 50 meters (across the center of Mirage): M4A4 — 30, UMP-45 — less than 15.

There’s no point in memorizing exact damage falloff for each weapon. The key is to remember the basic principles. Pistols, shotguns, and SMGs lose damage the fastest, while rifles like the AK-47 or M4A4 and machine guns lose damage very slowly.

When buying weapons at the start of a round, always consider the position you plan to play. At close range, the MP9 or UMP-45 perform great, but at medium range it’s worth paying extra for a rifle.

Accuracy falloff

The farther the target — the higher the chance of a miss. In CS2, weapons don’t shoot strictly at the center of the crosshair, but with a small spread. This spread also depends on the weapon and the situation. The good news is that this parameter can be influenced!

Let’s look at the TEC-9 pistol. Its accuracy is enough to:

• land a headshot from 22 meters if you stand still;
• increase that distance to 27 meters if you crouch;
• reduce it to 14 meters if you’re running at full speed.

Accuracy depends on weapon type. SMGs and shotguns are the least accurate, while rifles are the most accurate. Although there are exceptions. For example, the Desert Eagle is more accurate than the AK-47, and the MP9 is almost as accurate as the Galil AR. There’s no need to memorize the accuracy of every gun. What matters is: crouching increases accuracy. This is especially important at long distances.

To sum it up. To win firefights in CS2, you need to consider distance and choose your weapon accordingly. When using pistols or shotguns, look for opportunities to close the gap and increase your chances of success. The reverse is also true — rifles have a significant advantage in accuracy and damage at medium and long ranges.